Dental Drill Sleeve Alignment Detection Using Radiological Reference Bodies

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for checking the alignment of drill sleeves in dental drilling templates are complex and difficult to interpret, leading to potential deviations from planned positions, which can result in injuries to nerve tracts or exceed safety clearances during implantation.

Innovation Solution

A method using an X-ray template with at least three X-ray visible reference bodies is created, allowing for precise detection and visualization of drill sleeve alignment through radiological imaging, enabling accurate representation and evaluation of deviations from planned positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If complex checking methods based on projection or tactile geometry detection are used, then measurement precision can be achieved, but device complexity and difficulty of detecting and measuring increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment detection precisionVSAvoidchecking method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical projection and tactile geometry detection methods with a radiological imaging system. X-ray visible reference bodies are embedded in the drill sleeve and jaw model, allowing alignment detection through radiological imaging rather than complex mechanical measurement systems. This substitution simplifies the detection process while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces X-ray visible reference bodies as intermediary elements that facilitate alignment detection. These reference bodies serve as mediators between the drill sleeve and the radiological imaging system, enabling precise position determination without requiring complex direct measurement mechanisms. The reference bodies translate physical alignment into detectable radiological signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If numerical deviation values are output, then measurement precision is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates as surgeons cannot easily apply the data to jaw position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeviation measurement accuracyVSAvoidpractical applicability to jaw position
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a radiological copy or visual representation of the jaw model with embedded reference bodies. This visual copy allows surgeons to directly observe the spatial relationship between the drill sleeve and jaw structures in three-dimensional space, making the abstract numerical deviations concrete and easily interpretable. The visual representation serves as a practical tool for surgical planning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional numerical deviation values to three-dimensional visual representations. By embedding reference bodies in the drill sleeve and using radiological imaging to capture spatial relationships in multiple dimensions, the system provides comprehensive visual information about deviations from planned positions, making it easier for surgeons to assess and apply the data to actual jaw anatomy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If drill sleeve alignment is not checked, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to potential deviations causing injury to nerve tracts or exceeding safety clearances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling procedure simplicityVSAvoidimplant position accuracy and safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs alignment checking as a preliminary action before the actual drilling procedure. By verifying the drill sleeve position and orientation relative to the jaw model and planned implant positions beforehand, the system ensures that safe clearances are maintained and nerve tracts are protected. This preliminary verification step prevents potential injuries during the drilling operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the actual drill sleeve position, as determined by radiological imaging of the reference bodies, is compared with the planned target position. This feedback loop allows surgeons to identify and correct deviations before proceeding with drilling, ensuring reliability and safety while maintaining operational simplicity through automated position determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This approach simplifies the detection and evaluation of drill sleeve alignment, ensuring safe implantation by providing clear, three-dimensional visualizations and numerical data for precise positioning, reducing the risk of injury to neighboring structures.

Implementation Method 1

at least three X-ray visible/X-ray attenuating reference bodies that are disposed at a distance from one another are introduced for forming an X-ray template

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11337774B2Method and system for detecting the alignment of at least one drill sleeve in a drill template produced for implanting dental implants in the correct position
Publication Date: 2022.05.24 SCHEFFER AXEL
  • US11337774B2 patent drawing
  • US11337774B2 patent drawing
  • US11337774B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for detecting alignment of a drill sleeve in a drilling template relative to the jaw of a person, includes: creating an impression element including a negative impression of the jaw structure; creating an X-ray template from the impression element by disposing spaced X-ray visible reference bodies in the impression element; carrying out a first three-dimensional radiological detection, in which the jaw, together with the X-ray template fastened to the jaw, is detected by DVT or CT; creating a drilling template from the X-ray template by fastening a drilling sleeve in/on the X-ray template; inserting a reference object, including spaced X-ray visible reference bodies, into the drill sleeve; and carrying out a second three-dimensional radiological detection, in which only the drilling template, which is outside the jaw, including the reference bodies thereof, and the reference object inserted therein, including the reference bodies thereof, are detected.