Dental Implant Drilling Guide Using Spring-Loaded Needles and Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the drilling direction and axis of dental implants often require invasive procedures, such as cutting the gum, or are expensive and time-consuming computer-aided imaging techniques, which are not preferred by dentists due to their complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a drilling bit channel, a supporting unit with hinges and metal needles, and fishing line strings that allows for precise determination of the drilling axis without cutting the gum, using a spring system to press metal needles into the gum layer and a pivot bar for movement, enabling the drilling bit channel to be accurately positioned over the bone layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If computer-aided imaging techniques are used to determine the implant axis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex computer-aided imaging systems and digital processing equipment with a simple mechanical apparatus consisting of a supporting unit, drilling bit channel, and positioning elements that can be directly placed on the gum surface to determine the drilling axis through physical geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a physical copy or model of the desired drilling trajectory using the drilling bit channel and supporting unit structure, which replicates the correct implant placement geometry without needing complex imaging and digital modeling processes
2Measurement precision
If a guiding mold with channels is created using computer-aided imaging, then drilling direction accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases due to mold preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed to be self-positioning on the gum surface using the supporting unit and fixation elements, automatically determining the correct drilling axis without requiring time-consuming custom mold fabrication and fitting procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting unit with drilling bit channel serves multiple functions: positioning, axis determination, and drilling guidance, all in a single integrated apparatus that eliminates the need for separate mold preparation steps
3Ease of operation
If gum cutting is performed to reach bone tissue for drilling, then accessibility to bone is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to invasive procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the drilling bit channel as an intermediary guiding structure that can be positioned on the gum surface and extends downward to guide the drilling bit, allowing access to the bone without requiring preliminary gum incision
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is positioned and the drilling axis is determined before any drilling begins, with the drilling bit channel already in place to guide the subsequent drilling operation, eliminating the need for preliminary gum cutting to assess the drilling path
4Adaptability or versatility
If elastic layers and magnets are used to fit the apparatus to gum curvature, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision of the axis determination decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting unit is designed with a curved surface that matches the natural curvature of the gum and bone surface, providing inherent adaptability without requiring elastic deformation materials that could compromise positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus employs asymmetric positioning elements and fixation pins strategically placed to adapt to the specific curvature of each patient's anatomy while maintaining precise angular relationships for accurate axis determination
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 solution provides a practical, cost-effective method for determining the dental implant drilling axis, reducing recovery time and avoiding the need for invasive procedures, while ensuring accurate placement of the implant by allowing the drilling bit channel to be precisely aligned with the bone layer.
Implementation Method 1
four needle pressing units (9) which are positioned to the right and left of the supporting unit (2) and which consist of a head (10), a spring (12) mounted on the spring protrusion (14) at the top and on the spring housing (13) at the bottom
Implementation Method 2
four hinges (21), which enable the rotary connection between the needle pressing units (9) and between the needle pressing unit (9) and the supporting unit (2) and which allow the apparatus to assume an arc shape when the apparatus is positioned on the gum layer (24)
Implementation Method 3
right string (15a) and left string (15b) which provide the right and left movement of the drilling bit channel (1)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
This invention relates to an apparatus for determining the direction and axis of the dental implant drilling, characterized in that it comprises: a drilling bit channel (1), supporting unit (2), pivot bar (3), four needle pressing units (9), four metal needles (11), four hinges (21), right string (15a) and left string (15b).