Orthodontic Pliers With Integrated Force Scale for Elastic Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic treatments face challenges in accurately measuring the force applied by elastic bands or power chains, leading to potential patient discomfort or prolonged treatment times due to forces outside the recommended range.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a force scale into orthodontic pliers, allowing for real-time measurement of the tension force applied to elastic bands or power trains during attachment to fixed appliances, enhancing precision and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate force scale is used to measure elastic band force, then force measurement capability is provided, but operational efficiency deteriorates due to requiring switching between multiple instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The force scale is integrated into the orthodontic pliers by securing it to one of the plier members, combining two previously separate instruments (force scale and pliers) into a single unified tool. This allows the orthodontist to measure elastic band force and manipulate appliances simultaneously without switching between instruments, directly resolving the contradiction between providing force measurement capability and maintaining operational efficiency
2Measurement precision
If force measurement is not performed accurately, then treatment time increases and patient comfort deteriorates, but measurement capability is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated force scale provides real-time feedback on the force being applied by the elastic band during orthodontic procedures. This immediate feedback allows the orthodontist to adjust the force to the optimal range, preventing both excessive force (which causes pain and root resorption) and insufficient force (which prolongs treatment), thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and treatment time
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
Enables precise force measurement, reducing patient discomfort and shortening treatment time by ensuring forces are within recommended ranges.
Implementation Method 1
The force scale includes a hook adapted for releasable attachment to an elastic band, power train or the like such that the force scale can measure the tension force thereof
Data Source
AI summary
The orthodontic pliers with a force scale is an orthodontic tool with an integrated force scale for measuring the force of an elastic band or a power train during attachment thereof to a fixed orthodontic appliance. The orthodontic pliers include first and second members each having a gripping portion and a jaw portion. The first and second members are pivotally attached to one another in a manner similar to conventional pliers. A force scale is secured to the first member. The force scale includes a hook adapted for releasable attachment to an elastic band, power train or the like such that the force scale can measure the tension force thereof. The hook is positioned adjacent the respective jaw portions of the first and second members. As in a conventional pair of Mathieu pliers, the respective gripping portions of the first and second members may be selectively lockable to one another.