Enhanced Method and System for Homogeneous Dental Appliance with Real-time Monitoring and Customization
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present invention improves upon the existing method and system for homogeneous dental appliances by introducing real-time airflow monitoring, adjustable protrusions, and customizable shapes and materials, enhancing comfort, efficiency, and effectiveness in treating sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a method and system for homogeneous dental appliances, which, although effective, had limitations in terms of comfort, airflow, and customization. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by integrating real-time monitoring, adjustable protrusions, and customizable shapes and materials, providing a more efficient and comfortable solution for patients.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced method and system comprise a 3D scanner for capturing oral characteristic data, a server for processing the data to determine dentition data, vertical displacement, and forward mandibular position, and a 3D printer for fabricating a customized dental appliance with adjustable protrusions and a built-in airflow sensor. The system allows for real-time monitoring of airflow during sleep, enabling adjustments to the dental appliance for optimal performance. Additionally, the system can fabricate dental appliances with customized shapes and materials, enhancing comfort and effectiveness.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces the novel features of real-time airflow monitoring, adjustable protrusions, and customizable shapes and materials, which are not present in the original patent. These features provide a significant improvement over the existing method and system, making the new inventive concept non-obvious and innovative.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include using different types of sensors, such as pressure sensors or temperature sensors, to monitor airflow. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use with different materials, such as metals or ceramics, or different manufacturing techniques, such as milling or injection molding.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced method and system for homogeneous dental appliances have significant commercial potential in the dental and healthcare industries, particularly in the treatment of sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea. The real-time monitoring and customization features could also appeal to consumers seeking more comfortable and effective dental appliances.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F5/56 |
| A | A61 | A61C7/08 |
| A | A61 | A61C7/36 |
| B | B29 | B29C45/00 |
| B | B29 | B29C51/10 |
| B | B29 | B29C64/00 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical devices, dental prosthetics, and additive manufacturing technologies focused on sleep apnea treatment and custom medical device fabrication
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or dental technologist with expertise in 3D printing, medical device design, sleep apnea treatment technologies, and materials science, possessing knowledge of dental appliance manufacturing and patient-specific medical device customization
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's proposed variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core technology, involving standard engineering design choices and known techniques for improving medical device functionality through sensor integration, material customization, and advanced manufacturing processes.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,456 |
|---|---|
| Title | Method and system for homogeneous dental appliance |