Orthotic Device Enlarging Oral Aperture via Spring-Loaded Conformers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microstomia, a condition characterized by a reduction in oral aperture size due to developmental or acquired factors such as illness or surgical trauma, poses challenges in phonetics, mastication, oral hygiene, and psychological well-being, requiring a multidisciplinary treatment approach that effectively manages and potentially enlarges the oral aperture.
Innovation Solution
An orthotic device comprising a U-shaped rod with a curved portion and straight arms, paired with conformers and a spring, applies a customizable force to the labial commissures to enlarge the oral aperture, featuring interchangeable components for adjustable treatment and easy sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed orthotic device is used to treat microstomia, then the device structure is simple, but the treatment cannot be adjusted as the patient progresses
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic device is divided into separate modular components: a headgear assembly, a labial segment with conformers, and a resilient component. This segmentation allows individual components to be adjusted, removed, or replaced independently, enabling treatment customization while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a resilient component (spring) that provides dynamic, adjustable force to the labial commissures. The spring's properties can be modified by replacing it with different springs, and the conformers can be repositioned along the labial segment, transforming a static device into a dynamic, adaptable treatment system.
2Manufacturing precision
If a customized orthotic device is designed for each patient, then the treatment precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses modular components that can be manufactured as standard parts and then customized through assembly and adjustment. The labial segment with conformers can be fitted to individual patients by adjusting conformer positions rather than manufacturing entirely custom pieces, reducing production costs while maintaining patient-specific fit.
Solution Approach 2:
Customization is achieved by changing parameters such as conformer position, spring selection, and component configuration rather than creating entirely unique devices for each patient. This allows standardized manufacturing of base components with simple adjustments for individual patient needs.
3Reliability
If a non-removable orthotic device is used, then the device provides continuous treatment, but the components cannot be individually sterilized
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic device is designed as separate removable components (headgear, labial segment, resilient component) that can be detached from one another. This allows each component to be individually sterilized using appropriate methods while maintaining the overall treatment continuity when reassembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables periodic removal and sterilization of components while maintaining continuous treatment through regular reapplication. The components can be removed for sterilization and then reattached to provide ongoing treatment, combining hygiene requirements with treatment continuity.
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 orthotic device effectively enlarges the oral aperture, improving dental hygiene and speech, with customizable options for patient-specific treatment plans and cost-effective manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a spring coiled around the rod and positioned between the conformers; wherein during use the labial hooks are inserted in the subject's mouth to each engage one of the opposing labial commissures of the mouth such that a compression of the spring applies a force to the labial commissures via the conformers
Data Source
AI summary
An orthotic device for treating microstomia is described that includes a U-shaped rod, a pair of conformers, and a spring coiled around the rod, positioned between the conformers. The rod includes a curved portion between two straight arms and is sized to accommodate the subject's head. The pair of conformers each include a labial hook and a pair of through holes for receiving the U-shaped rod. The U-shaped rod is smooth through holes of each conformer positioned at the curved portion proximate to a corresponding one of the straight arms. The labial hooks each curve away from the curved portion towards one of the straight arms of the U-shaped rod. During use the labial hooks are inserted in the subject's mouth to engage one of the opposing labial commissures of the mouth. A compression of the spring applies a force to the labial commissures via the conformers.