Self-Adjusting Cord System for Oral Appliance Jaw Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sleep apnea oral appliances cause discomfort due to imbalanced forces and irritation, particularly from elastic cord systems that fail to adjust to natural jaw movements during sleep.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting cord system between upper and lower trays with a guide member and optional spacers to maintain balanced forces and reduce irritation, featuring interchangeable cords for customizable fit and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If elastic cords are used to advance the lower jaw, then the mandibular arch is held forward, but the cords create imbalanced pulling forces causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic self-adjusting mechanism where the cord system automatically responds to jaw movements during sleep. The guide member allows the cord to slide and adjust its position dynamically, ensuring that pulling forces remain balanced even as the jaw moves through different positions during sleep cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-adjusting mechanism incorporates feedback by detecting jaw position changes and automatically modifying cord tension distribution. The guide member and cord configuration create a feedback loop that maintains force balance in response to natural jaw movements, preventing discomfort from asymmetric pulling forces.
2Device complexity
If fixed cord systems are used, then the structure is simple, but the appliance cannot adapt to natural jaw movements during sleep
Solution Approach 1:
The cord system transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic one through the guide member design. The guide member allows the cord to slide along its path and automatically adjusts to jaw movements, providing adaptability while maintaining relatively simple construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is self-adjusting, requiring no external control or complex regulation systems. The cord system automatically adapts to jaw movements through the guide member's geometric constraints, achieving versatility through self-regulating geometry rather than complex active control mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional cord systems are used, then the appliance is easy to manufacture, but it causes irritation to the lips and buccal mucosa
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member acts as an intermediary element between the cord system and the user's oral tissues. It redirects and distributes the cord's contact away from sensitive areas like the lips and buccal mucosa, reducing irritation while maintaining the mechanical function of the cord system.
Solution Approach 2:
The design applies different geometric characteristics to different regions of the cord system. The guide member's specific geometry is optimized to protect sensitive areas, while other regions maintain standard manufacturing simplicity. This localized optimization reduces harm without significantly complicating overall manufacturing.
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 enhances user comfort by maintaining balanced forces and reducing jaw and muscle pain, requiring minimal adjustments and providing effective treatment for sleep apnea with improved ease of use and customization.
Implementation Method 1
The different mechanisms that use elastic cords or screw mechanisms have drawbacks, particularly in terms of causing discomfort for patients.
Data Source
AI summary
An oral appliance with an upper tray, a lower tray, and a flat cord that extends around and slides freely in a receiving slot formed on the front surface of the upper tray. The opposite ends of the flat cord extend diagonally rearward and connect to side connectors on the lower tray's outside surfaces of the two wing sections. The flat cord is made of non-elastic material, so it maintains its original length during use. During use, the flat cord self-adjusts its position over the upper tray to pull the wing sections on the lower tray forward relative to the upper tray evenly. A spacer may be formed on the abutting front curved surfaces of the front or lower trays to hold the trays' wing sections apart. The appliance may be distributed with a set of cords with different lengths that apply different pulling forces on the lower tray.