Orthopedic Alignment Device with Pre-Formed Jaw Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mouthpieces that are user-fitted often fail to maintain an orthopedically aligned position of the jaw, leading to poor head alignment, increased risk of injury, and reduced physiologic performance due to lack of control over the lower jaw positioning during molding.
Innovation Solution
A user-customizable orthopedic alignment device (OAD) with a formable mouthpiece and alignment member that positions the lower jaw correctly during molding, ensuring the upper and lower jaws are aligned to promote optimal cranio-cervical alignment, utilizing thermoplastic materials that are softened and hardened to conform to the user's teeth, and includes alignment gap inserts for retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional user-fitted mouthpieces are used, then the device can be easily molded by the user himself, but the jaw position cannot be properly controlled leading to poor orthopedic alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-designed alignment members and alignment gaps into the mouthpiece structure before the user molding process. The alignment members are pre-positioned to guide the lower jaw into the correct orthopedic alignment, and the alignment gaps are pre-formed to accommodate these members. This preliminary structuring ensures that even when users mold the device themselves, the jaw alignment precision is maintained without requiring professional intervention.
2Device complexity
If conventional mouthpieces are used, then the device structure can be simple, but the cranio-cervical alignment cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthpiece is segmented into distinct functional components: the formable mouthpiece body, alignment members (such as blocks or rods), and alignment gaps. This segmentation allows the complex alignment function to be achieved through simple, modular elements. The alignment members are separate components that fit into predetermined gaps in the mouthpiece, creating a systematic approach to ensuring proper cranio-cervical alignment without requiring the entire device to be complex.
3Manufacturing precision
If professional custom-fitting is used, then optimal jaw alignment can be achieved, but the cost and availability become prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to perform the custom-fitting process themselves through a simplified methodology. The formable mouthpiece material can be softened and molded by the user without professional equipment. The pre-designed alignment members and alignment gaps guide the user through the process, ensuring that even without professional training, the user can achieve proper jaw alignment. This self-service capability makes the technology widely accessible and cost-effective while maintaining manufacturing precision.
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 effectively maintains an orthopedically aligned position of the jaw, reducing neural shear, improving range of motion, and minimizing the risk of injury by ensuring proper alignment of the cranio-cervical relationship, thereby enhancing physiologic performance and reducing pain.
Implementation Method 1
The right and left sections of the overmold comprise a first formable material which is adapted to be temporarily softened, molded to the user's teeth, and hardened in a shape that conforms to the user's teeth. 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, generally semicircular mouthpiece which has an alignment gap that is generally in alignment with the user's canine teeth when the device is placed in the user's mouth. The OAD has an overmold of moldable material having portions that cover the user's molars and front teeth. The alignment gap is provided between rear (right and left) portions and the front portion to allow an alignment member to be positioned laterally between the user's canine teeth during molding of the overmold. A frame is provided to stiffen the OAD between the front and read portions. After the overmold has been molded to the user's teeth, inserts can be positioned in the alignment gap to provide cushioning between the canine teeth when the OAD is used. The inserts may be molded after they are inserted into the overmold assembly.