Enhanced Maxillary Expander and Protraction Device with Real-time Feedback
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An advanced maxillary expander and protraction device that improves treatment outcomes by incorporating real-time feedback from sensors to adjust the distance between the maxilla and the hard palate, ensuring optimal bone density and minimizing potential complications.
Background and Problem Solved
Current maxillary skeletal anchorage expanders have limitations in terms of precision, efficiency, and safety. The original patent, 'Maxillary expander and protraction device', addressed transverse maxillary deficiency, but it lacked real-time feedback and customization capabilities. The new inventive concept overcomes these limitations by integrating sensors and advanced adjustment mechanisms to provide more effective and personalized treatments.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced maxillary expander and protraction device comprises at least two bodies configured to apply forces to the maxilla without any coupling to the teeth of a patient. The device features an integrated sensor to detect changes in maxillary bone density, providing real-time feedback to adjust the distance between the maxilla and the hard palate. The adjustment mechanism is powered by a rechargeable battery and can be configured to provide a customizable treatment profile based on individual patient needs. The device can be used to treat transverse maxillary deficiency and other related conditions, ensuring optimal treatment outcomes and minimizing potential complications.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces the integration of sensors and advanced adjustment mechanisms, enabling real-time feedback and customization capabilities that are not present in the original patent. These features provide a significant improvement in treatment outcomes, precision, and safety, making the new concept novel and non-obvious compared to the prior art.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include different types of sensors, such as ultrasound or X-ray sensors, to detect changes in maxillary bone density. The device could also be designed for use in other orthodontic or orthognathic treatments, such as mandibular advancement or craniofacial reconstruction. Additionally, the device could be integrated with artificial intelligence or machine learning algorithms to optimize treatment plans and predict outcomes.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced maxillary expander and protraction device has significant commercial potential in the orthodontic and orthognathic markets. The device could be marketed to orthodontists, oral surgeons, and other healthcare professionals, offering a more effective and efficient treatment option for patients with transverse maxillary deficiency and related conditions. The device could also be used in research settings to advance the understanding of maxillary bone density and its relationship to orthodontic treatments.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/8071 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/663 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/8023 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/863 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Orthodontic and maxillofacial surgical devices, specifically maxillary expansion technologies involving bone-anchored mechanical adjustment systems with a focus on pediatric and corrective orthopedic interventions
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or orthodontic device designer with advanced knowledge of mechanical design, biomechanical principles, sensor integration, and orthopedic treatment technologies, typically holding a master's or doctoral degree with 5-10 years of specialized experience
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that integrating sensor technology and customizable adjustment mechanisms into existing maxillary expander designs represents a predictable technological evolution. The source patent establishes a foundational mechanical framework for maxillary expansion, which a skilled practitioner would naturally seek to enhance through contemporary sensing and adaptive technologies. The proposed variations represent incremental improvements using well-understood engineering principles and readily available technological components.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,230 |
|---|---|
| Title | Maxillary expander and protraction device |
| Assignee(s) | Facegenics, Inc. |