Time-Delayed Mandible Positioning Using Body-Heat Shape Memory Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oral mandible positioning devices for sleep apnea are uncomfortable, leading to difficulty in falling asleep and waking up during the night, and there are safety concerns with electronically controlled devices.

Innovation Solution

A configurable oral mandible displacement device using a moldable material to fit the user's teeth and a spring mechanism activated by body heat, with a delay to minimize discomfort by delaying jaw displacement until the user falls asleep.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the lower jaw is displaced forward to enlarge airways, then snoring and apnea are reduced, but discomfort to the wearer increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in controlling sleep apneaVSAvoidcomfort to the wearer

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is inserted into the mouth in a non-extended position before the user falls asleep. The shape memory spring is pre-configured to activate automatically after a delay period (5-60 minutes), causing the lower jaw to be displaced forward only after the user is already asleep, thus eliminating discomfort during wakeful hours while maintaining effectiveness during sleep.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If electronic control is used to automate mandible positioning, then comfort is improved, but safety concerns arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort to the wearerVSAvoidsafety concerns with electronic devices in mouth

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic control systems (batteries, controllers, motors) with a purely mechanical/thermal system. The shape memory spring responds to body heat automatically, requiring no power source or electronic components inside the mouth. The heat-transfer control portion regulates thermal conduction to achieve the desired delay, eliminating all safety hazards associated with electronic devices in the oral cavity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If continuous movement is applied to the mandible positioning member, then airway enlargement is maintained, but user comfort deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairway enlargementVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shape memory spring provides periodic action through thermal cycles. During sleep, body heat accumulates and triggers the spring to extend, displacing the lower jaw forward to enlarge airways. After sleep, when the mouth cools, the spring returns to its original position, automatically resetting for the next use. This periodic activation maintains airway enlargement during sleep without causing continuous discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 device provides comfort and effective airway enlargement by delaying jaw displacement, reducing snoring and apnea without the discomfort and safety issues of electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

an element fabricated from a shape memory material... activation of the shape memory element includes a change of shape that provides a force for extending the bottom member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory material: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

a heat-transfer control portion providing configurability by variation of a characteristic thereof for controllably selecting a duration of an activation time delay during which the temperature of the element fabricated from shape memory material increases to an activation temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12544254B2Configurable time-delayed oral mandible positioning device

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 S & V SIU ASSOCIATES LLC

AI summary

A configurable time-delayed oral mandible displacement device includes a top member and a bottom member, the bottom member slidably coupled to the top member for movement between a non-extended position and an extended position. A control mechanism is coupled between the top member and the bottom member for controlling extension of the bottom member. The control mechanism an element fabricated from a shape memory material. The control mechanism further includes a heat-transfer control portion providing configurability by variation of a characteristic thereof. The configurability allows for controllably selecting a duration of an activation time delay, during which the temperature of the element fabricated from shape memory material increases to an activation temperature by absorbing body heat from a human wearer after the device is inserted into the mouth of the human wearer.