Polymeric Strut Assembly for Temporary Sleep Apnea Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a simple, cost-effective, and temporary means to treat obstructive sleep apnea while waiting for a permanent oral appliance to be made, and to provide apneic relief during orthodontic alignment treatment.
Innovation Solution
A provisional oral appliance with a unitary strut assembly formed from polymeric material, featuring pivotable joints and adjustable projections to maintain the lower jaw in a forward position, enhancing air flow during sleep.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent oral appliance is fabricated, then effective treatment of obstructive sleep apnea is achieved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance is divided into two distinct components: a reusable tray portion and a disposable strut assembly. The strut assembly can be quickly exchanged without replacing the entire appliance, allowing for rapid deployment of temporary treatment while maintaining the option for permanent solution fabrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The strut assembly is designed as a disposable component that can be easily manufactured and replaced. This allows patients to receive immediate temporary treatment relief while waiting for permanent appliance fabrication, eliminating the need for expensive and time-consuming permanent appliance manufacturing to provide initial relief.
2Manufacturing precision
If a custom-fitted permanent oral appliance is made, then precise jaw positioning is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance separates the positioning function (strut assembly) from the retention function (tray). The tray can be a simple stock appliance that fits generally, while the strut assembly provides the precise positioning through its adjustable geometry and articulation points, reducing the complexity requirements for the main appliance body.
Solution Approach 2:
The strut assembly incorporates movable articulation points and adjustable geometry that allow dynamic adaptation to individual patient anatomy. This dynamic component provides precise positioning without requiring the entire appliance to be custom-fitted, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining accuracy.
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized mandibular advancement devices are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to individual patient needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The strut assembly features adjustable geometry and movable articulation points that can be configured to match individual patient anatomical requirements. This allows a standardized tray to be combined with a customizable positioning mechanism, maintaining ease of manufacture for the base appliance while providing necessary individualization through the adjustable strut component.
Data Source
AI summary
A strut assembly for an oral appliance for the treatment of sleep apnea in a user includes a unitary body formed from a polymeric material. The unitary body includes an anterior end and a posterior end. A posterior projection is connected to the posterior end and an anterior projection is connected the anterior end. The unitary body, the posterior ball and the anterior protrusion integrally and monolithically formed.