Snap-Fit Mandibular Advancement Tray for Self-Molded Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mandibular advancement devices require costly and time-consuming customization processes by dental professionals and manufacturing labs, and existing adjustment mechanisms pose risks of detachment, discomfort, and health hazards.
Innovation Solution
A mandibular advancement device with an adjustment part featuring a snap-fit design, including upper and lower tray assemblies made from different materials, allowing self-adjustment through heating and bite fitting, and incorporating a snap-fit mechanism for precise, stable, and comfortable adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If customization by dental professionals and manufacturing labs is performed, then the mandibular advancement device fits well with the user's teeth and mouth providing optimal effectiveness and comfort, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables users to perform customization themselves through heating the moldable component and biting down to shape it to their teeth, eliminating the need for dental professionals and manufacturing labs while achieving proper fit
Solution Approach 2:
The moldable component changes its physical state from solid to softened through heating, allowing it to be shaped by the user's teeth and then solidify to create a custom fit without professional intervention
2Reliability
If customization by dental professionals and manufacturing labs is performed, then the mandibular advancement device fits well with the user's teeth and mouth providing optimal effectiveness and comfort, but the process is costly
Solution Approach 1:
Users perform the customization process themselves at home by heating and biting, eliminating the need for expensive professional services and manufacturing lab interventions while achieving the same fit quality
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses inexpensive, disposable moldable components that can be easily replaced if needed, eliminating the need for expensive custom-molded professional devices while maintaining adequate functionality
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing adjustment mechanisms are used, then the device can be adjusted, but they pose risks of detachment, discomfort, and health hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism allows users to safely adjust the device themselves through simple heating and biting actions, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustments that could detach or cause harm
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses thermal parameter changes (heating the moldable component) rather than mechanical adjustments, allowing safe user-friendly modification without the risks associated with complex adjustment mechanisms
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 cost-effective, user-friendly, and safe mandibular advancement with improved comfort and stability, reducing the likelihood of detachment and health risks, while ensuring precise adjustment for effective treatment.
Implementation Method 1
The upper moldable component is configured to soften upon heating to allow it to be adjusted and molded into a shape to match the upper dental arch when the user bites down
Implementation Method 2
The protrusion is configured to compressively connect the upper frame and the lower frame
Data Source
AI summary
A mandibular advancement device with an adjustment part, including an upper tray assembly, a lower tray assembly, and an adjustment part. The upper tray assembly includes an upper frame and an upper moldable component; the lower tray assembly includes a lower frame and a lower moldable component. At least two different materials are used in the manufacture of the upper tray assembly and/or the lower tray assembly. The adjustment part is configured to connect the upper tray assembly and the lower tray assembly by a snap-fit, as well as to adjust the position of the lower tray assembly relative to the upper tray assembly. Specifically, the snap-fit includes at least one protrusion on one side of the upper tray assembly and/or the lower tray assembly, and the protrusion is configured to compressively connect the upper frame and the lower frame.