Dental Component Asymmetrical Indexing for Rotational Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dentists face difficulties in accurately determining the correct rotational orientation of dental components relative to dental fixtures, leading to potential misalignment and complications during dental implant procedures.
Innovation Solution
The use of two or more leading indexing elements on a dental component, which guide it into a desired rotational position before engaging trailing indexing elements for a final rotational lock, ensuring correct alignment with the fixture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single rotational orientation system is used for dental components, then correct alignment is achieved, but the dentist cannot easily determine the correct rotational position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing indexing elements with different axial positions (leading vs trailing) and asymmetric distribution patterns. The leading indexing elements are positioned apically of the trailing indexing elements, creating an asymmetric configuration that provides tactile feedback during insertion. This asymmetric design allows the dentist to easily identify the correct rotational position by feeling which leading indexing elements engage first with the fixture, thereby improving both measurement precision and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action through the leading indexing elements that engage with the fixture before the trailing indexing elements. These leading elements are positioned to make contact first during the insertion process, providing preliminary alignment guidance and tactile feedback to the dentist before the component is fully seated. This preliminary engagement action helps the dentist determine the correct rotational position early in the insertion process.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple indexing elements are used to guide rotational position, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the connection process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the indexing elements into distinct functional groups: leading indexing elements and trailing indexing elements. This segmentation is based on their axial positions, where leading elements are apically positioned and trailing elements are coronally positioned. This functional segmentation allows each group to perform its specific role in the alignment process, improving alignment accuracy while managing complexity through organized functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by giving different axial positions and functional roles to different indexing elements. The leading indexing elements have their apical ends positioned apically of the trailing indexing elements' apical ends, creating local variations in the indexing element configuration. This local differentiation allows specific elements to serve specific purposes (leading vs trailing engagement), thereby improving alignment accuracy without uniformly increasing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If leading indexing elements are positioned apically of trailing indexing elements, then correct rotational position is easily determined, but the structural design becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a sequential engagement process where leading indexing elements engage with the fixture before trailing indexing elements during the insertion process. This dynamic sequence provides tactile feedback to the dentist as the component is being inserted, making it easy to determine the correct rotational position. The dynamic nature of the engagement process (leading elements first, then trailing elements) simplifies operation while the modular indexing element design keeps manufacturing manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A dental component comprising a fixture engagement portion for engaging the dental component with a dental fixture adapted to be inserted into a jawbone or for engaging the dental component with a fixture replica.