Dental Insert with Dual Interfaces for Force Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dental implant and attachment connections face challenges in achieving hygienic and biomechanically stable connections with favorable force distribution, often leading to mechanical stress and risk of breakage, especially with ceramic implants.

Innovation Solution

A dental insert with two interfaces: a latching or clamping interface for fixation and a screw or bayonet connection for secure attachment, utilizing materials like polyetherketone for durability and antimicrobial properties, and a swellable material for sealing and stabilization, allowing for easy exchange and renewal of active ingredients.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a three-part prosthesis with a terminal post and sleeve-shaped clamping element is used, then the connection between implant and attachment is achieved, but lateral forces are absorbed solely by the post, leading to unfavorable force distribution and risk of breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidpost strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the connection system into multiple functional components: the implant body, a connecting element with force-distributing surface, and the attachment. The connecting element transfers lateral forces from the attachment to the implant body through a distributed contact surface rather than concentrating them on a single post, thereby resolving the contradiction between connection stability and post strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting element acts as an intermediary component between the attachment and the implant body. It mediates the force transmission by providing a force-distributing surface that spreads lateral loads across a larger area of the implant body, preventing the concentration of stresses that would otherwise occur on a terminal post.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a ceramic implant is used, then aesthetic and biocompatible properties are improved, but the post may break due to unfavorable distribution of mechanical forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiocompatibility and aestheticsVSAvoidpost resistance to breakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the functions of force transmission and structural support. The ceramic implant body maintains its aesthetic and biocompatible properties while the connecting element with its force-distributing surface handles the mechanical load distribution, preventing stress concentration that would lead to post breakage in ceramic implants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting element provides localized force distribution at the interface between the attachment and implant body. This local quality enhancement ensures that lateral forces are evenly distributed across the contact surface, preventing the development of high-stress zones that could cause ceramic implant failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a snap-fit and screw connection interface is used, then hygienic and biomechanically stable connection is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiomechanical stabilityVSAvoidconnection mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into two distinct interfaces: a snap-fit interface for initial engagement and positioning, and a screw connection interface for final securing. This segmentation allows each interface to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve overall biomechanical stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting element serves as an intermediary that accommodates both the snap-fit and screw connection interfaces. It provides the structural features necessary for both connection types while maintaining a relatively simple overall design, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 hygienic, biomechanically stable, and form-fitting connection with reduced mechanical loads, minimizing the risk of mechanical stress and infection, while allowing for easy maintenance and renewal of antimicrobial agents.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing materials like polyetherketone for durability and antimicrobial properties

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntimicrobial properties of polyetherketone:

Implementation Method 2

a swellable material for sealing and stabilization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSwelling:

Data Source

PatentEP3558156B1Dental insert for the connection of a dental implant with a dental attachment

Publication Date: 2020.10.07 UNIVERSITY OF BASEL

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AI summary

The invention relates to a dental insert for connecting a dental implant to a dental abutment, wherein the dental insert has at least two interfaces, wherein a first interface of the at least two interfaces, in interaction with the abutment, is designed to fasten the dental insert to the implant by means of a locking and/or clamping connection and wherein a second interface of the at least two interfaces is designed to fasten the dental insert to the dental abutment.