Dental Anchoring Element Clamping Ring and Elastic Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental anchoring elements for removable dentures are too large for tight spaces and have suboptimal connection to the gingiva due to the use of harder materials, which can lead to detachment issues and inadequate sealing.
Innovation Solution
A clamping ring surrounds the female part, with a pressing mechanism and radially inward contact flange to secure the soft-elastic matrix part to the male body, allowing for a smaller design and improved gingiva connection, featuring a conical inner surface for easy assembly and a metal or plastic material for durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cap is used to enclose the matrix part, then the anchoring element provides sufficient hold and retention, but the design becomes larger and more difficult to use in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the anchoring element into distinct functional segments: a reusable clamping ring structure and a replaceable matrix part. This segmentation allows the bulk of the structure (clamping ring) to remain outside the gingiva while only the necessary soft matrix part extends into the confined space, reducing overall volume while maintaining retention function.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping ring is positioned in a different spatial dimension (outside the gingiva) rather than enclosing the matrix part within a bulky cap structure. This dimensional repositioning allows the retention mechanism to function from an external location, reducing the volume occupied in the confined intra-gingival space.
2Strength
If a harder material is used for the cap, then structural strength is provided, but the connection to the gingiva is not optimal compared to softer, more elastic material
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different material properties to different parts of the anchoring element: the clamping ring uses hard material for structural strength and reusability, while the matrix part uses soft, elastic material for optimal gingiva connection. This local differentiation of material quality resolves the contradiction between strength and connection quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring element combines two distinct materials with complementary properties: a hard clamping ring material (e.g., metal or rigid plastic) and a soft elastic matrix material (e.g., silicone rubber). This composite construction allows each material to perform its optimal function - structural support and gentle tissue interface - respectively.
3Volume of moving object
If a smaller clamping ring is used instead of a cap, then the design fits better in confined spaces and improves gingiva connection, but the hold on the matrix part may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping ring incorporates pre-formed elastic deformation capacity that allows it to expand and contract. This preliminary elastic action enables the ring to grip the matrix part securely during insertion and removal while maintaining sufficient hold during use, compensating for the reduced size compared to a full cap enclosure.
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 smaller, more secure anchoring system with enhanced sealing and reduced risk of detachment, allowing for easier removal and replacement while maintaining adequate hold and preventing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
the female part is designed to be softly elastic and at least almost completely encloses the part of the male body projecting beyond the gingiva in a form-fitting manner
Implementation Method 2
the clamping ring is provided with a pressing means for the matrix part against the male body
Implementation Method 3
the annular projection is designed as a conical inner surface towards the lower, gingival-facing edge, as this allows the clamping ring to be easily slid onto the matrix part
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The dental anchoring element of a removable tooth prosthesis (9) or of dental work on a tooth implant or a tooth root. It has an attachment part, which is firmly connected to the implant or to the tooth root and which is preferably designed in the manner of an abutment, which attachment part carries a male body (2) provided with a radially protruding retention projection (6). A female part (3) adapted to the male body (2) is also provided which is connected to the tooth prosthesis (9), and a temporary element in which the female part (3) is resiliently elastic and at least almost completely encloses the part of the male body body (2) protruding past the gingiva (5). The female part (3) is surrounded by a clamping ring (4) which is preferably arranged below the retention projection (6) on the side of the male body facing towards the gingiva (5) and is provided with a pressing means for pressing the female part against the male body.