Orthodontic Appliance Container with Release Liner
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The storage and dispensing of orthodontic appliances pose challenges due to the need for precise inventory management and the risk of adhesive transfer and loss, particularly with adhesive-coated appliances that can have unpredictable viscosity changes, leading to inefficiencies and waste.
Innovation Solution
A packaged orthodontic assembly with a container that compressively retains appliances using non-parallel side surfaces to minimize contact between the appliance and the container, allowing for consistent orientation and extended shelf life, accommodating various appliance geometries in a single package.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If adhesive-coated appliances are stored in contact with container surfaces, then storage is simplified, but adhesive transfers to packaging materials reducing adhesive amount and changing viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
A release liner is introduced as an intermediary barrier between the adhesive-coated appliance and the container surface. The release liner prevents direct contact and adhesive transfer to the container, while allowing the appliance to be stored in a simplified manner. The appliance is suspended with the release liner positioned between the adhesive and container surfaces, eliminating adhesive loss.
2Volume of stationary object
If appliances are stored horizontally on container surfaces, then storage space is optimized, but adhesive components leech out causing unpredictable viscosity changes
Solution Approach 1:
The storage orientation is changed from horizontal to vertical suspension. The appliance is suspended vertically with the release liner positioned between the adhesive and container surfaces, preventing adhesive components from leeching out. This vertical positioning in another dimensional orientation maintains adhesive composition stability while still optimizing storage space.
3Manufacturing precision
If different containers are used for different appliance geometries, then each appliance fits perfectly, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal container design is used for all appliance geometries. The container includes a recess with non-parallel side surfaces that can accommodate various appliance shapes and sizes. The release liner serves as a universal interface between the appliance and container, eliminating the need for multiple specialized containers while maintaining precise fit through the standardized recess geometry.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
Provided packaged orthodontic assemblies and methods compressively retain an orthodontic appliance in a container along opposing sides of the appliance adjacent the bonding surfaces of its base. This can be done using a mechanism that limits contact between the appliance and the container while accommodating a substantial range of transverse base dimensions. This engagement mechanism allows an adhesive-coated appliance to be retained in a consistent orientation for convenient dispensing, while limiting potentially adverse interactions between the adhesive and the container. By avoiding loss of the adhesive components during storage, these assemblies and methods can extend shelf life and provide consistent adhesive handling properties.