Dental Implant Tool With Universal Retention Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental professionals face challenges in securely gripping and efficiently using small implant drivers due to their size, which limits torque application and requires multiple adapters for varying shapes, complicating procedures and increasing instrument complexity.
Innovation Solution
A dental tool with a handle and shaft that includes a retention element with a cylindrical shape and side openings for easy cleaning and sterilization, capable of securely holding variously shaped implant drivers and interacting with a ratcheting device for precise torque application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a standardized implant driver with a small size is used, then it can fit into the patient's mouth, but it cannot provide sufficient gripping area for torque application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where a retention element is inserted into the shaft of the implant driver. The retention element has a hollow cylindrical body that receives the implant driver shaft, creating a nested configuration. This allows the small implant driver to be contained within a larger handling structure, enabling sufficient gripping area while maintaining the compact size needed for oral access.
2Reliability
If individual adapters are procured for each implant driver shape, then secure retention is achieved, but device complexity and instrument quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention element is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple shapes of implant drivers. The hollow cylindrical body with internal gripping surfaces can retain various driver configurations without requiring shape-specific adapters. This multi-functional design reduces the number of instruments needed while maintaining secure retention across different implant driver types.
3Ease of manufacture
If a solid shaft structure is used, then manufacturing is simple, but cleaning and sterilization become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft incorporates a porous or perforated structure with multiple openings distributed throughout its body. These openings allow cleaning solutions and sterilizing agents to penetrate and flow through the internal geometry of the shaft, ensuring thorough cleaning of all surfaces. The porous structure maintains structural integrity while enabling effective fluid penetration for hygiene purposes.
4Ease of operation
If manual operation is used, then flexibility is maintained, but precise torque control is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ratcheting mechanism as an intermediary between the manual operator and the implant driver. This mechanism includes a ratchet wheel and pawl that convert manual rotational input into controlled torque output. The ratcheting action provides mechanical advantage and precise torque control while maintaining manual operation flexibility, allowing the user to apply accurate rotational force to the implant driver.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for use in dental implants. The tool includes a retention element held in the tool shaft via a friction fit. The retention element is adapted to grip a variety of impact drivers via a frictional fit for use in tightening procedures of a dental procedure. The tool also includes a variety of features for interaction with additional dental instruments, or that aid in cleaning and sanitization of the tool.