Palatal Expander Geometry for Controlled Expansion and Easy Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing palatal expanders are inefficient and uncomfortable, often causing difficulty in removal and failing to provide incremental, controlled expansion of the palate, which can lead to speech impairment and breathing difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A series of palatal expanders with customizable geometry and force application, featuring detachable designs, variable thickness, and 3D printing technology to ensure comfortable and controlled expansion, allowing for incremental growth and ease of removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional palatal expanders are used, then palate expansion function is provided, but removal difficulty increases and patient comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The expander device is divided into multiple independent components: expansion elements, retention elements, and detachment elements. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the device to be securely retained during use but easily removed when needed by manipulating the detachment element.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic system that can switch between retained and detached states. The detachment element enables controlled transformation of the retention state, providing both stable retention during treatment and easy removal when required.
2Manufacturing precision
If incremental palatal expansion is implemented, then treatment precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expander incorporates adjustable expansion elements that can be modified in stages. The device transitions from a fixed-geometry expander to a dynamic system where expansion force and geometry can be adjusted incrementally, allowing precise control of palate expansion without requiring multiple different devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion parameters (force, geometry, rate) are made variable rather than fixed. The device allows controlled changes in expansion parameters over time, enabling incremental palatal expansion with precise control while using a single adaptable device rather than a series of different expanders.
3Ease of operation
If customizable geometry is provided, then patient comfort improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device geometry is made variable through adjustable components rather than requiring custom-manufactured devices for each patient. Key parameters such as expansion force, arch width, and component positioning can be customized by adjusting the device rather than manufacturing entirely different geometries, improving both comfort and manufacturability.
4Reliability
If force distribution is optimized, then expansion efficacy improves, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates multiple contact points and distribution elements that apply force locally at specific locations on the palate. Rather than a single complex force application mechanism, multiple simpler elements work together to distribute force optimally across different regions, improving expansion efficacy without excessive structural complexity.
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 solution provides a comfortable and efficient method for palatal expansion, minimizing discomfort and facilitating easy removal, thereby improving speech and breathing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
forming a palatal expander having a pair of tooth engagement regions connected by a palatal region and two or more attachment regions
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 1E~1G
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
Palatal expander apparatuses for expanding a patient's palate ("palatal expanders") and methods of using and making them. These palatal expanders may be configured to have a variable surface smoothness on one side (e.g., the lingual-facing surface) compared to the opposite side (e.g., the palatal-facing surface). These palatal expanders may be configured to have a varying thickness in the palatal region. These palatal expanders may be adapted for ease in removal by the patient or caregiver (e.g., including a hinged region and/or detachment region, and/or including a thinner buccal side then occlusal side, etc.).