Orthodontic Tension Coil Spring for Continuous Arch Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dental braces require patient care and regular adjustment, can be unsanitary, and may require longer wear times due to neglect, and orthodontic elastics often need frequent replacement.

Innovation Solution

An orthodontic spring system comprising a tension coil spring with couplers at each end, configured to couple to dental arches, providing continuous tension and replacing elastics, which can be used with various braces types and remains in place for extended periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional dental braces are used, then teeth can be aligned and occlusion can be corrected, but patient care and regular adjustment are required which can be unsanitary and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveteeth alignment effectivenessVSAvoidpatient care requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The orthodontic spring is designed to automatically engage with brackets on adjacent teeth when the teeth move into proper alignment, eliminating the need for patient intervention or regular adjustment. The spring self-adjusts as teeth shift, providing continuous force without requiring patient care or professional visits for adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention removes the elastic component from the orthodontic system, replacing it with a rigid spring mechanism that does not require frequent replacement or adjustment. This extracts the problematic elastic element that needed constant patient maintenance while preserving the core function of applying corrective force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Force

If orthodontic elastics are used, then tension can be applied between dental arches, but frequent replacement is required maintaining continuous tension is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetension between dental archesVSAvoidelastic replacement frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The orthodontic spring maintains continuous tension force throughout the treatment period without interruption. Unlike elastics that must be replaced when depleted, the spring retains its elastic properties and continues to apply force continuously, ensuring uninterrupted corrective action throughout the orthodontic treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the disposable elastic with a durable spring mechanism designed to last throughout the entire treatment period. The spring is engineered to withstand repeated use and maintain its mechanical properties, eliminating the need for frequent replacement of short-lived elastic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If braces require regular adjustment and replacement, then treatment can be adapted to changing conditions, but treatment time increases due to neglect and maintenance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment adaptabilityVSAvoidtreatment duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The orthodontic spring is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to automatically adapt to changing tooth positions and forces. The spring's elastic properties enable it to adjust its tension and geometry in response to tooth movement, providing continuous adaptive correction without requiring professional adjustments or patient intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 orthodontic spring system effectively aligns teeth and corrects occlusion without frequent patient intervention, maintaining elasticity and stability over time, enhancing treatment efficiency and comfort.

Implementation Method 1

a first tension coil spring (30), a first coupler (32) that is disposed at a first end (34, 38) of the first tension coil spring (30)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12409017B2Systems and methods for providing an orthodontic spring

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 JOLLEY ELLIOTT

AI summary

Systems and methods for moving teeth are discussed. In particular, an orthodontic spring that is configured to extend between an upper and lower dental arch of a patient is discussed. While the spring can include any suitable feature, in some cases, it includes a tension coil spring, a first coupler that is disposed at a first end of the tension coil spring and that is configured to couple to a first anchor that is coupled to the upper dental arch, and a second coupler that is disposed at a second end of the tension coil spring and that is configured to couple to a second anchor that is coupled to the lower dental arch. In some cases, the tension coil spring, the first coupler, and the second coupler comprise one continuous wire. In some cases, the tension coil springs tapers at its ends. Additional implementations are discussed herein.