Orthodontic Bracket Resilient Slide Member Rotational Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-ligating orthodontic brackets face challenges in achieving precise rotational control due to loose fits between the archwire and the bracket slot, caused by manufacturing tolerances, which affect tooth movement and treatment efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The orthodontic bracket incorporates a resilient member that biases the slide member to maintain a consistent fit with the archwire slot, reducing tolerance variations and enhancing rotational control through a dovetail-shaped configuration and asymmetric aperture design, which limits movement and provides a secure interference fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If self-ligating brackets use a movable member to retain the archwire, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to tolerance stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a resilient member that dynamically adjusts the position of the movable closure member, compensating for manufacturing tolerances through elastic deformation. This allows the bracket to maintain consistent archwire slot dimensions despite variations in component manufacturing, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member acts as a feedback mechanism that continuously applies force to maintain optimal contact between the archwire and the archwire slot. This self-adjusting mechanism compensates for tolerance variations in real-time, ensuring consistent performance while maintaining the simplicity of the self-ligating design.
2Ease of operation
If clearance is provided between bracket body and movable member, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to tolerance stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member dynamically adjusts the clearance between the bracket body and movable closure member during operation. When the closure member is in the closed position, the resilient member applies force to reduce clearance and improve fit. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing both operational ease and manufacturing precision at different stages of function.
3Manufacturing precision
If tolerances are reduced to improve fit, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member serves as a self-adjusting mechanism that compensates for tolerance variations without requiring precision manufacturing of individual components. The elastic element automatically adjusts to maintain optimal fit, eliminating the need for complex tolerance control systems or multiple adjustment mechanisms, thus improving manufacturing precision while keeping device complexity low.
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
This design improves the clinician's ability to predict and control tooth movement, reducing treatment time and maintaining consistent archwire slot dimensions, thereby enhancing rotational control during orthodontic treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member coupled to and slidable with the slide member. The resilient member is configured to engage a first portion of the bracket body when the slide member is in the opened position and a second portion of the bracket body when the slide member is in the closed position
Data Source
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AI summary
An orthodontic bracket includes a bracket body, a slide member, and a resilient member. The slide member is slidable relative to the archwire slot. The resilient member is coupled to and is slidable with the slide member. The resilient member is configured to engage a first portion of the bracket body in the opened position and a second portion of the bracket body in the closed position. The second portion is different from the first portion. The resilient member imposes a biasing force on the slide member in the direction of movement toward the archwire slot when the slide member is in the closed position. The resilient member may be configured to impose a biasing force on the slide member in the direction away from the archwire slot when the slide member is at a position intermediate the opened and closed positions.