Orthodontic Connector with Rotating Force Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for attaching Class II and Class III correctors to lingual orthodontic appliance systems face challenges due to the archwire's location on the lingual surfaces, making it difficult to secure the outer end loop and requiring additional interventions, which can compromise patient comfort and compliance.
Innovation Solution
The development of an intraoral force module assembly that allows for secure attachment to both dental arches using a connector system that can be partially decoupled and rotated to adjust the active force without removing the device from the mouth, utilizing a helical compression spring and pivotally movable members to adjust the attachment length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the archwire is located on the lingual surfaces to provide aesthetic appearance, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but attachment of the outer end loop becomes difficult requiring additional interventions
Solution Approach 1:
A connector member is introduced as an intermediary component between the intraoral device and the lingual orthodontic appliance. This connector has a first end that attaches to the outer end loop of the intraoral device and a second end that attaches to the lingual orthodontic appliance, thereby mediating the connection when direct attachment is difficult due to the lingual wire location.
2Force
If the effective length of the intraoral device is increased to maintain force during treatment, then force effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases requiring component removal and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The connector member is designed with movable and adjustable characteristics, allowing its effective length to be modified during treatment. The connector can be detached and reattached at different positions or configurations, enabling dynamic adjustment of the intraoral device's effective length to maintain force effectiveness without requiring complete device removal and replacement.
3Force
If stops or collars are added to reduce travel length and increase active force, then force compression is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector member can receive and hold stops or collars that are nested within its structure. These stops or collars can be positioned at specific locations along the connector to limit travel length and increase active force compression, while being integrated into the connector's overall design rather than adding separate external components.
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 solution enhances patient comfort by reducing the profile of labially attached devices, increases compliance, and provides a more aesthetic option by minimizing the distance between attachment mechanisms, allowing for efficient space use and adjustable force application without disassembling other components.
Implementation Method 1
a helical compression spring coaxial with at least a portion of said first member
Implementation Method 2
the spring having a first active force in the first orientation and second active force in the second orientation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides intra-oral devices for repositioning the relationship between upper and lower dental arches. The devices are attached to appliances on molar teeth of each arch and can be reactivated without removal or replacement of substantial components of the device.