Articulator Adjustment via Mandibular Hinge Axis Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current articulator adjustment methods in dental prosthetics face inaccuracies and material inefficiencies due to limited freedom of movement and complex mechanical adjustments, requiring repeated adjustments with each model change, which complicates the process and reduces precision.
Innovation Solution
A method involving sequential measurements of individual mandibular hinge axis parameters in three planes, followed by precise fixation and adjustment of working models to align with the articulator's axes, allowing three-dimensional relocation and rotation, reducing material consumption and improving accuracy through telescopic relocation and rotation around three coordinate axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional articulator adjustment methods are used with fixed mechanical condyles, then the structure is simple, but the manufacturing precision and reliability of mandibular movement simulation deteriorate due to limited freedom of movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed mechanical condyles with movable condyles that can adjust their position and orientation. The movable condyles are guided by grooves and can move along predetermined paths, allowing the articulator to dynamically adapt to different mandibular movement patterns while maintaining structural control through guide mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the condyles to vary their positional parameters (x, y, z coordinates) and orientational parameters (rotation angles) during operation. This enables the articulator to simulate different individual mandibular movements by changing the parameters of condyle position and orientation rather than being fixed at single values
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional articulator adjustment is performed with each model change, then adaptability to individual patients is improved, but the loss of time and productivity deteriorates due to repeated adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming multiple condyle movement paths and parameters into the control system before actual use. Different patient-specific mandibular movement patterns are stored in advance, allowing the articulator to quickly switch between pre-defined movement patterns without requiring time-consuming manual re-adjustment when changing working models
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated control system that can electronically adjust condyle positions and orientations. This substitution of mechanical adjustment with automated control significantly reduces the time required for re-adjustment while maintaining high adaptability to different patient anatomies
3Measurement precision
If fixed mechanical condyles are used in articulators, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of individual mandibular hinge axis parameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guide grooves as intermediary elements that mediate between the complex requirement for precise condyle positioning and the simplicity of the mechanical structure. The grooves provide predetermined movement paths that guide the condyles along accurate trajectories, achieving high measurement precision through the geometric constraint of the groove paths rather than through complex active control mechanisms
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The method for articulator adjustment and gnathological instruments for work under this method find application in dental medicine and laboratory dental techniques. These and other goals of this invention are achieved with the measurement of the individual parameters of the patient's mandibular transversal hinge axis in the three planes: transversal, frontal and sagittal, including the following steps: measurement of inter-condylar distance; measurement of the distance between the condylar axis and the occlusal plane; measurement of the distance between the condylar axis and central incisors with a face-bow and bite- tray (figures 1,10,1 1,12); recording of values; simultaneous fixation in the articulator in minimal gathered position of the manufactured in advance two primary working models juxtaposed in central position: a mandibular lower working model to the working plate of the lower articulator frame and a maxillary upper working model to the opposite working plate, which is connected in a telescopic way to the upper articulator frame (figures 2,3,4,5,6,13); coincidence of the mandibular transversal hinge axis of a patient in terms of measured values of his individual parameters and the articulator transversal hinge axis (figures 7,8,9,14); and closure of this articulator in an individual spread-out position.