Henry Schein Orthodontics:
Motion Pro Drop In Hook
Measurements of existing hook with Keyence microscope
During my internship at Henry Schein I was tasked with creating a new product for them, the drop in hook. This was a product intended for use with their upcoming orthodontic appliance, the Motion Pro, that helps to correct over or underbite without the use of an expander. The drop in hook I designed is intended to be used as an additional attachment point for rubber bands that stretch to the opposing jaw of the device application.
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I drew inspiration for this design from an existing orthodontic hook and started by reverse engineering this hook to be modified for our purposes. I used a Keyence microscope to conduct these measurements.
I took these measurements and created a Solidworks model. At a minimum my team requested the hook to be longer in length to allow for a greater amount of excess material during the installation process.
First iteration of the drop in hook. Modeled in Solidworks
Second iteration of the drop in hook. Modeled in Solidworks
After presenting the design to an orthodontist, he suggested we change the shape of the hook from the T shape to an L shape. The hook only needed to hold the rubber band in one direction ad the second flap of the hook would have potential to cause unnecessary discomfort to the patient since it would not be used. I adjusted the design to meet this and removed the bend in the hook in an effort to reduce possible discomfort and increase manufacturability. The L shape would also cut down on material cost.
This is the final design placed in the orthodontic appliance. I talked with different manufacturers and setup a design for manufacture (DFM) meeting. We reviewed different methods to consider and costs associated. Before I left I handed the project off to a different team member and shared my contacts with him.
