Orthodontic Marking Device with Adjustable Pencil Leads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marking devices and methods for teeth lack the ability to accurately and efficiently mark specific positions for orthodontic bracket placement, as they either do not provide physical graphite marks on the teeth or are not designed for making straight lines.
Innovation Solution
A marking device comprising elongated rectangular metal plates with downward extending legs and cylindrical bars, featuring pencil lead holders that allow for vertical extension of pencil leads, enabling precise marking of lines on teeth at specific distances from the incisal edge for optimal bracket placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing marking devices are used, then marking can be performed, but the marking precision and accuracy for orthodontic bracket placement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the marking function into multiple pencil lead holders positioned at different locations along the plate, each capable of independent adjustment. This allows precise marking at specific positions while maintaining overall device simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The pencil lead holders are made adjustable along the plate length, allowing dynamic repositioning to match different tooth positions and bracket placement requirements, thereby improving marking precision without complicating the basic device structure
2Manufacturing precision
If physical graphite marks are made on teeth, then accurate bracket placement is achieved, but the device complexity increases compared to virtual marking methods
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the functions of measurement, positioning, and marking into a single integrated tool. The plate serves as both the structural base, the measurement reference, and the positioning guide for pencil leads, eliminating the need for separate virtual marking devices and complex digital systems
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses the patient's own teeth as the reference surface for marking. The feet rest on the teeth to establish the reference plane, and the pencil leads automatically position themselves relative to the tooth surfaces, eliminating the need for external reference systems or complex alignment procedures
3Measurement precision
If multiple marking positions are required, then bracket placement accuracy is improved, but the time required for marking increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pencil lead holders are pre-positioned at standard bracket placement locations along the plate. This allows the operator to mark multiple teeth positions simultaneously or in rapid succession without repeatedly adjusting the device, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy while reducing total marking time
Data Source
AI summary
A marking device, designed to mark teeth, to position orthodontic brackets at an optimum level (though it can also be used to mark other things). The invention also relates to a method of marking teeth using the device. The device comprises one or more elongated rectangular metal plates. At each end of each plate is a “leg” that extends downward, with a “foot” covered by plastic. Cylindrical “arms” extend from both sides of each leg at right angles to the plate. Pencil lead (graphite) holders pass through the bars on each side of the plate, so that the pencil leads extend vertically downward and parallel to the plate. Knobs above the holders can be rotated to move the pencil lead up or down. Near each end of each plate, the distance of the pencil lead from the foot is marked in millimeters. Pencil marks aid in placing the orthodontic brackets.