Dental Anchoring Assembly With Screw And Snap-On Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dental anchoring systems either lack flexibility for easy assembly and cleaning or provide a fixed sensation that cannot be easily converted to a removable state, posing challenges for patients and caregivers, especially as they age or require care.

Innovation Solution

A dental anchoring system with a dual anchoring mode: a first mode using a fastening screw for a fixed sensation and a second mode with a snap-on or ratchet connection for easy detachment, allowing conversion between the two modes without modifying the anchoring or support elements, utilizing a non-destructive, positive-locking connection between an outer and inner part that can pivot relative to each other.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fastening screw is used to anchor the carrier element to the anchoring element, then the patient experiences a fixed denture sensation, but the system becomes difficult to remove and clean without professional assistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixed denture sensationVSAvoidease of removal and cleaning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic reversible connection. The snap-on connection allows the carrier element to be easily detached and reattached by the patient, transforming the anchoring system from a permanent fixture to a removable prosthesis that can be taken out for cleaning and stored when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring system is divided into separable components: the anchoring element remaining in the jawbone and the carrier element with denture that can be removed. This segmentation allows the patient to detach the carrier element from the anchoring element, enabling easy cleaning of both components and the jawbone interface without requiring professional dental assistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a detachable snap-on connection is used, then the system becomes easy to remove and clean, but the patient does not experience a fixed denture sensation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of removal and cleaningVSAvoidfixed denture sensation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows the patient to switch between a fixed sensation mode (when the snap-on connection is engaged and the carrier element is securely attached) and a removable mode (when the connection is disengaged). This dynamic capability enables the patient to enjoy the stability of a fixed denture during use while easily removing it for cleaning when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the anchoring system is designed for easy conversion between anchoring modes, then the system becomes versatile and adaptable, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvertibility between anchoring modesVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring element is designed with universal functionality to accommodate both anchoring modes. It includes a threaded bore for screw connection and a receiving section with a spherical outer part for snap-on connection. This multi-functionality allows the same anchoring element to provide either a fixed or removable connection depending on the carrier element configuration, without requiring separate anchoring structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The spherical inner part is received within the spherical outer part of the carrier element, creating a nested structure. This nested design allows the snap-on connection to be integrated within the existing carrier element geometry, minimizing additional complexity while enabling the reversible anchoring capability. The inner part can be inserted into and removed from the outer part without requiring separate anchoring components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the outer part and inner part are made spherical to enable pivoting, then the system gains flexibility in assembly and disposal directions, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepivoting flexibilityVSAvoidspherical surface precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The outer part and inner part are designed with spherical surfaces that enable smooth pivoting and rotation during assembly and disassembly. This spheroidality allows the components to move freely in multiple directions, providing flexibility in the assembly process and accommodating variations in implant placement angles without requiring high precision alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

Enables patients to experience a fixed denture sensation while allowing easy conversion to a removable state for cleaning and maintenance, enhancing flexibility and ease of use without requiring professional assistance.

Implementation Method 1

the inner part can be snapped into the outer part in the manner of a push-button or locking connection with elastic deformation of the inner part and/or the outer part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4138721B1Dental anchoring system for anchoring a carrier element to an anchoring element
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 SCHERER JOHANNES
  • EP4138721B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4138721B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4138721B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a dental anchoring system for anchoring a carrier element (3) to an anchoring element (9), comprising at least the carrier element (3), the anchoring element (9) and a fastening screw (4), wherein the anchoring element (9) has a receiving portion (1) for receiving the carrier element (3) and a threaded bore (10), the carrier element (3) is designed for direct or indirect fastening to a dental structural element, in particular to a dental prosthesis, and forms a bearing portion (12) for bearing on the receiving portion (1) of the anchoring element (9), the carrier element (3) can be fastened on the anchoring element (9) in a first anchoring type (100) using the fastening screw (4) as a result of the fact that the carrier element (3), by means of the bearing portion (12) thereof, is received on the receiving portion (1) of the anchoring element (9) and the fastening screw (4) is screwed into the threaded bore (10) of the anchoring element (9). According to the invention, the carrier element (3) can also be optionally detachably fastened to the anchoring element (9) by means of a second anchoring type (200) without using the fastening screw (4).