Advanced Maxillary Expander and Protraction Device
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An innovative maxillary expander and protraction device that offers improved precision, safety, and efficiency in treating maxillary deficiencies, building upon the foundation of the original patent.
Background and Problem Solved
The original maxillary skeletal anchorage expander patent addressed transverse maxillary and anterior-posterior deficiencies in patients. However, the existing design had limitations in terms of precision, safety, and efficiency. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing modular adjustment mechanisms, interchangeable gear sets, and safety mechanisms to prevent over-expansion, thereby providing a more controlled and incremental expansion process.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The advanced maxillary expander and protraction device comprises at least two bodies coupled to a maxilla of a patient and/or to an appliance that is at least in part extra-oral. The device features a modular adjustment mechanism that can be configured to variably maintain a distance between the bodies, allowing for fine-tuning of lateral movement of the hard palate. The adjustment mechanism includes interchangeable gear sets, enabling the device to be tailored to individual patient needs. Additionally, the device incorporates a safety mechanism to prevent over-expansion, ensuring a more controlled and incremental expansion process. The device can also be configured with a feedback mechanism to monitor and adjust the expansion process. Furthermore, a wireless control system can be integrated, enabling remote adjustment of the distance between the bodies using a handheld controller and receiver.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces several novel features, including the modular adjustment mechanism, interchangeable gear sets, safety mechanism, feedback mechanism, and wireless control system. These features provide a significant improvement over the original patent, offering enhanced precision, safety, and efficiency in treating maxillary deficiencies.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the advanced maxillary expander and protraction device could include different materials, shapes, and sizes of the bodies and adjustment mechanisms. Additionally, the device could be adapted for use in other orthodontic or dental applications, such as treating mandibular deficiencies or performing dental implant procedures.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The advanced maxillary expander and protraction device has significant commercial potential in the orthodontic and dental industries, offering a more effective and efficient solution for treating maxillary deficiencies. The device could be marketed to orthodontists, dentists, and oral surgeons, with potential applications in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
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 Medical Devices, specifically focusing on maxillary expansion technologies involving surgical and mechanical interventions for craniofacial correction
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or orthodontic device specialist with expertise in mechanical design, biomechanical principles, and medical device development, typically holding an advanced degree with 3-5 years of specialized experience in orthopedic and dental device engineering
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations and incremental improvements to the source patent's fundamental maxillary expansion mechanism. The additional features like modular adjustment, safety mechanisms, and wireless control represent logical extensions of existing orthodontic device design principles. These variations demonstrate standard engineering problem-solving approaches that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to enhance device functionality and patient experience.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,230 |
|---|---|
| Title | Maxillary expander and protraction device |
| Assignee(s) | Facegenics, Inc. |