Orthodontic Expansion Screw With Bidirectional Technopolymer Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expansion screws for orthodontic appliances face challenges in manufacturing efficiency, mechanical stress resistance, and user simplicity, particularly during the formation and configuration of orthodontic plates made of synthetic resin materials.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional expansion screw design featuring a central stem with counter-rotating threads, embedded in technopolymer receiving bodies, and guide means with flat cross-sections for improved force transmission and flexibility, allowing for a more gradual release of forces and enhanced handling during the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional steel screws are used for orthodontic appliances, then mechanical strength is maintained, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional steel to technopolymer, transforming the screw from a metal component to a polymer-based component. This material substitution enables simplified manufacturing processes while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength for orthodontic applications, directly resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite material structures, particularly in the guide means which feature a flat cross-section combining polymer matrix with reinforcement elements. This composite approach provides the necessary mechanical strength while enabling more efficient manufacturing compared to conventional steel screws.
2Productivity
If traditional expansion screws are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but force transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flat cross-section geometry for the guide means, replacing traditional circular or complex cross-sections. This geometric modification optimizes force transmission by distributing stresses more effectively across the guide structure, improving productivity while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If rigid expansion screws are used, then mechanical strength is maintained, but flexibility and gradual force release are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameters of the guide means by using technopolymer materials with specific viscoelastic properties. This parameter change enables the guide to provide gradual force release and flexibility during orthodontic treatment, while the overall screw structure maintains sufficient mechanical strength through its design and the polymer's inherent properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible polymer materials for the guide means, creating a structure that can deform gradually under load. This flexibility allows for progressive force release during tooth movement, while the polymer's tensile strength and the guide's structural design ensure adequate mechanical stress resistance is maintained.
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 new design improves manufacturing efficiency, increases mechanical stress resistance, simplifies the use of orthodontic appliances, and provides a more flexible and gradual force release, enabling a higher number of activations with lower compression forces compared to conventional steel screws.
Implementation Method 1
at least one stem (1) with at least a threaded stem portion (10) extending along the stem (1)... provided with a complementarily threaded hole for receiving said portion (10) so as to allow the screwing thereof
Implementation Method 2
guide means (2) for guiding said at least one receiving body (3)... guide means with flat cross-sections for improved force transmission and flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
Expansion screw for orthodontic appliances, including at least one stem (1) with at least a threaded portion (10) extending along the longitudinal extension of the stem (1), at least one receiving body (3) for receiving the threaded portion (10) provided with a receiving hole complementarily shaped with respect to the threaded portion (10) so as to allow its screwing, guide structure (2) for guiding the at least one receiving body (3), driving mechanism (11, 12) for driving the stem (1), and including a positioning tab (6) composed of multiple parts (60, 61) associated with each other to support the expansion screw (100) when the orthodontic appliance is made, the tab (6) being provided with at least an appendix (62) that can be stably inserted into a cavity (12) exhibited by the expansion screw (100).