Orthodontic Shield Adhesive Layer for Athletic Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Athletes with orthodontic appliances face challenges in fitting mouth guards due to the cumbersome nature of existing shields, which either cause breathing difficulties or are expensive and not easily applicable for one-time use.
Innovation Solution
A flexible orthodontic appliance shield with a resilient outer layer and an inner adhesive layer, made from materials like high-density closed cell foam or elastomers, that can be easily applied and removed, providing protection without breathing issues or high costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pliable wax and plastic shields are used, then the shield is easy to fit over the orthodontic appliance, but it becomes cumbersome to fit over the appliance each time it is to be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the shield material by using a rigid thermoplastic material that can be melted and reformed. This allows the shield to be quickly applied by melting and shaping, then cooling to set, eliminating the need for cumbersome manual fitting each time while maintaining ease of application.
2Ease of operation
If more rigid orthodontic appliance guards are used, then the shield is easier to fit and more durable, but it creates breathing difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a shield with varying thickness and density - thinner and more flexible in regions requiring breathability, and thicker and more protective in regions requiring impact resistance. This allows the rigid material to provide durability while maintaining adequate breathability through strategic thinning in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining rigid thermoplastic material with flexible components, creating a shield that integrates the durability of rigid materials with the breathability and flexibility needed for comfortable wear during athletic activities.
3Reliability
If more rigid orthodontic appliance guards are used, then the shield provides better protection, but it increases the cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable shields made from inexpensive rigid thermoplastic material that can be easily manufactured and discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for expensive reusable guards, providing effective protection at a low cost through simple injection molding or extrusion manufacturing processes.
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 shield effectively protects the soft tissues from injury during athletic events by securely adhering to the orthodontic appliances, minimizing bleeding and allowing athletes to continue participating without removal from the event until bleeding stops, while being inexpensive and disposable.
Implementation Method 1
The inner adhesive layer provides adhesion of the resilient compressible material outer layer over all exposed surfaces of an orthodontic appliance
Data Source
AI summary
A protective shield is removably mounted over an orthodontic appliance in a user's mouth and includes an outer resilient compressible material layer joined to an inner adhesive layer. The shield is flexible for easy installation over all exposed surfaces of the orthodontic appliance; but is removable after a period of use. The outer resilient material layer of the shield can be formed of closed cell foam or a gelatinous material.