Self-Ligating Orthodontic Bracket With Elastic Locking Clip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-ligating orthodontic brackets face challenges in securely holding archwires in place while allowing easy placement and removal, with existing locking mechanisms often requiring tools and being prone to unintended movement or displacement.
Innovation Solution
The development of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket with a U-shaped locking clip and a receiving member that includes labial hood portions and a notched portion, which suppresses shifting and twisting of the clip, and an open stop groove that minimizes mesial-distal shift, allowing for secure archwire retention and easy tool-assisted opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is designed to securely hold the archwire, then archwire retention is improved, but the complexity of the device increases and tool assistance may be required
Solution Approach 1:
The locking clip is designed to automatically lock and unlock without requiring external tools. The clip's elastic deformation allows it to snap into the locked position when engaged with the archwire and slot, and to unlock when sufficient force is applied to deform it back, enabling self-servicing operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes changes in the physical state of the locking clip through elastic deformation. The clip transitions between deformed (locked) and undeformed (unlocked) states, allowing it to securely hold the archwire in place while still permitting easy removal when needed
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is designed to prevent unintended movement, then archwire stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as tool assistance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables manual operation without tools by utilizing the elastic properties of the locking clip. Users can directly manipulate the clip to open and close the bracket, making the device self-servicing and easy to operate while maintaining archwire stability during treatment
3Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism is simplified for easy operation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unintended movement or displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking clip utilizes elastic deformation as the key parameter change mechanism. When engaged, the clip deforms to lock securely onto the archwire, preventing unintended movement. When sufficient force is applied, the clip deforms back to its original shape, releasing the archwire. This parameter change enables both easy manual operation and reliable archwire retention
4Manufacturing precision
If the clip is designed to suppress shifting and twisting, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking clip and slot are designed with asymmetric geometries that naturally guide the clip into the correct position. The slot's shape and the clip's engagement features are configured to prevent shifting and twisting movements, ensuring precise positioning without requiring additional complex positioning mechanisms or components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides secure archwire retention without the need for tools, reduces unintended movement, and facilitates easy opening and closing, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of orthodontic treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a locking mechanism having a locking clip and a receiving member... the clip allows placement and removal of the arch wire when in the open position and prevents the displacement of the arch wire from the bracket member when in the closed position
Data Source
Figure 1A~1F
Figure 2A~3B
Figure 3C~4C
AI summary
The present invention employs a self-ligating orthodontic bracket comprising a body having a pair of laterally spaced gingival tie wings and a pair of laterally spaced occlusal tie wings, the gingival and occlusal tie wings projecting from a labial surface of the body: an arch wire slot extending mesially-distally across the body and between the gingival and occlusal tie wings to accommodate an arch wire: a free-sliding, controlled-locking, or pivoting clip wherein the clip allows placement and removal of the arch wire when in the open position and prevents the displacement of the arch wire from the bracket member when in the closed position.