Self-Ligation Orthodontic Bracket with Pin-Retainer Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional self-ligating orthodontic bracket assemblies have complex structures that make them difficult to manufacture with high precision, leading to high costs and low durability, while also causing pain and discomfort during orthodontic treatments due to the complexity of securing the archwire.
Innovation Solution
A self-ligating orthodontic bracket assembly with a simplified operating mechanism featuring a movable ligation slide and a binding part comprising a pin member and retainer for easy manipulation, allowing for one-touch operation and secure wire placement, using a bracket body with an open slot and protrusions for enhanced bonding and a retainer with elastic properties for shock absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional self-ligating orthodontic bracket assembly uses a complicated operation member structure, then the wire can be secured with a one-touch method, but the assembly is not easy to manufacture with high precision, manufacturing costs are high, and workability and durability are relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a bracket body with slot, a separate ligation slide, and a binding part with pin member and retainer. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with standard precision, avoiding the need for high-precision complex integrated structures while maintaining one-touch operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The complicated operation member structure is replaced by extracting the essential function of wire securing and implementing it through a simple ligation slide that moves along guide rails. The binding part with pin member and retainer provides the securing function without requiring complex mechanisms, thus improving manufacturability while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional self-ligating orthodontic bracket assembly uses a complicated operation member structure, then the wire can be secured with a one-touch method, but the manufacturing costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the bracket into standardizable components (bracket body, ligation slide, binding part), each can be manufactured using conventional processes at lower cost. The simplified geometry of each component reduces tooling and manufacturing complexity compared to integrated complex structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The binding part with retainer and pin member uses simple elastic and rigid elements that can be manufactured cheaply through conventional processes. These components are designed for single-use or limited reuse, accepting lower individual component cost over repeated precision manufacturing.
3Ease of operation
If a conventional self-ligating orthodontic bracket assembly uses a complicated operation member structure, then the wire can be secured with a one-touch method, but the workability and durability are relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The ligation slide is designed to move dynamically along guide rails between locked and unlocked positions, providing reliable one-touch operation. The binding part with elastic retainer and rigid pin member creates a resilient locking mechanism that maintains reliability through repeated operations while keeping the structure simple and durable.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic retainer automatically engages with the pin member to lock the ligation slide in position without requiring additional fastening steps. This self-locking mechanism improves reliability by eliminating manual securing steps that could fail, while maintaining the simple structure needed for durability.
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 simplifies the handling and manufacturing of the orthodontic bracket, reduces patient pain, improves treatment efficiency, and enhances the durability and reliability of the orthodontic procedures by enabling cost-effective and precise assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a retainer, which is provided on the ligation slide in a manner enabling a complementary fastening/detaching action with the pin member
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A self-ligation type dentition-correcting bracket assembly has a ligation slide movably installed on a bracket body so as to expose/cover a slot provided such that a tooth-correcting wire is seated on the bracket body, and comprises a clamping portion for constraining the bracket body and the ligation slide in a complementary manner. The clamping portion comprises a pin member provided on the bracket body and arranged in the range of movement of the ligation slide and a retainer provided on the ligation slide such that the same can be coupled to the pin member in a complementary manner. In connection with the bracket assembly, the retainer and the pin member are attached to/detached from each other in a complementary manner as the ligation slide moves. Ligation of the wire, which is inserted into the slot, and release thereof occur selectively. Operation of a dentition-correcting arch wire ligation slide can be manipulated in a one-touch type.