Dental Model Adapter Kit for Articulator Compatibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dental articulator devices vary significantly in their structural configurations and mounting features, making it difficult to transfer dental models between different devices using conventional equipment, as mounts designed for one device may not be compatible with another.
Innovation Solution
An adapter system comprising a dental model adapter and base plate adapters with bayonet prongs and centering pins allows for secure and adaptable mounting of dental models to various articulator devices, enabling compatibility across different devices by forming a monolithic unit that can be easily transferred.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mounting equipment is used for dental models, then the mounting process is simple for a single device, but compatibility across different articulator devices is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal mounting system where a standardized base plate with bayonet prongs can be used across multiple articulator devices from different manufacturers. The base plate serves multiple functions: it provides a standardized interface for mounting dental models, enables compatibility with various articulator types (Arcon, non-Arcon, semi-adjustable, fully adjustable), and allows for interchangeable use with different articulator mechanisms through the common bayonet prong interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate acts as an intermediary component between the dental model mounting system and the articulator device. Instead of directly mounting models to each specific articulator type, the base plate with its standardized bayonet prong interface mediates the connection, allowing the same base plate to interface with multiple articulator mechanisms through appropriate adapter plates or direct mounting features.
2Reliability
If custom mounts are designed for each articulator device, then compatibility with specific devices is high, but the complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is designed as a universal component that maintains reliable mounting across different articulator types without requiring custom mounts for each device. The standardized bayonet prong interface ensures consistent and reliable mounting while reducing the total number of components needed, as one base plate design serves multiple articulator systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into modular components: a universal base plate with bayonet prongs, removable dental models, and interchangeable adapter plates. This segmentation allows the core base plate to remain simple and universal, while specific articulator requirements are met through optional adapter components rather than redesigning the entire mounting system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dental models are transferred between different articulator devices, then versatility in using models is improved, but positioning accuracy and alignment consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized base plate with bayonet prongs provides a universal mounting interface that ensures consistent positioning accuracy when transferring dental models between different articulator devices. The uniform interface geometry and mounting mechanism maintain repeatable positioning regardless of which articulator device is used, enabling accurate transfer and comparison of models across systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate design promotes homogeneity in the mounting interface across all articulator devices. By standardizing the bayonet prong configuration, base plate dimensions, and mounting features, the system ensures that dental models are positioned consistently and uniformly whether mounted on one articulator or transferred to another, maintaining positioning accuracy through homogeneous interface standards.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a dental model coupling portion and a base plate adapter coupling portion. The dental model coupling portion is configured to couple with a dental model. The base plate adapter coupling portion includes a body and a set of prongs extending from the body. The body is fixedly secured relative to the dental model coupling portion. The prongs are configured to removably secure the base plate adapter coupling portion to a base plate adapter of a dental model articulator. A base plate adapter includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side is configured to removably couple with the base plate adapter coupling portion. The second side is configured to removably couple with a dental model articulator.