Orthodontic Post and Pin Assembly for Wire-Mounted Appliance Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic appliances require the entire assembly, including the mounting wire, to be disconnected and reassembled to change or adjust the appliance size, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A post and pin assembly that secures directly to the orthodontic wire, allowing for easy removal and reinstallation of appliances without disassembling the wire from its clasps, using a slotted post and pin mechanism with a threaded screw for precise positioning and securement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire orthodontic assembly including the mounting wire is disconnected and reassembled to change the appliance size, then the appliance can be adjusted to different sizes and configurations, but the treatment time increases and the process becomes more costly
Solution Approach 1:
The orthodontic appliance is divided into separable components: the appliance body can be detached from the mounting wire assembly. The wire assembly includes the mounting wire with clasps that remain固定在 teeth上, while the appliance portion can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows changing appliance size without removing the wire from teeth, thus reducing treatment time while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary connection mechanism consisting of a pin and slot system. The pin on the appliance engages with a slot in the wire assembly (or vice versa) to create a detachable connection. This intermediary mechanism enables quick attachment and detachment of the appliance to the wire, facilitating rapid appliance changes without full disassembly, thereby addressing both adaptability and time efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire orthodontic assembly including the mounting wire is disconnected and reassembled to change the appliance size, then the appliance can be adjusted to different sizes and configurations, but the complexity of the adjustment process increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the appliance into a wire assembly portion and an appliance body portion with a clear separation interface, the adjustment process becomes simpler. The clinician only needs to detach the appliance body from the wire assembly using the pin-slot mechanism, rather than managing the complexity of completely disassembling and reassembling all components including the wire and clasps.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin-slot intermediary mechanism provides a straightforward connection and disconnection method. The pin aligns with and engages into the slot, creating a simple mechanical interface that reduces the complexity of the adjustment process. This standardized interface allows for easy attachment and detachment without requiring complex tools or procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the entire orthodontic assembly including the mounting wire is disconnected and reassembled to change the appliance size, then the appliance can be adjusted to different sizes and configurations, but the risk of errors and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the appliance at the interface between the wire assembly and appliance body protects the integrity of the wire and clasp components. By leaving the wire assembly in place during appliance changes, the risk of damaging the wire or improperly securing the clasps to the teeth is eliminated, thus maintaining reliability while still allowing appliance size adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin-slot intermediary mechanism provides a reliable and consistent connection method that reduces the risk of assembly errors. The mechanical engagement of the pin with the slot ensures proper alignment and secure attachment, minimizing the likelihood of improper installation or damage to components during the appliance change process.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthodontic post and pin assembly including a post structure, being slotted at its back end, for accommodating a pin therethrough, the post includes a further slot into which the wire of an orthodontic appliance may locate, so that when the post and pin assembly are connected onto the wire, and a hybrid screw is tighten within the post, the appliance may become affixed to the wire at the position of its tightening and securement. This eliminates the need for removal of the wire, when a different or different size orthodontic appliance needs to be installed.