Asymmetric Driver Tool for Dental Attachments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hex driver tools can damage dental attachment devices due to excessive torque application and struggle to remove worn or damaged components, as the removal torque often exceeds the tool's capability.
Innovation Solution
A driver tool with a polygonal driving end featuring grabbing features or edges, allowing for limited torque application during insertion and increased torque during removal, by adjusting the engagement angle between the tool and the recess, thereby reducing the risk of damage and facilitating the removal of worn or damaged parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional hex driver tool is used for threading a retention member into a denture attachment housing, then the tool can apply torque to insert the component, but the tool may apply excessive torque that damages the hex indent in the compressible retention member
Solution Approach 1:
The driver tool employs an asymmetric engagement design where the grabbing feature creates different effective engagement angles for insertion versus removal. During insertion (clockwise rotation), the grabbing feature engages at a shallower angle that limits torque transmission, preventing damage to the compressible retention member. During removal (counter-clockwise rotation), the engagement angle increases, allowing higher torque to be applied for unscrewing worn or damaged components.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional hex driver tool is used to remove a worn or damaged retention member, then the tool can attempt to apply torque for removal, but the removal torque exceeds the tool's capability
Solution Approach 1:
The driver tool incorporates a dynamic engagement mechanism through the grabbing feature on the driving end portion. This feature automatically adjusts the engagement characteristics based on rotation direction: during clockwise insertion, the feature engages at a limited angle to prevent damage, while during counter-clockwise removal, the same feature engages at a larger angle to maximize torque transmission. This dynamic adaptation allows the tool to overcome the increased removal torque required for worn or damaged retention members.
3Productivity
If excessive force is applied during insertion of a retention member, then the threading may be forced, but the hex end of the driver tool damages the hex indent
Solution Approach 1:
The driver tool design incorporates a preliminary torque-limiting mechanism through the asymmetric grabbing feature geometry. Before damage can occur during insertion, the shallower engagement angle inherently limits the maximum torque that can be transmitted to the compressible retention member. This preliminary anti-action prevents excessive force from damaging the hex indent, while still allowing sufficient torque for proper threading of new retention members.
Data Source
AI summary
A driver tool for insertion and removal of a first part configured for threaded engagement in a corresponding threaded bore in a second part has a driving end portion of polygonal shape with multiple flats configured for engagement in a recess in the first part having a corresponding polygonal shape. Some or all of the flats have a respective grabbing feature or edge designed to grab or grip into the opposing surface of the recess to allow a greater amount of torque to be applied to the first part when the tool is rotated in the unthreading direction than when it is rotated in the opposite threading or insertion direction.