Modular articulation system with magnetic fixation for dental models

Abstract

Utility model claim (main claim): Modular articulation system for dental models, in particular for positioning upper and lower jaw models in articulators, characterized by • a model receiving plate (Fig. 1) with several positioning pins (Fig. 4), a magnetic recess (2) and a receiving geometry (3) designed for use in articulators, • a retention plate (Fig. 2) or functionally equivalent plate with positioning pins (4) and magnetic recess (5) as well as plaster retentions 6), • as well as a digital configuration module with an STL geometry (basic attachment Fig. 3) which is integrated into CAD software and enables the direct connection of the jaw models to the model mounting plate (Fig. 1) and retention plate (Fig. 2).

Description

Technical features: Exemplary dimensions (these serve as a rough size guide)

[0001] Model mounting plate: • Size (X × Y × Z): 66 × 67 × 23 mm • Volume: 81 cm³ 3 • Surface area: 147 cm² 2

[0002] Retention plate: • Size (X × Y × Z): 60 × 59 × 7 mm • Volume: 10 cm 3 • Surface area: 71 cm 2 )

[0003] Base attachment: • Size (X × Y × Z): 55 × 56 × 6 mm • Volume: 5 cm 3 ) • Surface area: 63 cm 2 • Triangles: 7642 • Waterproof: Yes (“Exemplary dimensions of an embodiment”)

[0004] Topology: closed, no penetrations → topologically correct. Material: 3D printed ABS / PA6, possibly CF reinforced (other engineering plastics or resins optional). Technical Description Title of the invention:

[0005] Modular articulation system with magnetic fixation for dental models Technical field

[0006] The invention relates to the field of dental technology, in particular the fabrication, positioning, and articulation of jaw models in articulators. It enables the direct connection of digitally designed models to a physical, modular plate system, compatible with Splitex and comparable articulator systems. State of the art

[0007] Existing systems offer limited integration into digital workflows. Furthermore, they require significant material input and often lack a modular solution. A resource-efficient, cost-effective, and, most importantly, modular alternative is not yet known. Description of the invention

[0008] The present invention relates to a modular articulation system (“ModelPlace”) consisting of digital configuration data and physical plates, enabling a continuous process chain from CAD design to articulation in the dental laboratory.

[0009] The system includes: 1. Digital Configuration Module • A configuration file (e.g. for Exocad) with embedded STL geometry (base attachment). • The file directly links digital jaw models to the model mounting plates. • This ensures accurate virtual positioning and facilitates subsequent physical articulation. 2. Model mounting plate • A 3D-printed plate with three positioning pins, a magnet, and a Splitex-compatible geometry. • It serves as a basis for recording dataset-generated physical 3D printed jaw models. • The plate is subsequently fitted with magnets and pins and can be inserted into standard Splitex plates. 3. Relation plates • Plates with three positioning pins and a recess for a magnet. • These are cast in plaster and securely connect the models in the articulator. • They enable a stable relationship between the upper and lower jaw, which can be reproducibly fixed. Functionality in bullet points • The digital STL file (base attachment) is linked to the jaw model in Exocad (CAD program). • Printed models with base attachment can be placed directly onto the model mounting plates. • The magnetic fixation of the model holding plate ensures reproducible and stable positioning in Splitex-compatible articulators. • Alternative with plaster: • Retention plates can be plastered in place if the digital relationship is not 100% correct. • It is possible to fix one jaw on the model mounting plate and counter the opposing jaw on a retention plate with plaster. • This also allows individual facebow articulations to be realized with the same system. Advantages of the invention • Direct digital connection (CAD ↔ articulator) • Resource-efficient manufacturing through 3D printing model acquisition • Splitex-compatible and universally applicable • Magnetic and 3-pin fixation for high precision and reproducibility • Flat 3D printed jaw models possible (resin savings) • When using the model holding plate, complete manual articulation is eliminated, thus avoiding additional plaster consumption. Constructive features • Pins: precisely positioned three-point arrangement for secure fixing • Magnet + metal chip: ensures a stable, repeatable connection • Base Attachment: printed directly with the jaw model, allowing for quick insertion onto the model mounting plate. Its shape is specifically designed for 3D printing without the need for disruptive supports. • Retention plate: ensures secure hold even with plaster cast articulation • One geometry: A uniform geometry allows the use of all jaw relation variants within the same system. Brief description of the drawings

[0010] The accompanying illustrations show examples of: • Fig. Figure 1 shows a model mounting plate with pin recesses (1), a magnetic recess (2), and a mounting geometry (3) designed for Splitex plates. The jaw model can be placed on this plate to check the jaw relation without plaster. The top view (left / top) and the bottom view (right / bottom) are shown. • Fig. Figure 2 shows a retention plate with pins (4), a magnetic recess (5), and plaster retentions (6) for secure fixation. The jaw model can be placed on this plate to create the jaw relationship using plaster. The top view (left / top) and the bottom view (right / bottom) are shown. • Fig. Figure 3 shows a base attachment featuring stabilizing ribs (7), pin recesses (8), and a metal chip recess (9), as well as an unshielded area (10) that enhances the magnetic force. Angled surfaces (11) facilitate 3D printing without additional support structures. The placeholder part (12), which ensures seamless integration, is also shown. The top view (left / bottom) and the bottom view (right / top) are shown. • Fig. Figure 4 shows a pin that is used three times as a positioning element in the model mounting plate. Industrial applicability

[0011] The invention is easy to manufacture using 3D printing, flexibly scalable, and applicable to dental laboratories worldwide. It offers a cost-effective, precise, and workflow-integrated alternative to existing articulation systems. The system reduces working time and material consumption in the dental laboratory. Reference symbol list

[0012] • Fig. 1 model mounting plate 1 pin recess 2 magnetic recesses 3 Recording geometry• Fig. 2 Retention plate 4 pins 5 magnetic recesses 6 plaster cast retentions• Fig. 3 Base attachment 7 stabilizing struts 8 pin cutouts 9 metal chip recess 10 unshielded areas 11 inclined surfaces 12 Placeholder Part• Fig. 4-pin

Claims

[1] Utility model claim (main claim): Modular articulation system for dental models, especially for positioning upper and lower jaw models in articulators, characterized by • a model mounting plate ( Fig. 1) with multiple positioning pins ( Fig. 4), a magnet recess (2) and a receiving geometry (3) designed for use in articulators, • a retention plate ( Fig. 2) or functionally equivalent plate with positioning pins (4) and magnetic recess (5) as well as plaster retentions 6), • and a digital configuration module with an STL geometry (base attachment) Fig. 3), which is integrated into CAD software and allows the direct connection of the jaw models to the model mounting plate ( Fig. 1) and retention plate ( Fig. 2) enabled. [2] Utility model claim (dependent): System according to claim 1, characterized by, that the model mounting plate ( Fig. 1) is made of plastic and subsequently fitted with a magnet and pins ( Fig. 4) is populated, alternatively a monolithic manufacturing with integrated pins ( Fig. 4) may be provided for. [3] Utility model claim (dependent): System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the digital STL geometry (base attachment) Fig. 3) is stored in a configuration file for CAD software, especially Exocad, and ensures exact positioning of the models in the articulator. [4] Utility model claim (dependent): System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a retention plate ( Fig. 2) is provided with a structure for plaster anchoring (6), so that hybrid articulation methods, especially digital / analog combinations or individual facebow articulations are feasible. [5] Utility model claim (dependent): System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that both magnetic fixation and physical three-point fixation between the 3D-printed model and the model mounting plate ( Fig. 1) or retention plate ( Fig. 2) is provided, which enables reproducible positioning in the articulator.

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