Self-ligating Orthodontic Bracket with Adjustable Slide
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthodontic brackets, especially self-ligating ones, do not provide an efficient and straightforward method for orthodontists to select between active and passive ligation of archwires, limiting treatment plan variability and adaptability to individual patient needs.
Innovation Solution
The development of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket with a movable slide member and a resilient member that allows the archwire slot to change its effective dimension, enabling the bracket to switch between active and passive ligation modes without changing the archwire, by moving the slide member between different positions within the bracket body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a self-ligating bracket with a fixed archwire slot width is used, then the bracket structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the orthodontist cannot switch between active and passive ligation modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the archwire slot width adjustable through a movable closure member (slide) that can shift between positions. The slot width dynamically changes from a first width (passive ligation) to a second width (active ligation), allowing the bracket to adapt to different treatment stages without requiring multiple fixed-width brackets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single bracket that can perform both passive and active ligation functions. The closure member mechanism enables the same bracket to accommodate different archwire widths and provide different ligation modes, eliminating the need for separate brackets for each ligation type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the archwire slot width is made adjustable to allow mode switching, then ligation mode selection is enabled, but the bracket structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is designed as a movable slide that can shift between at least two positions to change the effective width of the archwire slot. This dynamic adjustment mechanism is integrated into the bracket body, allowing manufacturers to produce a single bracket design that provides multiple ligation modes through the movable component.
3Length of moving object
If passive ligation is used with small archwires, then sufficient space exists in the archwire slot for wire movement, but control over the archwire is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the archwire slot width by moving the closure member. When passive ligation is needed, the slot width is increased to accommodate smaller archwires with movement space. When active ligation is needed, the slot width is decreased to provide snug fit and precise control, allowing the system to adapt to different treatment requirements.
4Measurement precision
If active ligation is used with large archwires, then excellent archwire control is achieved, but space for wire movement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The movable closure member enables dynamic adjustment of the archwire slot effective width. For active ligation with larger archwires, the closure member is positioned to reduce the slot width, providing snug fit and excellent control. For passive ligation with smaller archwires, the closure member is repositioned to increase the slot width, allowing sufficient movement space.
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
This solution allows for flexible ligation modes, enabling orthodontists to tailor treatment plans more effectively by altering the ligation mode without changing the archwire or adding additional devices, thereby enhancing treatment adaptability and precision.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member configured to bias the slide member toward the base surface of the archwire slot
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A self-ligating orthodontic bracket that includes a bracket body, a slide member, and a resilient member. The slide member is movable relative to the bracket body between an opened position, a first ligating position, and a second ligating position. In the first ligating position and in the second ligating position, a surface of the slide member bounds the archwire slot on a side generally opposite to the base surface to retain the archwire. The resilient member is coupled to one of the slide member and the bracket body and is configured to engage the other of the slide member and the bracket body, wherein the resilient member has a deformed state for biasing the slide member toward the base surface in at least one of the first and second ligating positions. In the first and second ligating positions, the base surface of the archwire slot and the surface of the slide member are separated by different distances.