Self-Ligating Orthodontic Brackets with Variable Slot Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-ligating orthodontic brackets face challenges in producing resilient clips with reproducible properties and dimensions, particularly in distinguishing between active and passive versions, where passive clips do not maintain the slot closed as reliably as active versions, and manufacturing becomes complex.
Innovation Solution
Modifying the depth of the slot in the bracket to differentiate between active and passive versions, allowing for the use of identical resilient clips, and employing injection molding or metal/ceramic injection molding to efficiently produce brackets with varying slot depths, ensuring the clip can withstand chewing stresses and maintain a reliable closed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different resilient clips are used to differentiate between active and passive brackets, then the functional requirements for different bracket types are met, but the manufacturing complexity increases and production reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by modifying only the slot depth in specific locations of the bracket while keeping the resilient clips identical. The slot depth variation (deeper for passive, shallower for active) creates different functional characteristics without requiring different clips, thus maintaining manufacturing precision while achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the slot depth to differentiate between active and passive brackets. By varying this single parameter while keeping all other components (including resilient clips) identical, the patent simplifies manufacturing and improves production reliability while maintaining the ability to provide different bracket types.
2Reliability
If deeper slot depth is used for passive brackets, then the clip can maintain closed position more reliably, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by varying the slot depth dimension to achieve different functional outcomes. The deeper slot in passive brackets allows the resilient clip to engage more securely, maintaining reliable closed position, while this is achieved through a simple dimensional parameter change rather than complex structural modifications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of resilient clips are manufactured, then both active and passive bracket requirements are met, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single type of resilient clip that can function in both active and passive bracket configurations. The identical clip design can be used across all bracket types, with the slot depth modification in the bracket itself providing the necessary functional differentiation. This universal clip design eliminates the need for multiple clip variants, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs.
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 approach simplifies the production of self-ligating brackets by using identical clips for both active and passive versions, enhancing the reliability of the clip's closed position and withstanding stresses, while maintaining cost efficiency and versatility in materials like plastic, ceramic, and metal.
Implementation Method 1
two different, interchangeable resilient clips with a labial leg and with a lingual leg, which are interconnected by an occlusally or gingivally arranged portion. The lingual leg can be inserted into the passage and can be displaced therein only in the gingival-occlusal direction between a closed position, in which the labial leg extends into a recess in the gingival wall or in the occlusal wall, and an open position of the clip.
Data Source
AI summary
A set of self-ligating brackets for orthodontics includes brackets having a base and a block arranged on the base. An occlusal wall extends from the block and has at least one occlusal ligature wing. A gingival wall extends from the block and has at least one gingival ligature wing. A slot, which separates the occlusal wall and the gingival wall from one another, has the same minimum clear width for the brackets of the set and extends continuously in a direction from mesial to distal. The slot also has a base area on which an archwire lies during orthodontic treatment. A passage extends in the gingival-occlusal direction through the block and is delimited by a lingually located surface and by a labially located surface. Resilient clips with a labial leg and with a lingual leg are interconnected by an occlusally arranged portion.