Articulator Reference Axis and Jig for Occlusal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional articulators face challenges in accurately aligning upper and lower jaw models due to complex structures, high manufacturing costs, and difficulties in adjusting the occlusal plane, leading to errors in occlusal measurements and increased user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
The articulator simplifies its structure by using a central position of physiological occlusion as the reference axis and a one-touch detachment mechanism for the upper and lower jaw fixing members, with a jig to ensure accurate occlusal plane alignment, reducing errors and manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the articulator uses a complex structure with multiple adjustable components to achieve accurate occlusal alignment, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The articulator is divided into independent functional modules: a fixed upper jaw part, a movable lower jaw part with hinge shaft, and a separate positioning jig. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining alignment accuracy through modular coordination
Solution Approach 2:
A positioning jig is introduced as an intermediary tool to facilitate the mounting and positioning of jaw models. The jig provides visual guides and mechanical constraints that simplify the alignment process, achieving high measurement precision without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms in the main articulator structure
2Measurement precision
If the articulator uses additional auxiliary units such as rubber bands or lasers to mark the occlusal plane, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to user difficulty in mounting models
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning jig is designed to be self-aligning through visual guides and mechanical features that automatically indicate correct positioning. The jig itself provides the reference markings and constraints needed, eliminating the need for external auxiliary units like rubber bands or lasers, and making the mounting process intuitive and easy to perform
Solution Approach 2:
Complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms and external auxiliary marking units are replaced with a simplified positioning jig that uses visual guides and basic mechanical constraints. This substitution maintains positioning accuracy while dramatically improving ease of operation by eliminating complicated adjustment procedures
3Device complexity
If the articulator uses manual manipulation to adjust the height and width of models, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to fine errors in manual adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning jig acts as an intermediary that provides precise mechanical constraints and visual guides for model placement. This intermediary tool enables accurate positioning without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, achieving high measurement precision while keeping the main articulator structure simple
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning jig is prepared in advance with pre-established reference marks, guide features, and constraint geometries. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual adjustment during the mounting process, ensuring high positioning accuracy while maintaining device simplicity
4Measurement precision
If the articulator requires disassembly and reassembly of jaw fixing parts to mount models, then the measurement precision is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to user inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning jig is integrated with the lower jaw part to form a unified mounting assembly. This merging allows the model mounting process to be performed as a single integrated operation without requiring separate disassembly and reassembly steps, improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision through the combined functional design
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an articulator to check the alignment of teeth by attaching upper and lower jaw models. Upper and lower jaw parts have simple movement structures, the occlusal error of upper and lower jaw models is minimized, and the upper and lower jaw models are accurately mounted on an occlusal plane. A conventional articulator is manufactured by emulating the shape of upper and lower jaw movement and has a folding structure in which the position of the reference axis of the articulator corresponds to the condyle. The articulator has a structure except for the movement of a specific muscle, so that errors occur in upper and lower jaw movement. Even if the errors are reduced by using various auxiliaryunits, the post-process is essentially required. Occlusion is not accurately performed in the conventional articulator, but the structure of the articulator is excessively complicated and a worker has difficult with the work. The disclosure employs a reference axis on a line extending from a central plane of the upper and lower jaw fixing members, such that the tangential line of the rotation movement is perpendicular to the occlusal plane. The disclosure moves up or down more similarly to physiological movement when comparing with the conventional articulator to finely adjust the occlusal state by using an auxiliary unit, so that the error margin of the articulator is minimized, and the operating structure and the use of the upper and lower jaw fixing members are simplified.