Two-Part Bite Fork with Scan Markers for Virtual Articulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The production of dentures is material and time-consuming due to the need for conventional articulators and complex data determination processes.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a two-part bite fork with scan markers for intraoral and external 3D scanning, allowing direct data generation for dental prosthesis production without a conventional articulator, by determining the position of the bite fork relative to the face and skull, enabling a virtual articulator for precise jaw relationship simulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional articulator and plaster models are used to produce dental prostheses, then the jaw relationship can be simulated, but the production process becomes material- and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejaw relationship simulation accuracyVSAvoidprosthesis production efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical articulator system with a digital virtual articulator. Instead of using physical plaster models mounted on a mechanical device, the invention uses digital jaw models (upper and lower jaw data sets) that are processed by a computing device to simulate jaw relationships and movements virtually. This substitution eliminates material consumption and reduces production time while maintaining simulation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates digital copies of the patient's jaw anatomy through scanning processes. An intraoral scanner captures the dentition to generate an upper jaw model, while a face scanner captures external facial features to generate a lower jaw model. These digital copies replace physical plaster models, enabling virtual articulation and prosthesis production without material consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If a bite fork with scan markers is used for positioning, then the position in the mouth can be determined accurately, but the scanning process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebite fork position determinationVSAvoidscanning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a bite fork with scan markers as an intermediary object that facilitates the scanning process. The bite fork contains scan markers that can be detected by the intraoral scanner, providing reference points for accurate positioning and orientation of the upper jaw model. This intermediary object bridges the gap between the physical mouth and the digital scanning system, enabling precise measurement without significantly complicating the overall process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3618759B1Method for determining data for the production of a toothprosthesis
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 TEGTMEYER KARSTEN
  • EP3618759B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a bite fork (20), and a method and system for acquiring data for producing a dental prosthesis. Said bite fork (20) comprises: a bite element (24) with at least one scan marker (28), a scan element (26) with at least one scan base (30), and the bite element (24) and the scan element (26) can be releasably connected to each other.