In Situ Dental Convergence Angle Measurement Instrument
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no direct clinical instrument available to measure the convergence angle of dental preparations during the stump making process for fixed prostheses, leading to inadequate convergence angles being achieved by dentists and students, as existing methods require subsequent indirect measurements.
Innovation Solution
A clinical measurement instrument with a central bar and perpendicularly coupled bars that adapt to the stump walls, allowing direct and immediate measurement of the convergence angle using a pivoting rod and angularly graduated ruler, capable of being sterilized for repeated use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If indirect measurement methods (photographic instruments, overhead projectors, goniometric microscopes, intraoral cameras) are used to measure convergence angle after preparation, then measurement capability is achieved, but measurement timing is delayed and requires subsequent analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling convergence angle measurement to be performed during the stump preparation process itself, rather than after completion. The measuring instrument is integrated into the preparation workflow, allowing real-time measurement and immediate feedback to the clinician, thus eliminating the time loss associated with subsequent indirect measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measuring instrument that directly contacts the stump walls and provides immediate measurement readings. This intermediary device acts as a bridge between the preparation process and measurement capability, enabling real-time feedback without requiring removal of the preparation or use of complex post-preparation imaging systems
2Manufacturing precision
If no direct measurement instrument is used during stump making, then preparation process is simple, but convergence angle quality cannot be controlled in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a measuring instrument that is self-contained and provides its own measurement readings directly at the preparation site. The instrument includes its own scaling mechanism and reading interface, eliminating the need for external imaging equipment or complex post-processing analysis, thus improving measurement quality without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex imaging systems and creates a dedicated, simplified measuring instrument. By taking out only the necessary measurement capability and integrating it directly into the preparation workflow, the patent achieves real-time convergence angle control with a relatively simple device that can be sterilized and reused
3Productivity
If conventional preparation methods are used without real-time feedback, then preparation process is fast, but convergence angle adequacy cannot be verified immediately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly implements feedback by providing immediate convergence angle measurements during the preparation process. The instrument gives real-time numerical or visual feedback to the clinician about the current convergence angle, allowing immediate adjustment if the angle is inadequate, thus maintaining productivity while eliminating information loss about measurement adequacy
Data Source
AI summary
An in situ measuring instrument of the convergence angle (CA) of a dental preparation or stump in the field of dentistry, applied to humans or other species, having a movable bar, and a support bar arranged parallel to each other and coupled perpendicularly and slidable relative to a central bar by a first guiding hole at one end of the central bar and a second guiding hole at one end of the support bar which allow the relative vertical movement of the movable bar and horizontal movement of the support bar, allowing both bars to be adjusted to the base of the stump. This instrument allows measuring both natural and artificial teeth and implants, as well as fixed and mobile prostheses, just as if any device attached to the tooth (artificial or implant) is desired to be installed.