Self-Ligating Orthodontic Bracket Lid for Wire Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic brackets with self-ligating systems face issues such as spring deformation, food residue accumulation, and lack of control over wire force, particularly when using wires with various cross-sections, leading to inefficiencies and hygiene problems.
Innovation Solution
A bracket design featuring a movable lid with a spring and lock group, a movement mechanism with rails and slides, and recesses to ensure the spring and lid are flush, preventing deformation and allowing controlled force application on the wire, while maintaining hygiene and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring mechanism is used in the self-ligating bracket to exert force on the wire, then the wire can be controlled and fitted into the slot, but the spring may deform, accumulate food residues, and fail to function efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is completely removed from the bracket design. Instead of using a spring to exert force on the wire, the invention employs a passive self-ligating mechanism where the elastic memory of the archwire itself provides the necessary force to engage with the bracket slot through the lid mechanism, eliminating the harmful effects of spring deformation and food residue accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
The archwire's own elastic properties are utilized to perform the function previously requiring an active spring mechanism. The wire's inherent elasticity allows it to engage with the bracket slot and exert self-ligating force without requiring an external spring component, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating components that can fail or accumulate debris
2Device complexity
If passive self-ligating method is used where wires are attached inside the bracket without force, then the bracket structure is simple, but the wire cannot be controlled and angles cannot be transferred to the tooth
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket employs a dynamic self-ligating mechanism where the lid can move between open and closed positions, allowing the wire to be initially inserted freely and then secured in position. This dynamic system provides both ease of wire insertion and controlled positioning, achieving wire control without requiring a complex active spring mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The lid mechanism serves multiple functions: it allows initial wire insertion when open, secures the wire in position when closed, and enables the wire's elastic memory to provide self-ligating force. This multi-functional design achieves wire control while maintaining relatively simple bracket structure
3Ease of operation
If active self-ligating method with spring is used to control the wire, then the wire can be kept under control at later stages, but a large number of problems occur in the spring and lid mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The spring component is completely extracted from the self-ligating mechanism. The invention achieves wire control through a simplified lid mechanism that relies on the elastic memory of the archwire rather than an active spring, reducing device complexity while maintaining wire control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The archwire's elastic properties are harnessed to provide the self-ligating force that previously required a spring mechanism. This self-service approach allows the wire to control itself through its inherent elasticity, eliminating the need for complex spring and lid mechanisms while maintaining effective wire control
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 design provides stable, hygienic, and efficient tooth movement with controlled force application, preventing spring deformation and residue accumulation, enhancing the bracket's functionality and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring and lock group having at least one spring which is provided between the body and the lid, which stretches in the vertical plane
Implementation Method 2
which is applied on the teeth by being adhered onto the teeth
Data Source
AI summary
The bracket for orthodontic treatment includes a body; a slot which extends in the vertical plane from the ceiling of the body towards the base thereof and which receives a wire; a lid which moves forwards/backwards so as to open/close the mouth of the slot; a spring and lock group having at least one spring which is provided between the body and the lid, which stretches in the vertical plane and which moves together with the lid with one end being fixed to the lid and the other being free; and a movement mechanism which has at least one rail extending on the ceiling of the body perpendicularly to the slot and at least one slide fitted into said rail and extending downwards from the lower surface of the lid and which enables the lid to move by sliding on the ceiling of the body.