Orthodontic Spindle Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic appliances require removal of jaw splints from the mouth for adjustment, limiting the precision and speed of adjustments, as well as the ability to check comfort in situ, due to the restricted angle of rotation of the adjustment mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The adjustment mechanism features a spindle with a coupling structure accessible from the front, allowing for in situ adjustments without removing the splints, using a tool that attaches to a hexagon or square socket, ensuring the mechanism is anchored and does not protrude, enabling continuous adjustment of engaging parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the adjustment mechanism uses a spindle with limited rotation angle located between the jaw splint legs, then the structure is compact, but the adjustment is tedious and requires removal of the jaw splint from the mouth
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the access dimension for the adjustment mechanism. Instead of accessing the spindle from the lateral side between the jaw splint legs (requiring splint removal), the coupling structure is positioned on the outer surface of the jaw splint, allowing frontal access with a turning tool while the splint remains in the patient's mouth. This dimensional change enables in-situ adjustment without removal.
2Measurement precision
If the adjustment mechanism is accessible only from the lateral side between jaw splint legs, then the structure is simple, but the orthodontist cannot check the accuracy of fit in situ
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the coupling structure from the internal space between the jaw splint legs and positions it on the outer surface of the jaw splint. This extraction allows the orthodontist to access and adjust the mechanism directly in the patient's mouth, enabling real-time verification of fit accuracy without removing the appliance.
3Ease of operation
If the coupling structure protrudes beyond the contour of the jaw splint, then the adjustment is easily accessible, but the comfort of the wearer is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure is nested within a recess in the jaw splint material, with its outer surface flush with or slightly below the outer contour of the jaw splint. This nesting approach allows the coupling structure to be accessible for adjustment while not protruding to interfere with the patient's comfort or create harmful factors during wear.
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
Facilitates faster and more precise adjustments of orthodontic appliances, allowing for real-time patient feedback and comfort assessment without compromising wear comfort, as adjustments can be made while the splints remain in the mouth.
Implementation Method 1
The adjusting mechanism 13 has a spindle 16 with oppositely directed threaded sections
Implementation Method 2
The coupling structure is usually a polygon socket, for example a hexagon socket or a square socket
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an orthodontic apparatus comprising an upper jaw brace (OKS) and a lower jaw brace (UKS). The braces each have an adjustment mechanism (13) for an engaging part (14, 30). The engaging parts engage together when the mouth is closed. Each adjustment mechanism (13) has an adjustment spindle (16) running in the sagittal direction of the jaw brace, the spindle head thereof can be accessed at the front by a tool (T). The position of the engaging part can thereby be adjusted very easily, and, among other things, also while the orthodontic apparatus is in the mouth of the patient.