Compressible Dental Attachment Assembly for Low-Maintenance Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental anchoring assemblies require frequent maintenance due to wear and tear of components, especially the compressible annular ring, which is inconvenient and costly, and existing solutions complicate the design with additional securing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A frictionally-retained detachable dental attachment assembly with a compressible retention member featuring a ball and socket configuration, where the ball compresses and flexes for secure attachment to a tooth root or implant, eliminating the need for a separate annular ring and simplifying the design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a compressible annular ring is provided to absorb frictional forces and act as a cushion between the socket and the head, then the fit and comfort are improved, but the ring wears out over time requiring regular maintenance and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the separate compressible annular ring from the design and integrates its cushioning function directly into the retention member's head. The head itself is made of compressible material that deforms to engage with the socket, eliminating the need for a separate ring component that would wear and require maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the retention function and the cushioning function into a single integrated retention member. The head of the retention member is made of compressible material that performs both the retaining function and the shock-absorbing cushioning function, eliminating the need for separate components.
2Ease of repair
If a compressible annular ring with a securing mechanism is provided to allow easy removal and replacement, then the maintenance accessibility is improved, but the cost and complexity of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the separate compressible annular ring and its securing mechanism entirely. The retention member's head is made of compressible material that deforms to engage with the socket, and the simple snap-fit design allows for easy removal and replacement without requiring additional securing mechanisms like threads or clips.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the compressible ring removable with a securing mechanism, the patent makes the entire retention member removable through a simple snap-fit engagement. The compressible head deforms to pass through the socket opening and then expands to retain, creating an easy-to-remove design without complex securing mechanisms.
3Strength
If male and female parts have mating snap engageable formations for releasably securing, then the attachment strength is improved, but repeated impacts cause damage and wearing due to friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the retention member's head to be made of compressible material. This allows the head to deform during engagement and disengagement, reducing impact forces and friction wear on both the retention member and the socket, while still maintaining strong attachment when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible material in the retention member's head acts as a built-in cushion that absorbs impact forces before they are transmitted to the socket and abutment. This preliminary cushioning prevents damage and wear that would occur with rigid snap-fit components subjected to repeated impacts.
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
The solution provides a durable and low-maintenance attachment system with adjustable retentive force (10-75 pounds) that can be easily removed and replaced, reducing maintenance needs and manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a frictional fit between the head and the socket and securely retain the dental appliance and abutment
Implementation Method 2
The retention member is formed using a compressible material to allow the ball to compress and the retention member to flex while inserting the ball into the cavity
Data Source
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AI summary
A frictionally-retained detachable dental attachment assembly or anchor device is designed to attach a dental appliance with a tooth root or implant. The assembly includes a denture attachment housing for securing in the dental appliance, an abutment attached with a tooth root or implant, and a compressible retention member with a first end in fixed attachment with the cap and a second end in snap engagement with the abutment via a frictionally-retained ball secured within a cavity of the abutment. The retention member is formed using a compressible material to allow the ball to compress and the retention member to flex while inserting the ball into the cavity. Additional friction-retained and fixed attachment configurations of the dental anchor device are provided, along with methods of securing a dental appliance in a subject's mouth by means of the friction-retained and fixed attachment dental anchor devices.