Self-Locking Orthodontic Bracket With Elastic Torque Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic self-locking brackets face issues with torque control when using thick arch wires, leading to excessive stress concentration on tooth roots, irreversible damage, and prolonged treatment due to difficulty in precisely controlling torque and clearance between the arch wire and bracket groove.
Innovation Solution
The orthodontic self-locking bracket system incorporates an elastic member, such as an elastic tube, within the groove to allow for elastic deformation, providing controllable arch wire torque by adapting to different twist angles, reducing stress concentration, and ensuring precise torque application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a thick arch wire is used to control the tooth root for ideal torque, then the tooth achieves ideal torque and position, but the clearance between the arch wire and groove cannot be eliminated, affecting precise expression of preset bracket data and treatment effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by introducing an elastic member (elastic cover plate or elastic column) that can flexibly adapt to the arch wire. The elastic member deforms elastically under the arch wire, filling the clearance between the arch wire and groove, thereby eliminating the gap and enabling precise torque expression while maintaining the thick arch wire's ability to control tooth root position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by changing the physical state of the groove from rigid to elastic. The elastic member allows the groove to dynamically adjust its dimensions and stiffness according to the arch wire's twist angle and applied force, enabling the groove to adapt to different torque requirements while eliminating clearance.
2Ease of operation
If the current self-locking bracket is matched with arch wire for use, then the bracket is convenient and efficient, but positions and angles of multiple self-locking brackets have various differential changes, making it difficult to precisely control the final torque of the arch wire during twisting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle through the elastic member's ability to provide real-time feedback on torque application. The elastic member deforms in response to the arch wire's twisting, and this deformation can be visually observed or measured, allowing the orthodontist to precisely control the final torque. The elastic member acts as a feedback mechanism that translates internal forces into observable deformations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by making the groove dynamic through the elastic member. Instead of a fixed, rigid groove, the elastic member allows the groove to dynamically adjust its position and angle in response to the arch wire's twisting, compensating for differential changes in multiple brackets and enabling precise torque control.
3Strength
If a rigid groove and rigid arch wire are used in a self-locking bracket, then the structure is simple and strong, but stress on the tooth root is excessively concentrated during torque control, leading to adsorption risk and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by introducing the elastic member as a cushioning element before stress is applied to the tooth root. The elastic member absorbs and distributes the stress from the arch wire, preventing excessive stress concentration on the tooth root. This cushioning effect reduces the risk of tooth root absorption and damage while maintaining the structural strength of the bracket.
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 system effectively controls arch wire torque with reduced risk of tooth root absorption, ensuring safe and efficient orthodontic treatment by minimizing excessive stress and maintaining ideal tooth alignment and positioning.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic member is capable of elastically deforming under a squeezing action of the arch wire; and the elastic member is capable of elastically deforming on a part close to a bottom surface of the groove and a part away from the bottom surface of the groove
Data Source
AI summary
An orthodontic self-locking bracket with a controllable arch wire torque, including a bracket body and an elastic member, wherein a groove is provided in the bracket body, and a self-locking cover plate is disposed on an upper part of the groove; the elastic member is connected to a side wall of the groove; the elastic member and another side wall of the groove are configured to dispose an arch wire; the elastic member is capable of elastically deforming under a squeezing action of the arch wire; and the elastic member is capable of elastically deforming on a part close to a bottom surface of the groove and a part away from the bottom surface of the groove, to elastically act on the arch wire at different twist angles.