Orthodontic Expander Stop Mechanism for Fine Expansion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic expanders lack fine adjustment capabilities and are difficult to manufacture while maintaining a low cost, with most models being limited to a maximum opening of 6 mm to 9 mm and requiring complex mechanisms for adjustment.
Innovation Solution
An orthodontic expander design featuring two bodies with a spring mechanism, one body forming a sheath and the other a slide, utilizing stops and counter-stops along an adjustment axis for precise expansion control, allowing easy adjustment and manufacture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex adjustment mechanisms (such as screw threads and multiple stops) are used to achieve fine adjustment of expansion distance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete coupling locations along the expansion axis, allowing the stop to be positioned at predetermined intervals. This segmentation provides fine adjustment capability while maintaining simplicity, as the stop can be easily moved between discrete positions without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment function is extracted from complex screw thread mechanisms and simplified to a stop that can be freely positioned at coupling locations. This extraction removes unnecessary complexity while preserving the fine adjustment capability through the distributed coupling locations.
2Measurement precision
If complex adjustment mechanisms are used to achieve fine adjustment of expansion distance, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling locations are segmented along the expansion axis at predetermined intervals, allowing the stop to be positioned at discrete locations. This segmentation enables fine adjustment while simplifying manufacture, as the stop can be easily moved between positions without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion distance is controlled by changing the position parameter of the stop along the expansion axis. By distributing coupling locations along the axis, fine adjustment is achieved through simple positional changes rather than complex mechanical adjustments, facilitating easier manufacture.
3Reliability
If maximum opening is limited to 6 mm to 9 mm in current models, then reliability is maintained within safe limits, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The maximum opening distance is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The stop can be positioned at different coupling locations along the expansion axis, allowing the expansion range to be adapted to different patient needs while maintaining safety limits through controlled positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion range parameter is made variable by allowing the stop to be positioned at different coupling locations. This enables adaptation to different clinical requirements while maintaining reliability through the controlled distribution of coupling locations along the expansion axis.
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 design enables fine adjustment of expansion distance, is simple to manufacture, and reduces production costs by using a minimal number of components, ensuring ease of use and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a spring tending to move the two bodies apart along the expansion axis
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to an orthodontic expander (1) comprising: - two bodies mounted movable relative to each other along an expansion axis (10), each body being intended to directly carry fixing arms (11) to teeth; - a spring (4) tending to move the two bodies apart along the expansion axis (10).