Dental Superstructure Attachment System with Curved Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dental superstructure attaching systems face challenges in securely attaching a superstructure to dental implants at varying angles without visible attachment means, requiring complex assembly and specialized tools, and often result in poor hygiene interfaces and cumbersome installation processes.

Innovation Solution

A two-part superstructure attachment system featuring a longitudinal member with a curved interface area and a casing that allows angular displacement and secure clamping to the implant, using a screw for attachment, enabling a standard screw connection and improved fit between the system and superstructure, while allowing for various material options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate angled distances are used to accommodate varying implant positions and angles, then the system can adapt to different patients, but the device complexity increases and the mounting process becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying implant positions and anglesVSAvoidcomplexity of multiple distances and mounting process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system employs a universal base component that can accommodate multiple implant angles (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°) through a single multi-functional design. The base includes multiple receptacles arranged at different angles, allowing one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate angled distances, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional attachment methods with visible screws or cement are used, then the superstructure can be securely attached, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of attachmentVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the attachment mechanism from the visible oral surface by placing all fastening components (screws, receptacles, and connection interfaces) entirely subgingivally beneath the gum line. The superstructure attaches to the base through hidden interfaces, eliminating any visible screws or cement from the aesthetic zone while maintaining secure attachment through the subgingival connection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple different distances must be tested to find the correct match, then the correct angle can be achieved, but the loss of time during the procedure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of angle matchingVSAvoidtime for testing multiple distances
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The base component is pre-manufactured with receptacles positioned at predetermined standard angles (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°). During the procedure, the practitioner simply selects the appropriate receptacle based on the required angle rather than testing multiple distances, significantly reducing procedure time while maintaining precise angle matching capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system allows for secure, aesthetically pleasing, and durable attachment of a dental superstructure to implants at various angles using a standard screw, simplifying the installation process and enhancing hygiene by eliminating the need for visible attachment means and specialized tools.

Implementation Method 1

a clamping effect caused by relative movement between the two parts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectClamping effect: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

said longitudinal member being connectable to an implant connecting member via a curved interface area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew connection: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP2684539B1Superstructure
Publication Date: 2017.04.05 HERAEUS KULZER GMBH
  • EP2684539B1 patent drawing
  • EP2684539B1 patent drawing
  • EP2684539B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A dental superstructure attaching system for use with a dental implant is provided. The system comprises a longitudinal member being connectable with an implant or an implant connecting member via an at least partially curved interface area. The longitudinal member comprises a main member forming the lingual part of said longitudinal member, and a lever member forming the buccal or labial part of said longitudinal member. The longitudinal member further comprises means for urging said lever member and said main member away from each other, such that said longitudinal member is secured to said implant or implant connecting member. The system further comprises a casing (200) for attachment to a dental superstructure on the outer surface of the casing (200), said casing (200) comprising a cavity (201) for housing the longitudinal member (102), such that when urging said lever member (102b) and said main member (102a) away from each other, the longitudinal member (102) is secured in said cavity (201). Methods for attaching a dental superstructure to a dental implant via such a system, are also provided.