Orthodontic Non-Sliding Archform With Deflectable Locking Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic appliances face challenges in securely retaining male fasteners within brackets, leading to unwanted movement and potential sliding, which can compromise the effectiveness of orthodontic treatments.
Innovation Solution
The orthodontic brackets incorporate features such as stops, retainers, and deflectable springs (like C springs) to prevent movement of male fasteners in multiple directions, along with locking mechanisms and angled surfaces to facilitate secure engagement and disengagement of archforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional sliding archwire mechanisms are used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unwanted movement and sliding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking pin can deflect between locked and unlocked positions. The spring element provides automatic return to the locked position, creating a system that transitions between stable locked state and controlled unlocked state for insertion/removal, thereby eliminating unwanted sliding while maintaining operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional sliding friction-based archwire mechanism with a positive mechanical locking system. Instead of relying on friction to prevent sliding, the system uses interlocking geometric features (locking pin, slot, protrusion) that physically prevent movement, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing ease of operation
2Reliability
If multiple retention features (stops, retainers, springs) are added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple retention functions into integrated structural elements. The retainer wall, stop, and spring element are combined into a single unified component assembly that performs multiple functions (preventing occlusal movement, gingival movement, and providing locking action) simultaneously, thereby improving reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin serves multiple functions: it engages with the slot to prevent archform removal, works with the protrusion to prevent sliding, and interacts with the spring element to provide automatic locking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device 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
The solution provides stable retention of male fasteners, reducing unwanted movement and enhancing the effectiveness of orthodontic treatments by maintaining precise alignment and control over tooth movement.
Implementation Method 1
The retainer can include a locking pin that can deflect to facilitate the male fastener being inserted into or removed from the slot
Implementation Method 2
The retainer can include a C spring that can deflect to facilitate the male fastener being inserted into or removed from the slot
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An orthodontic bracket and archform system that uses friction–free mechanics are disclosed. The archform can have a male fastener that can be retained within an orthodontic bracket. The orthodontic bracket can have varying locking mechanism, such as deflectable tabs, springs, locking pins, and others, that can cooperate with features of the male fastener to prevent sliding between the archform and the bracket.