Orthodontic Pliers with Integrated Protractor for Measurable Torque Bends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for creating torquing bends in orthodontic archwires are cumbersome and lack accuracy due to the need for two separate tools, making it difficult to measure the bend magnitude effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of pliers with pivotally connected upper and lower grips, a pivoting rod, and a lever arm with protractors allows for precise measurement and application of torque bends in orthodontic archwires by enabling the archwire to be securely held and rotated within defined slots and channels, with the lever arm's rotation determining the bend magnitude using indicia on the protractors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two separate tools are used to create torquing bends, then the wire can be held and twisted, but the process becomes cumbersome and measurement of bend magnitude becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate tools (wire holder and twisting tool) into a single integrated pliers device. The lower jaw holds the archwire while the upper jaw with lever arm performs the twisting action, eliminating the need for two separate tools and simplifying the操作流程.
Solution Approach 2:
The pliers device performs multiple functions within a single tool: holding the wire (lower jaw), applying torque (upper jaw), and measuring the bend magnitude (protractor). This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating operations that previously required separate tools.
2Measurement precision
If two separate tools are used to create torquing bends, then the wire can be manipulated, but the bend magnitude cannot be measured accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The protractor attached to the lever arm provides visual feedback on the bend magnitude as the lever arm rotates. This allows the practitioner to see and measure the exact angle of the torquing bend being applied, enabling accurate measurement while maintaining ease of operation through the integrated design.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional two-tool method is used, then wire manipulation is possible, but the process lacks accuracy in applying corrective forces
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the wire holding function (lower jaw) and the torque application function (upper jaw with lever arm) into a single device, the patent ensures that the wire is held securely at the correct position while the torque is applied precisely. This integration eliminates positioning errors that occur when using two separate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The protractor provides real-time feedback on the bend angle, allowing the practitioner to apply the exact corrective force needed. This measurement capability ensures manufacturing precision in the orthodontic treatment while the integrated design keeps the device relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
Pliers for making measurable torque bends in orthodontic archwires include upper and lower grips that are pivotally connected to each other. The upper grip is attached to a lower jaw having a first lower wing and a second lower wing. At least one slot is defined in an upper surface of each lower wing for receiving a portion of an archwire therein. The lower grip is attached to an upper jaw. The upper jaw includes a first upper wing and a second upper wing. A pivoting rod is pivotally connected to the first and second upper wings. A lever arm slidably engages a central portion of the pivoting rod. End portions of the pivoting rod extend through the upper wings and are connected to protractors. The lever arm includes at least one channel on a bottom surface for receiving a portion of the archwire between the lower wings.