Split Beam Orthodontic Expander for Rotational Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional orthodontic palatal expanders often fail to provide precise control over rotational forces during palatal expansion, leading to potential relapse and discomfort, especially in cases of abnormally narrow maxillary dental arches with dental cross-bites.

Innovation Solution

The orthodontic palatal expander features split beams made of high modulus materials with a low modulus elastomeric material in between, allowing for controlled deflection and rotation, and a connecting plate to manage forces effectively, enabling precise control over rotational forces and reducing discomfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional solid beams are used in palatal expanders, then structural strength is maintained, but rotational control precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational control precisionVSAvoidbeam structural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The beam is divided into multiple segments including a first beam portion, second beam portion, and third beam portion along its length. This segmentation allows each portion to have different structural characteristics, enabling precise control over rotational forces while maintaining overall beam strength through the distributed structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The beam is constructed as a composite structure with the first, second, and third beam portions forming an integrated yet differentiated system. This composite design allows the beam to exhibit both high strength and controlled rotational characteristics by combining different structural configurations in sequence along the beam length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If heavy gauge stainless steel wires are used, then appliance strength is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to excessive force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveappliance strengthVSAvoidpatient discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The beam is divided into multiple segments including a first beam portion, second beam portion, and third beam portion along its length. This segmentation allows each portion to have different structural characteristics, enabling precise control over rotational forces while maintaining overall beam strength through the distributed structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The beam structure is designed to be dynamically adjustable in terms of its rotational characteristics. By configuring the first, second, and third beam portions with different geometries and material properties, the appliance can adapt the force distribution to minimize patient discomfort while maintaining sufficient strength for effective palatal expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If uniform beam structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but force distribution control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce distribution controlVSAvoidbeam structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The beam is divided into multiple segments including a first beam portion, second beam portion, and third beam portion along its length. This segmentation allows each portion to have different structural characteristics, enabling precise control over rotational forces while maintaining overall beam strength through the distributed structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the beam are designed with different local qualities - the first, second, and third beam portions have varying cross-sectional dimensions, material properties, or geometric configurations tailored to their specific functional requirements. This allows precise control over force distribution and rotational characteristics at different locations along the beam.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 design allows for controlled and stable palatal expansion with reduced discomfort, minimizing relapse by applying consistent forces over a large deflection range, thereby achieving a more stable occlusion.

Implementation Method 1

The split beam includes a first beam including a relatively high modulus material, a second beam including the high modulus material, and a region between the first beam and the second beam. The region between the first beam and the second beam is at least partially filled with a relatively low modulus, elastomeric material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3691562B1Orthodontic palatal expander including split beams

Publication Date: 2023.10.25 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~1F

AI summary

An orthodontic palatal expander may include a first shell configured to receive at least one tooth of a first posterior segment of a dental arch of a patient; a second shell configured to receive at least one tooth of a second posterior segment of the dental arch; and a split beam connected between the first shell and the second shell. The split beam may include a first beam comprising a relatively high modulus material, a second beam comprising the high modulus material, and a region between the first beam and the second beam.