Dental Attachment Spherical Rear Surface for CNC Milling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental attachments for removable dentures are not suitable for processing using automatic milling techniques and cannot be installed using manual milling, limiting their manufacturing efficiency and precision.
Innovation Solution
A denture device with a recording part that features a free-running front and a back with spherical or partial cylindrical surfaces, enabling CNC milling and CAD/CAM processing, and a holding part that can be securely attached using adhesives or form closures, allowing for precise manufacturing and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional manual processing methods are used for dental attachments, then the attachment can be manufactured, but the manufacturing efficiency and precision are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving element is designed with a convex spherical or semi-spherical rear surface that is complementary to a concave spherical or semi-spherical recess in the removable denture. This curved geometry enables the use of spherical or semi-spherical milling tools for automated CNC machining, transforming the attachment from manually processed to automatically processable while maintaining precise fit and form
Solution Approach 2:
The dental attachment is divided into distinct functional components: a receiving element with specific geometric features for automated machining, a retention element for securing the removable denture, and a holding part for attachment to the fixed denture. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling automated processing of the receiving element
2Extent of automation
If the receiving element has a convex spherical or semi-spherical rear surface, then automatic milling and CNC processing become possible, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The convex spherical or semi-spherical rear surface of the receiving element is designed as a standard geometric form that can be generated by conventional milling tools. While the surface geometry is curved, it follows simple mathematical equations and can be produced using standard CNC programming, avoiding the need for complex multi-axis machining or specialized tooling
Solution Approach 2:
The convex spherical or semi-spherical rear surface serves multiple functions: it provides the complementary fit for the concave recess in the removable denture, enables automated CNC machining with standard tools, and distributes contact forces uniformly during insertion and use. This multi-functionality reduces overall design complexity despite the curved geometry
3Reliability
If the retention element is designed for secure attachment, then the reliability of removable denture attachment is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical or semi-spherical geometry of the receiving element and corresponding concave recess provides inherent self-aligning and self-centering characteristics during insertion. This curved interface naturally guides the retention element into proper positioning, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining secure and reliable attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The rounded spherical or semi-spherical surfaces provide gradual contact and distribution of insertion forces, preventing stress concentration at single points. This geometric design inherently compensates for minor manufacturing variations and assembly tolerances, ensuring reliable attachment without requiring extremely tight manufacturing precision
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 the production of dental attachments using advanced machining techniques, ensuring precise fit and reliable attachment of removable dentures to fixed dentures, while accommodating various materials and wear conditions.
Implementation Method 1
retention element for the frictional and/or retentive retention of removable dentures to fixed dentures
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The device (18) for fastening and/or for assisting the fastening of a removable tooth replacement (12) to a fixed tooth replacement is provided with a receiving part (20) for fixing on the removable tooth replacement and with a holding part (30) which is insertable into the receiving part (20) and by means of which the removable tooth replacement is fastenable to the fixed tooth replacement. The receiving part (20) has a front face (22), which lies exposed in the installed state, and a rear face (24) directed away from the front face (22). The receiving part (20) moreover has a receiving space (26) which is open towards the front face (22) and which receives the holding part (30). In this device (18), provision is made that the rear face (24) of the receiving part (20) is configured as a convex or spherical or partially spherical or partially cylindrical surface, or that the rear face (24) of the receiving part (20) has two partial surfaces which are each configured as convex or spherical or partially spherical or partially cylindrical portions with, arranged between them, a plane or one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally curved middle surface.