Self-Activated Orthodontic Expander with Bridge-Constrained Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic expanders require periodic reactivation of elastic means, which can lead to inconsistent treatment adherence and increased manufacturing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A self-activated orthodontic expander design featuring two bodies connected by deformable elastic means and guides with a bridge, eliminating the need for a central screw and allowing automatic expansion upon initial compression, with visible compression state verification for the dentist.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If periodic reactivation of the spring is required, then the expander can maintain continuous corrective action, but treatment adherence becomes inconsistent and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expander is pre-loaded with a coil spring that is compressed during installation and then releases its energy automatically over time. The spring is initially compressed to a predetermined extent by the dentist through the central screw, and then the expander operates autonomously without requiring periodic reactivation by the patient or relatives.
Solution Approach 2:
The expander design allows the spring to automatically exhaust its action upon reaching the desired expansion, and then the device can be easily removed by the patient themselves without requiring assistance from relatives or additional activation steps. The patient simply unscrews the central screw to remove the expander after treatment is complete.
2Manufacturing precision
If the spring action is automatically exhausted upon reaching desired expansion, then treatment precision is improved, but the device requires more complex structural configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The expander incorporates visual indicators (such as colored markers or transparent sections) that allow the dentist to monitor the compression state of the spring and the progression of expansion. This feedback mechanism enables the dentist to determine when the desired expansion has been achieved without requiring complex electronic sensors or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The expander is divided into two separate bodies (left and right) that are connected by guides, with the spring positioned between them. This segmentation allows each body to be independently attached to the dental arch while maintaining a simple overall structure. The guides constrain the movement of the bodies along a predetermined path, ensuring precise expansion control.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the spring is oriented parallel to the expansion direction, then the structural stability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guides are designed to constrain the movement of the left and right bodies along a predetermined linear path that is parallel to the expansion direction. This dynamic constraint system allows the spring to exert force efficiently in the desired direction while maintaining structural stability. The guides prevent lateral movement and ensure that the expansion force is applied correctly throughout the treatment process.
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
Ensures consistent and stable orthodontic expansion with reduced manufacturing costs and enhanced reliability, allowing for precise control and monitoring of the expansion process.
Implementation Method 1
Between said two bodies is placed a coil spring which is compressed or 'loaded' by the dentist through the central screw
Implementation Method 2
A memory alloy coil spring having superelastic properties is mounted between the pair of bases. The appliance is constructed so that the spring pressure of the superelastic memory alloy coil spring transmits to the tooth or the jaw bone an orthodontic force
Data Source
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AI summary
Self-activated orthodontic expander comprising a left frame and a right frame, wherein said left frame and right frame comprise respectively a left body (1) and a right body (2), each having anchoring means for anchoring them to the teeth of a dental arch. The bodies (1,2) have through holes (10, 20) oriented in a predetermined expansion direction, wherein said frames are slidably mounted along said expansion direction by means of guides (4) inserted into said holes (10, 20) of the bodies (1, 2). Elastic means (6) are arranged and acting between said frames. The guides (4) are further constrained with each other by a bridge (7) oriented orthogonally to the same guides (4) and adapted to prevent the reciprocal movement of the guides (4).