Orthodontic Elastic Wear Sensor with Force Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic treatments lack a reliable method to objectively monitor the wearing time of elastic bands, making it difficult for therapists to assess patient compliance and treatment progress.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising a compressive force, tensile force, and/or shear force sensor with a microcontroller and timer, which can be fastened to orthodontic appliances or aligners to measure the time elastic bands are worn, providing objective data on wearing time and force exertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If patient self-reporting is used to monitor wearing time, then the system is simple and low-cost, but the data reliability is insufficient due to lack of objective measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual self-reporting method with an automated sensor-based measurement system. Force sensors detect when elastic bands are applied to brackets, and microcontrollers automatically record wearing time, substituting mechanical patient action with electronic detection and recording systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices between the elastic bands and the monitoring system. These sensors act as mediators that detect force application and transmit data to microcontrollers, providing objective measurement without requiring direct patient intervention or reporting.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are integrated into brackets, then the measurement capability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring system into separate functional modules: force sensors attached to brackets, elastic bands with identification features, microcontrollers for data processing, and display devices. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using existing technologies, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the sensor system to work with existing orthodontic brackets and elastic bands without requiring custom-made components. The force sensors can detect various band configurations, and the system accommodates different bracket types, making the manufacturing process more versatile and less complex.
3Reliability
If a comprehensive sensor system is implemented, then objective monitoring capability is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-monitoring system where the sensors automatically detect force application, the microcontrollers automatically record and process data, and the system provides feedback without requiring therapist intervention for each measurement. This automation reduces the need for complex manual monitoring procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system monitors force application in real-time and provides information about wearing time compliance. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust monitoring parameters and provide meaningful data to therapists and patients, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
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
Enables accurate and patient-independent monitoring of elastic band wearing time, allowing therapists to assess compliance and treatment effectiveness without relying on patient reports.
Implementation Method 1
a compressive force, tensile force and/or shear force sensor (11) of the sensor (1), as a result of which the wearing time of orthodontic elastic bands (4)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor (1) for fastening to a multi-bracket appliance for the upper jaw (2), to a multi-bracket appliance for the lower jaw (3), to an aligner for the upper jaw (2′) and/or to an aligner for the lower jaw (3′), in order to measure the time span during which a force is applied to a pressure, tension and/or shear-force sensor (11) of the sensor (1), whereby the wearing duration of orthodontic elastics (4) for multi-bracket appliances (2, 3) and/or aligners (2′, 3′) can be monitored, the sensor (1) being a sensor that is independent of the multi-bracket appliance (2, 3) and the brackets (23) and including a timer, a microcontroller having a data memory, and an elastic holder (16) and/or elastic guide (17). The invention further relates to a system (5) for monitoring the wearing duration of orthodontic elastics, including the sensor (1), a multi-bracket apparatus or an aligner for the upper jaw (2, 2′) and the lower jaw (3, 3′), an elastic (4) and an external reading device. The invention further relates to a method for monitoring the wearing duration of orthodontic elastics and to the use of the sensor (1) and of the system (5).