Twist-lock Orthodontic Post for Secure Wire Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic appliances face challenges in providing a secure yet easily removable connection between the appliance and the alignment wire, risking unintentional disconnection and potential injury or damage.
Innovation Solution
A twist-lock orthodontic post system with a cylindrical body and L-shaped locking elements that captures the alignment wire through rotation, secured by a fastener to prevent unintentional disconnection, allowing easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple connection structure is used to facilitate easy removal of the appliance, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates because the connection may become unintentionally disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic twist-lock mechanism that can be easily changed between locked and unlocked states through rotational motion, enabling both secure attachment and easy removal
Solution Approach 2:
The post structure features nested components including an outer tube, inner rod, and locking elements that fit within each other, creating a compact yet reliable connection system that maintains strength while allowing easy operation
2Reliability
If a strong connection is used to prevent unintentional disconnection, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens because removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism uses dynamic rotational locking where the locking elements engage with the wire through rotation, providing strong retention during normal use but allowing quick release when rotated in the opposite direction
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: the post body, locking elements, and the wire interface, allowing each segment to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system reliability and operability
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An orthodontic post and pin system for secure attachment of a dental appliance to an alignment wire, which also facilitates quick and easy removal and replacement. The system described herein uses a "twist-lock" dental post that is rotated onto, and counter-rotated off of, an alignment wire. The dental post includes structural elements to facilitate the twist-lock functionality, as well as structures for accepting a. fastener to secure the alignment wire in place and inhibit unintentional or undesired dislodging.