Replaceable Maxillary Expander Screw Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing maxillary skeletal expanders using micro implants face challenges in providing sufficient rotational force and durability due to their small size, limiting the expansion range and causing discomfort to patients.

Innovation Solution

An exchangeable or replaceable maxillary skeletal expander design featuring a pair of guides fixed by screws, an expansion part with sliding main bodies and an expansion screw, and optional replacement guides and anti-withdrawal protrusions to increase expansion range without removing implanted screws, allowing for easy replacement of the expansion part.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the expansion screw diameter is increased to provide sufficient rotational force, then the rotational force and durability are improved, but the overall size of the expander increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational forceVSAvoidoverall size

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The expander is divided into fixed components (guides, implanted screws) and replaceable components (expansion part). The guides remain small and fixed in the maxilla, while the expansion part with the expansion screw can be replaced with different sizes to provide sufficient rotational force without permanently increasing the overall device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion part is designed to be replaceable, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to different treatment stages. Different expansion parts with varying screw diameters can be exchanged based on the expansion needs, providing optimal rotational force at each stage without committing to a fixed large size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the expansion part is made replaceable, then the expansion range is increased and patient comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexpansion rangeVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The expander is segmented into a fixed guide portion and a replaceable expansion portion. The guides remain permanently implanted and provide structural stability, while the expansion parts can be exchanged to accommodate different expansion ranges, thus increasing adaptability without requiring the entire device to be complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guides serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, guide the expansion movement, and remain fixed throughout treatment. By making the guides universal and reusable, the system achieves versatility through component replacement rather than designing entirely different devices for different expansion needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the expansion screw diameter is increased, then the durability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited space in the oral cavity

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidease of rotation

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the durability function (provided by the robust guides and expansion screw mechanism) from the operation function. The guides and screw mechanism can be designed for high durability, while the access and operation are simplified through the replaceable design that allows use of appropriate tools and techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guides act as intermediaries between the small oral cavity space and the larger expansion screw mechanism. They transmit the rotational force from the expansion screw to the maxillary bones, allowing a larger durability-oriented screw to function effectively within the constrained oral space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables increased expansion range of the maxilla with reduced patient discomfort by allowing the expansion part to be replaced without disturbing the implanted screws, enhancing the durability and effectiveness of the expansion process.

Implementation Method 1

an expansion screw configured to penetrate the pair of main bodies and adjust an interval between the pair of main bodies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a pair of main bodies configured to be inserted and extended while sliding between the pair of guides

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11648092B2Exchangeable or replaceable maxillary skeletal expander

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 BIOMATERIALS KOREA

AI summary

Provided is an exchangeable or replaceable maxillary skeletal expander. The exchangeable maxillary skeletal expander including: a pair of guides configured to be fixed by micro implants implanted into maxilla; and an expansion part including: a pair of main bodies configured to be inserted and extended while sliding between the pair of guides; and an expansion screw configured to penetrate the pair of main bodies and adjust an interval between the pair of main bodies.