Articulator Alignment via Laser Scanner and Universal Adaptors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing articulator systems require multiple units to accommodate dental restoration parts, leading to economic inefficiencies due to the need for each articulator to carry the restoration part during work, and previous synchronization methods are prone to errors from wear or misalignment.

Innovation Solution

The use of mandibular and maxillary alignment members connected via adaptors with screwable clamping assemblies, magnetic, or form-fitting connections, allowing for precise alignment and virtual synchronization of articulators through a scanning system, eliminating the need for physical form-fitting connections between the alignment members and adaptors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If articulators are used with mounting plates for attaching dental restoration parts, then the spatial position of the prosthesis can be fixed and controlled, but multiple articulators are required which is economically undesirable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticulator reusabilityVSAvoidnumber of articulators

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate components: articulators without permanently attached restoration parts, and separate mounting plates with centering sockets. This allows the articulator body to be reused independently while the mounting plates can be transferred between articulators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The centering sockets and mounting plates are designed as universal components that can be used across multiple articulators. The centering sockets provide a standardized interface that enables mounting plates to be synchronized and transferred between different articulators, making the system universally applicable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If centering sockets are used to synchronize articulators, then articulators can be aligned among each other, but alignment errors occur due to wear or misalignment of the centering bracket

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticulator alignment accuracyVSAvoidalignment stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical centering bracket system is replaced with a laser scanner-based optical measurement system. The laser scanner objectively measures the positions of reference elements on the mounting plates, eliminating mechanical wear and subjective visual estimation. This substitution provides more reliable and precise alignment measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser scanner provides objective feedback on the alignment of mounting plates by measuring the positions of reference elements. This feedback allows for precise adjustment and verification of alignment, replacing the unreliable visual estimation method and enabling accurate synchronization of multiple articulators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If visual estimation is used to detect tilt errors in articulators, then alignment can be assessed, but the method is imprecise and subjective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment detection simplicityVSAvoidtilt error detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Subjective visual estimation is replaced with objective laser scanner measurement. The laser scanner precisely measures the positions of reference elements on the mounting plates, providing accurate quantitative data on alignment and tilt errors without relying on operator subjectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses optical detection through the laser scanner to identify and measure alignment deviations. The scanner detects positional variations of reference elements, providing precise measurement data that replaces imprecise visual assessment methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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

This solution enables precise calibration and synchronization of articulators, reducing the number of units required and minimizing errors, while allowing for efficient transfer of articulator positions into a scanner for storage and precise alignment, thus enhancing the accuracy and value of the articulator system.

Implementation Method 1

said alignment members and adaptors being insertable into a laser scanner for detection and measurement of the position of the alignment members and adaptors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS11896450B2Articulator and articulator auxiliary device

Publication Date: 2024.02.13 IVOCLAR VIVADENT AG

AI summary

An articulator having a maxillary member and a mandibular member, which are connected to each other via condylar articulations, wherein a maxillary adaptor is attachable or attached at the maxillary member and a mandibular adaptor at the mandibular member, wherein a maxillary alignment member especially is form-fittingly connected to the maxillary adaptor and a mandibular alignment member is especially form-fittingly connected with the mandibular adaptor, and wherein the alignment members are automatically alignable to each other and comprising scanning members, by means of which the arrangement of alignment members and adaptors is scannable in a scanner and especially the relative position thereof moreover is detectable in relation to the articulator via the scanner.