Customizable Orthopedic Alignment Device with Self-Fitting Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mouthpieces that athletes use to maintain orthopedic alignment of the jaw are often costly and require professional fitting, limiting their accessibility and effectiveness in promoting optimal physiologic performance and reducing injuries related to poor head position.
Innovation Solution
A user-customizable orthopedic alignment device (OAD) with a moldable mouthpiece that includes an alignment gap and an alignment member, allowing users to fit the device themselves by positioning the alignment member between their canine teeth to achieve an orthopedically aligned jaw position during molding, ensuring proper alignment of the upper and lower jaws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mouthpieces are used to maintain orthopedic alignment of the jaw, then orthopedic alignment can be maintained, but the device requires professional fitting and is costly, limiting accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to fit and customize their own orthopedic alignment devices without requiring professional assistance. The device includes self-aligning features and user-friendly adjustment mechanisms that allow individuals to achieve proper jaw alignment independently, eliminating the need for costly professional fitting services while maintaining reliable orthopedic alignment.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional mouthpieces require professional fitting, then alignment precision can be ensured, but accessibility and widespread distribution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable parameters and modular components that allow the device to adapt to different jaw structures and alignment requirements. Users can modify tension, position, and fit parameters themselves, enabling the device to maintain precise alignment across diverse populations without requiring custom fabrication by professionals, thus improving widespread accessibility.
3Reliability
If professional fitting services are required, then device effectiveness is improved, but costs become prohibitive for widespread distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the orthopedic alignment device into modular segments that can be manufactured independently and assembled by users. This segmentation allows for standardized mass production of components at lower costs, eliminating the need for expensive professional fitting services while maintaining device effectiveness through user-configurable modular assembly.
4Manufacturing precision
If mouthpieces are designed for professional fitting, then alignment accuracy is maintained, but user autonomy and self-customization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces self-aligning intermediary components that automatically guide proper jaw positioning during device assembly and use. These intermediary features include alignment guides, tapered interfaces, and progressive engagement mechanisms that ensure accurate jaw alignment while allowing users to perform the customization themselves, combining manufacturing precision with user autonomy.
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 OAD improves physiologic performance, reduces injuries, and maintains optimal orthopedic alignment of the head and upper cervical spine by ensuring the lower jaw is aligned with the upper jaw, thereby reducing neural shear and enhancing range of motion and balance.
Implementation Method 1
The formable material may be, for example, a thermoplastic material which is adapted to be softened by heating and hardened by cooling
Data Source
AI summary
A user-customizable orthopedic alignment device (OAD) that includes a formable mouthpiece which has an alignment gap that is aligned with the user's canine teeth when the device is placed in the user's mouth. The OAD has moldable material that cover the user's molars and may cover the front teeth. The alignment gap is provided to allow an alignment member to be positioned laterally between the user's canine teeth during molding of the moldable material. The moldable material may be positioned on a frame that includes living hinges that allow the frame and mouthpiece to flex and adjust to the specific spacing between a user's right and left molars. After the moldable material has been molded to the user's teeth, inserts can be positioned in the alignment gap in some embodiments to provide cushioning between the canine teeth when the OAD is used.