Rotational Self-Ligating Bracket for Orthodontic Archwire Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthodontic appliances, particularly in lingual techniques, face challenges with the positioning of attachments and grooves due to the significant angulation of posterior teeth surfaces, leading to potential misalignment and the need for frequent ligature replacement, which is time-consuming and uncomfortable for patients, and can weaken the bracket's connection with the base.
Innovation Solution
A self-ligating bracket assembly with an elastic clip that moves reversibly between open and closed positions through a rotational movement, eliminating the need for translational sliding and reducing the risk of tartar accumulation, allowing for easier archwire insertion and removal, and providing a compact design that maintains stability over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional ligature method is used to secure the archwire, then the archwire can be fixed in the groove, but the ligature may deteriorate over time, require frequent replacement, and the process is time-consuming and uncomfortable for patients
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic clip is designed to be self-retaining through its elastic properties, automatically securing the archwire in the groove without requiring external ligatures. The clip maintains constant elastic pressure on the archwire, providing continuous retention without manual intervention for replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic clip replaces traditional ligatures with a more durable, reusable component. Unlike disposable ligatures that deteriorate and require frequent replacement, the elastic clip maintains its functional properties over extended periods, reducing both time loss and patient discomfort.
2Ease of operation
If a self-ligating bracket with translational sliding clip is used, then the groove can be closed, but tartar accumulation on the bracket hinders the sliding movement, making clip manipulation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the clip translationally along the bracket surface (which is hindered by tartar), the invention inverts the movement mechanism to rotational motion around a pivot point. This rotational movement allows the clip to open and close the groove without sliding across the bracket surface, eliminating the harmful effect of tartar accumulation on clip manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The translational mechanical sliding system is replaced with a rotational mechanical system. The clip rotates around a pivot point rather than sliding linearly, substituting the movement mechanism to avoid contact with tartar deposits on the bracket surface.
3Ease of operation
If a self-ligating bracket with rotational movement is used, then the clip can be easily manipulated without tartar interference, but the design complexity increases compared to simple sliding mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational pivot mechanism is integrated directly into the bracket structure, merging the rotation function with the existing bracket components. The elastic clip itself incorporates the pivot point, combining the clipping function and rotational movement into a single integrated component rather than adding separate mechanical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic clip serves multiple functions: it provides the rotational movement mechanism, acts as the closing element for the groove, and maintains continuous elastic pressure on the archwire. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, offsetting the increased operational ease with reduced overall device 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 rotational self-ligating bracket assembly simplifies the process of archwire management, reduces the risk of tartar-related complications, and enhances patient comfort by minimizing the length of the attachment, while maintaining reliable and stable functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic clip that can be moved reversibly between an open position leaving a free passage for the insertion of the arch into the groove or the extraction of the arch from the groove and a closed position closing the groove
Data Source
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AI summary
Assembly formed by: - a self-ligating bracket (1) intended to be part of an orthodontic apparatus, said bracket (1) having in the longitudinal direction thereof (OX) an outer face and an occlusal face and being provided on the outer face thereof with a groove (2) for holding an orthodontic arch wire; - and an elastic clip (10) that can be moved in a reversible manner between an open position, leaving a free passage for the insertion of the arch wire into the groove (2) or the extraction of the arch wire from the groove (2), and a closed position closing off the groove (2); - wherein said bracket and said clip (10) comprise means which allow the clip (10) to be moved between said positions essentially by a rotational movement, without the clip (10) sliding in translation. - Assembly formed by this bracket (1), this clip (10) and a base (16) supporting the bracket.