Self-Ligation Orthodontic Bracket With Elastic Stopper Wire
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional self-ligation orthodontic brackets have a complex structure and are prone to shutter opening when strong forces are applied, requiring complex arrangement and rearrangement, which complicates treatment.
Innovation Solution
A self-ligation orthodontic bracket with a stopper wire that is elastic and attached to the bracket main body, positioned to obstruct the shutter's opening path when closed, allowing reliable opening and closing without interference from the stopper wire, even under strong forces, and featuring a detachment prevention device to secure the shutter in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional self-ligation bracket structure is used, then the bracket can be simple, but the shutter may open when strong forces are applied to the wire
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper wire is pre-positioned to obstruct the shutter's opening path before any force is applied to the wire. This preliminary anti-action prevents the shutter from opening when strong forces are applied during orthodontic treatment, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and shutter closure stability.
2Reliability
If the shutter is positioned to prevent opening under force, then reliability improves, but the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper wire acts as an intermediary element between the shutter and the bracket body. This simple wire component mediates the interaction by obstructing the shutter's opening path, providing reliable shutter closure stability without requiring complex structural modifications to the bracket.
3Reliability
If the stopper wire is positioned to obstruct the shutter path, then the shutter remains closed under force, but the stopper wire may interfere with shutter movement
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper wire is positioned to obstruct only the specific path the shutter would take if it opened under force, while leaving the normal opening and closing movement path clear. This localized positioning ensures the shutter remains closed under force without interfering with normal operation.
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 a simple and reliable mechanism for opening and closing the shutter, preventing detachment and reducing treatment complexity by ensuring the shutter remains closed under strong forces, thus improving workability and reducing patient burden.
Implementation Method 1
The stopper wire has elasticity. Both end portions of the stopper wire are held by the bracket main body. The central portion of the stopper wire is disposed at a position that obstructs a path (forward/backward movement path) in an opening direction of the shutter
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the present invention is a self-ligation type orthodontic bracket which has a simple structure and in which a shutter can be reliably opened and closed, and fixed. The orthodontic bracket is provided with: a bracket body having a slot to which a wire is attached and an introduction port connected to the slot; a shutter provided between the slot and the introduction port to be able to move forward and backward; and a stopper wire which is attached to the bracket body and prevents the shutter from detaching. The stopper wire is elastic. Both end parts of the stopper wire are supported by the bracket body. When the shutter is closed, the central part of the stopper wire is located at a position which blocks the path along which the shutter moves forward and backward.