Orthodontic Device Compression Spring Limiter

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing orthodontic devices made of elastic materials suffer from permanent deformation and loss of elastic properties when extended, leading to frequent replacement and reduced control over treatment outcomes.

Innovation Solution

An orthodontic device featuring a helical spring with a limiter mechanism that prevents permanent deformation by compressing coils together, allowing for controlled elastic properties retention and reduced replacement frequency, utilizing anchors that exert compression forces to maintain biasing functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If elastic materials are used to apply forces between teeth, then the device can exert bias, but the material will permanently deform and lose elastic properties when extended past a limit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiasing forceVSAvoidelastic properties retention

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by using a compression spring instead of an extension spring. The biasing member is configured to operate under compression rather than extension, which prevents permanent deformation and maintains elastic properties. The anchors are positioned such that they compress the biasing member between them, reversing the traditional loading mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into distinct functional components: first and second anchors, and a biasing member positioned between them. This segmentation allows the biasing member to be optimally designed for compression operation while the anchors provide stable attachment points, separating the functions of force application and force generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Duration of action of moving object

If elastic materials are used in orthodontic devices, then the device can provide continuous force, but the materials tend to deform over time requiring frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous force provisionVSAvoiddevice lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by using a compression spring instead of an extension spring. The biasing member is configured to operate under compression rather than extension, which prevents permanent deformation and maintains elastic properties. The anchors are positioned such that they compress the biasing member between them, reversing the traditional loading mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter of the spring from extension to compression. This parameter change fundamentally alters the deformation characteristics, allowing the spring to operate within its elastic limit continuously without permanent deformation, thereby extending device lifespan while maintaining continuous force provision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Force

If the biasing member is extended to apply force, then pulling force can be exerted, but the material will permanently deform and lose elasticity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepulling forceVSAvoidelastic material stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by using a compression spring instead of an extension spring. The biasing member is configured to operate under compression rather than extension, which prevents permanent deformation and maintains elastic properties. The anchors are positioned such that they compress the biasing member between them, reversing the traditional loading mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 device effectively maintains its elastic properties over time, reducing the need for frequent replacements and enhancing treatment effectiveness by providing consistent pulling forces for malocclusion correction.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing member (12) which is deformable under compression and which exerts a bias when so deformed; the first anchor (14) is located within a helix described by the helical spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the limiter (22) acts to prevent permanent deformation of the biasing member due to over-extension

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3285679B1Orthodontic device

Publication Date: 2021.12.22 BACKES

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~7
Figure 8~12

AI summary

An orthodontic device comprising a biasing member and first and second anchors for attaching the biasing member within a patient's mouth, wherein the biasing member exerts a bias under compression or extension, wherein the biasing member comprises a limiter for preventing movement of the biasing member past a predetermined limit, and wherein at least one of the first and second anchors is inelastic.