Orthodontic Bracket Kit With Pivotable Flap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic brackets have a large construction height and slot length, leading to limited deformation possibilities for wire arches, making precise corrective movements difficult, and require complex assembly and high effort for flap exchange, which can result in functional unusability due to excess cement.
Innovation Solution
A self-ligating bracket kit with a base plate and pivotable flap, using cobalt-chromium alloys, where the flap acts as an exchangeable spring pressing the wire arch onto perpendicular surfaces, reducing the slot to two planes and allowing for adjustable force transmission, enabling smaller and more stable bracket designs with improved wire arch alignment and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the base plate is made thinner to reduce bracket height, then the construction height is reduced, but the strength and stability of the bracket deteriorates due to material brittleness
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into two main segments: a thin base plate and a separate flap component. The base plate can be made very thin (0.2-0.6mm) since it only provides substrate function, while the flap provides the necessary strength and wire arch securing function. This segmentation allows the base plate to be thin without compromising overall bracket strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses different materials for different components: the base plate can be made from thin metal sheets (0.2-0.6mm thickness) while the flap is made from elastomeric material or thicker metal. This composite approach allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the thin base plate for low height and the stronger flap for wire arch securing.
2Length of moving object
If the slot length is reduced to improve wire arch deformation possibilities, then the space between brackets is reduced, but the guidance precision and movement control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is designed as a dynamic, pivotable component that can move relative to the base plate. This dynamic mechanism allows the wire arch guidance to adapt and flex during orthodontic treatment, providing both precise initial guidance and accommodated deformation as teeth move, resolving the contradiction between short slot length and guidance precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the bracket by introducing a movable flap that can pivot through various angles. This allows the effective guidance length to change dynamically - providing long guidance when needed for precision and allowing deformation when teeth move, thus resolving the fixed-length slot limitation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flap is made exchangeable to improve adaptability for different wire arches, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity and assembly effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connection is merged into a simple pivotable joint between the flap and base plate, eliminating the need for separate hinge mechanisms. This integrated design allows the flap to be easily exchanged by simply detaching and reattaching the flap to the base plate, providing versatility without significant complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap is designed to be easily detachable and reattachable to the base plate through its pivotable connection, allowing the user to exchange flaps themselves without requiring complex tools or procedures. This self-service design maintains simplicity while providing adaptability for different wire arch configurations.
4Measurement precision
If smaller brackets are used to improve positioning precision, then the placement accuracy is improved, but the risk of excess cement causing functional unusability increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the bracket into a thin base plate and a separate flap, the overall bracket size can be reduced for better positioning precision, while the flap component remains sufficiently large and robust to maintain reliability and resist cement intrusion. The separated design allows the critical wire arch securing function to be performed by the larger flap even when the base plate is small.
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 achieves a significantly reduced profile for the wire arch, allowing for more precise force transmission and adaptation, preventing jamming and enhancing the freedom of movement for the wire arch, while maintaining strength and stability, thus improving orthodontic treatment efficiency and reducing the risk of bracket failure.
Implementation Method 1
said flap on closure pressing a wire arch in the embodiment of an insert part into two surfaces running perpendicularly to one another... the flap, which is preferably designed as a scroll spring
Data Source
AI summary
A kit for an orthodontic bracket, which includes at least a base plate and a flap that can be pivoted over the base plate, to which a flap directly or indirectly guided wire bow can be fastened. The kit includes a selection of base plates and flaps differing in size and shape. Base plates and flaps are produced from sheet metal by bending and stamping. The two parts can be connected to each other without a shaft by being pivoted in relation to each other.