Denture Cap With Conical End And Elastic Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment systems for removable dentures are either complex to manufacture or lack adjustable holding force, making them unsuitable for industrial production and practical use.
Innovation Solution
A cap-anchoring element arrangement featuring a circumferential groove and a radially inward projection with a conical end, combined with a resiliently deformable matrix, allows for adjustable pull-off forces and secure attachment without tilting, using a cap that can be easily manufactured and provides enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional attachment systems like double crowns or ball attachments are used, then secure retention is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to tight tolerances and multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into three functional segments: the anchoring element (male component) integrated into the implant, the cap (female component) embedded in the denture base, and the matrix material that provides the retaining force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and manufactured separately with standard tolerances, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining retention security.
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix material acts as an intermediary between the cap and anchoring element, providing the retaining force through its elastic properties. This intermediary component enables adjustable retention forces and simplifies the interface between the hard cap and anchoring element, allowing for easy manufacturing without requiring precise direct fitting between rigid components.
2Reliability
If conventional attachment systems are used, then retention is provided, but adjustment of pull-off forces is difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The retention force can be adjusted by changing parameters of the matrix material, such as its thickness, density, or elastic modulus. This allows customization of the pull-off force to match individual patient needs and clinical requirements, providing adaptability while maintaining secure retention. The conical geometry of the cap and anchoring element also provides self-locking that can be adjusted by modifying the cone angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix material provides dynamic retention that can adapt to different loading conditions. The elastic properties of the matrix allow it to deform under load and provide varying retention forces, enabling adjustment of pull-off forces through material selection and geometric design rather than requiring multiple fixed-force components.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple attachment designs are used, then manufacturing is easier and cost-effective, but tilting stability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The conical geometry of both the cap and anchoring element provides inherent tilting stability through their curved surfaces. The conical shape creates a self-centering effect that resists lateral and tilting forces while maintaining simple manufacturing processes. This curved geometry is more effective at preventing tilting than flat or angular designs of comparable manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of the rigid cap and anchoring element with the elastic matrix material creates a composite attachment system. The rigid components provide structural integrity and tilting resistance, while the elastic matrix provides retention and shock absorption. This composite structure achieves tilting stability without requiring complex single-material designs.
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
This configuration offers a simple, cost-effective attachment solution with adjustable holding force and improved tilting stability, combining the advantages of retention and stability without the drawbacks of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a matrix (13) made of a resiliently elastic deformable material, which is arranged in the cap (12) only above the conical end (123)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a cap for fastening a denture on an anchoring element (VE), wherein the cap (KA) has a projecting part (VO) pointing radially inwards which co-operates with a circumferential groove (NU) on the anchoring element (VE), thus forming a retention element (RE) such that the cap (KA) can be releasably fastened on the anchoring element (VE), and wherein the cap (KA) has a conical end portion (AB) located below the retention element (RE), the end portion at least partially surrounding, in the fastened state, a corresponding outer surface (AF) of the anchoring element (VE).