Twistable Wire Orthodontic Device for Mandible Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthodontic devices, such as the Herbst orthosis, are rigid and require precise manufacturing to fit individual patient morphology, leading to suboptimal treatment and increased costs due to potential remanufacturing needs, especially in children whose morphology changes constantly.
Innovation Solution
An orthodontic device with telescopic links and a twistable wire that can be adjusted post-installation to fine-tune the position of the links relative to the mandible and maxilla, utilizing a wire made of chrome-cobalt alloy or stainless steel with specific mechanical properties for flexibility and strength, allowing for manual twisting to adapt to the patient's anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid frameworks and connecting rods are used in orthodontic devices, then structural strength and stability are improved, but adaptability to patient morphology and treatment programs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the rigid framework to be modified after placement. The wire can be twisted and bent to adjust the position and orientation of connecting rods, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamically adjustable one that adapts to patient morphology changes during growth and treatment progression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the wire from a fixed rigid component to a malleable element that can be twisted and bent. By applying torque to the wire, its spatial parameters (position, orientation, angle) are modified, enabling adjustment of the connecting rods' configuration while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the device.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise manufacturing is required for rigid orthodontic devices, then initial fit and function are improved, but manufacturing cost and time increase due to potential remanufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustment capabilities into the device design from the beginning, allowing practitioners to make fine-tuned modifications after placement. This preliminary inclusion of adjustability prevents the need for complete remanufacturing when minor adjustments are needed, saving time and resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable wire mechanism transforms a static precisely-manufactured device into a dynamically adaptable one. Instead of requiring precise manufacturing for every possible patient variation, the device allows post-manufacturing adjustment, reducing the stringency of initial manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining final fit quality.
3Ease of operation
If the wire is made sufficiently flexible to be twisted by hand, then ease of adjustment is improved, but structural strength and ability to maintain bent shape deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully selects wire parameters (diameter, material composition, modulus of rigidity) to achieve an optimal balance. The wire is made flexible enough to be twisted by hand with pliers but maintains sufficient strength to hold the bent shape permanently. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between ease of adjustment and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible wire element that can be manually deformed while maintaining its structural function. The wire's flexibility allows it to be twisted into new configurations, while its material properties ensure it maintains the deformed shape, effectively serving as both a flexible adjustment mechanism and a structural component.
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 precise adjustment of the device to better match the patient's anatomy and treatment program, improving treatment efficacy by allowing for optimal movement of the mandible relative to the maxilla while maintaining durability and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the wire being configured to be able to be twisted by a practitioner after fixing said device on a patient
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an orthodontic device capable of causing a displacement of a mandible relative to a maxilla, comprising a lower part attached to said mandible, an upper part attached to said maxilla, and two telescopic rods (3) connecting the upper and lower parts, said device comprising, for each rod (3), coupling means (4) with the lower part and with the upper part, each coupling means (4) comprising a connecting piece (5) movable relative to one of the ends of said rod (3), characterized in that for at least one coupling means (4), said device comprises a wire (7) the first end of which is attached to said connecting piece (5), and the second end is fixed to the corresponding lower or upper part, said wire (7) being configured so as to be able to be twisted by a practitioner after fixing said device on a patient.