Dental Model Teeth With Step Portions For Gap Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dental models, manufacturing errors can result in insertion holes being slightly larger than tooth root portions, leading to gaps between adjacent model teeth when assembled.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates insertion holes with an inner surface step portion that is narrower on the deep side than the opening side, and model teeth with an outer surface step portion that is inclined, allowing the teeth to move and fit snugly, reducing the distance between adjacent teeth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the insertion hole is formed to strictly match the size of the tooth root portion, then the fitting precision is improved, but the assembly reliability deteriorates due to manufacturing errors causing insertion failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing the insertion hole with a larger opening side dimension than the tooth root portion, creating a tolerance buffer that compensates for manufacturing errors. This allows successful assembly even when manufacturing deviations occur, while the step portion ensures proper positioning and fitting precision are maintained.
2Reliability
If the insertion hole is formed to be slightly larger than the tooth root portion, then the assembly reliability is improved, but gaps form between adjacent model teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing a step portion at a specific location within the insertion hole (at the depth where the tooth root portion is inserted). This step creates a localized constraint that pushes adjacent teeth together, eliminating gaps in the tooth row while maintaining the overall larger insertion hole dimension for reliable assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If a conventional insertion hole design is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but gaps appear between adjacent teeth due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the insertion hole into two distinct dimensional zones: a larger opening side portion and a smaller deep side portion separated by a step. This segmentation allows the opening to accommodate manufacturing tolerances while the deep side portion ensures proper tooth positioning and eliminates gaps, all while remaining manufacturable using conventional molding techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
Model teeth 20 for a dental model includes a model teeth base 10 provided with a plurality of insertion holes 13 having an inner surface provided with an insertion hole-side step portion 13b such that a deep side of the holes 13 is narrower than an opening side, and a plurality of the teeth 20 having a tooth crown portion 21 exposed from the holes 13 and a tooth root portion 22 inserted inside the holes 13, when the model teeth are detachably inserted into the holes 13, respectively. The teeth 20 include a model teeth-side step portion 26 provided on an outer surface of the portion 22 and cause the teeth 20 to move in a direction such that a distance between adjacent teeth 20 is shortened, as the teeth 20 abut the portion 13b when inserted into the holes 13 and the teeth 20 are inserted deep into the holes 13.