Position Fixing Device for Dental Models Using Coordinate Markings

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Solution Overview

Problem

The optimal alignment and positioning of upper and lower jaw dentures in dental procedures, both analog and digital, are challenging due to inaccuracies and errors in the alignment process, which affect the precision of dental work and require multiple steps for correction.

Innovation Solution

A position fixing device with positioning means and position markings that interact with a base surface and fixing elements, allowing for precise and stable alignment of dental impressions or models by fixing them to a zero point coordinate origin, enabling precise horizontal and vertical alignment and reducing post-processing adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional alignment methods are used for dental impressions, then the process can be completed with basic equipment, but alignment accuracy deteriorates leading to multiple correction steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining a coordinate system and positioning references directly on the dental impression tray and articulator before the actual alignment process. Position markings are created during impression taking, and a coordinate origin is established in advance on the articulator base, enabling accurate positioning without complex real-time measurements or multiple correction iterations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If multiple correction steps are performed to achieve proper occlusion, then alignment accuracy can be improved, but time consumption and process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveocclusion accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary positioning by establishing a coordinate system and positioning references during the initial impression taking phase. Position markings are created beforehand on the impression tray, and the coordinate origin is pre-established on the articulator, allowing direct accurate positioning in a single step rather than requiring multiple iterative corrections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment procedures with a coordinate-based positioning system. Instead of relying on manual mechanical adjustment and trial-and-error fitting, the invention uses defined coordinate origins, position markings, and reference points that can be precisely located and measured, substituting mechanical complexity with a systematic coordinate approach.

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

3Loss of information

If digital impression technology is used, then real-time feedback is improved, but equipment cost and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time feedback qualityVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the positioning system into distinct, simple components: position markings on the impression tray, a coordinate origin on the articulator base, and reference points. This segmentation allows the complex positioning task to be broken down into manageable elements that can be implemented with simple equipment rather than requiring complex integrated digital systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces position markings and coordinate references as intermediary elements between the digital impression data and the physical articulator setup. These intermediaries serve as common reference points that bridge the digital and physical domains, enabling accurate positioning without requiring complex direct integration between digital imaging systems and articulators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2919704B1System comprising a device for positionally fixing a moulding, and suitable method therefor
Publication Date: 2016.10.12 MERZ DENTAL
  • EP2919704B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2919704B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention describes a device for positionally fixing a moulding comprising a base surface having at least one fixing element for the moulding, characterized in that at least one positioning means is provided which interacts with the fixing element, and the moulding has at least one position marking which interacts with the positioning means.