Orthodontic Palatal Arch with Modular Push-Pull Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for correcting molar misalignment are cumbersome to construct, require high physical strain on patients, and have limited adjustable paths due to complex designs with many individual parts, often necessitating assembly within the oral cavity.
Innovation Solution
A simplified orthodontic device with a palatal arch featuring threaded bores for coaxial guidance of springs, clamping pins for easy adjustment, and nickel-titanium alloy springs allowing both compression and tension, along with anchor screws and coupling elements for secure attachment outside the oral cavity, reducing friction and physical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing devices use complex construction with many individual parts for correcting molar misalignment, then the adjustment path can be extended, but the device complexity increases and construction becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual parts (support element, pushing/pulling element, and spring) into a single integrated push-pull unit that attaches directly to the palatal arch. This merging eliminates the need for separate attachment mechanisms and intermediate components, thereby extending the adjustment path while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded push-pull unit serves multiple functions: it provides both pushing and pulling forces, allows for adjustable extension lengths, and integrates the attachment mechanism directly into the unit itself. This multi-functionality enables a single component design to achieve what previously required multiple specialized parts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing devices require assembly within the oral cavity, then the device can be customized, but the physical strain on the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The push-pull units are pre-assembled with springs and attachment elements outside the oral cavity before the orthodontic procedure. This preliminary assembly allows for customization and adjustment in a controlled environment, eliminating the need for complex intra-oral assembly operations and reducing patient discomfort.
3Stability of the object's composition
If existing devices use traditional attachment methods, then the structure is stable, but the adjustment mechanism becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular push-pull units that can be independently adjusted. Each unit contains its own spring mechanism and attachment elements, allowing for simple rotational adjustment of the spring direction without affecting the stability of the overall palatal arch structure.
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 device minimizes friction, simplifies construction, allows for greater adjustable range, and can be fully prepared outside the oral cavity, reducing patient stress and increasing safety while maintaining low costs and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arranged between these and keeping them at a distance
Implementation Method 2
The spring of the pushing unit or pushing units and/or the pulling unit or pulling units preferably consists of a nickel-titanium alloy and can be designed as a compression spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The device (1) has a U-shaped palatal arch (3) attached to an anchor screw (4) through a coupling element (20), and indirectly attached on a respective molar tooth. A sliding unit (5) and/or a traction unit (6) are provided in a region of free ends (7) of the arch. Each of the sliding unit and the traction unit includes a supporting element (8), a push or pull element (9), and a retaining spring (10) between the supporting element and the push or pull element. The supporting element is clamped on the palatal arch such that the sliding or traction unit is indirectly fixed on the molar.