Dental Articulator Adjustable Hinge and Magnetic Modules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dental articulators with fixed jaw axes fail to facilitate adjustments for correcting misalignments and do not allow easy removal of gum and tooth modules for evaluating procedures, limiting their effectiveness in training and demonstration.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable hinge structure with movable jaw axis and hinge pins that can be secured to align or misalign the upper and lower jaws, along with a removably installed endodontic module and a carrier tray using magnetic modules for secure and easy removal of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed jaw axis is used in the articulator, then the structure is simple and stable, but the articulator cannot facilitate adjustment of relative positions to correct misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed jaw axis into a movable one. The hinge structure allows the jaw axis to be adjusted between aligned and misaligned positions, enabling the articulator to adapt to different dental conditions and training scenarios while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure is segmented into multiple components including hinge pins, springs, and mounting mechanisms that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows for precise control of the jaw axis position while keeping the overall structure manageable and maintainable.
2Ease of operation
If gum and tooth modules are embedded in the articulator, then the structure is stable, but the modules cannot be readily removed for evaluation
Solution Approach 1:
The articulator is divided into modular components with gum and tooth modules that can be independently inserted and removed. This segmentation allows for easy access and evaluation of procedures while maintaining stable installation during use through standardized mounting interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary mounting mechanisms that facilitate both secure attachment and easy removal of modules. These intermediaries act as mediators between the module and the articulator body, providing stable connection during procedures while enabling straightforward removal for evaluation purposes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the jaw axis is fixed, then the alignment is consistent, but intentional misalignment cannot be demonstrated
Solution Approach 1:
The movable hinge structure enables the jaw axis to dynamically change from aligned to misaligned positions. This dynamic capability allows the articulator to demonstrate intentional misalignment for educational purposes while maintaining the ability to return to precise aligned positioning when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of jaw axis position from fixed to variable. The hinge mechanism allows controlled adjustment of the jaw axis angle and position, enabling demonstration of misalignment conditions while maintaining the capability to achieve precise alignment through parameter adjustment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables proper alignment and demonstration of misalignment in dental procedures, allowing for effective training and evaluation of dental procedures without the need for radiographic analysis.
Implementation Method 1
each of the modules having a plate of magnetic material therein overlying the magnets at the corresponding location to thereby releasably hold the modules in the tray
Data Source
AI summary
A dental articulator for use in dental education simulates the human mouth and has an adjustable hinge that interconnects upper and lower carrier trays for movement to and from a closed position. Modules of imitation gums and teeth are secured in the carrier trays by neodymium magnets. The hinge structure in the articulator is selectively movable to shift the jaw axis to a position to provide the desired alignment of the upper and lower teeth when the jaw is closed or demonstrate a misaligned condition. A dental training module may be installed which, upon removal from the articulator, has a pair of separable sections encasing a tooth to permit release of the tooth and removal from the module so that a completed treatment may be evaluated.