Frictional Denture Retention via Elastic Prong Constriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing denture attachment methods require a large number of implants and precise alignment, which can be impractical and unsuitable for all jaw configurations due to bone erosion or implant orientation issues.
Innovation Solution
A novel denture retention system that uses a pronged denture connector and an anchor with prong reception sites, secured to implants, allowing for frictional retention with minimal precision requirements and using only two implants for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws or bolts are used to fasten dentures to implants, then secure attachment is achieved, but implant orientation precision and bone tissue quality requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate components: an anchor固定在植入物上，pronged connector连接锚和义齿，弹性元件提供摩擦力。这种分割使得各部件可以独立安装，降低了对植入物精确定位的要求
Solution Approach 2:
引入了锚（anchor）作为中间部件，固定在植入物上；以及pronged denture connector作为连接中介，将义齿与植入物系统连接起来。这种中介结构使得义齿固定不再直接依赖于植入物的精确朝向
2Reliability
If multiple implants are used to support dentures, then attachment security is improved, but the complexity and invasiveness of the procedure increase
Solution Approach 1:
通过改变连接机制的物理参数，使用弹性元件产生的摩擦力代替传统的机械锁合，使得 fewer implants 就能提供足够的固定力。摩擦力特性允许在较少植入物情况下仍保持义齿的稳定
3Reliability
If precise alignment of prongs and prong reception sites is required, then secure frictional retention is achieved, but installation time and precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
利用弹性元件的材料特性，使其能够在prong插入时发生弹性变形，然后在安装后收缩产生摩擦力。这种物理状态的变化使得连接过程对精度要求降低，同时保持了可靠的固定
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 provides secure and stable attachment of dentures with reduced precision needs and fewer implants, facilitating easier installation and maintenance while accommodating various jaw configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The prongs are each frictionally secured in place by an elastic member lining the prong passages of the denture and constricting over inserted prongs
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member lining the prong passages of the denture and constricting over inserted prongs
Data Source
AI summary
A feature for retaining a denture on dental implants is shown and described. An anchor for receiving prongs is threaded to each of one or more implants in the mouth. A denture having prong passages is placed onto jaw bone or overlying tissue, above the implant. The anchor occupies an opening in the denture. With the denture in place and with the prong passages aligned with prong reception sites of the anchor, a pronged denture connector is installed such that the prongs pass through the prong passages of the denture and penetrate the prong reception sites of the anchor. The prongs are frictionally secured in place by an elastic member lining the prong passages of the denture and constricting over inserted prongs. Optionally, the elastic members include a bridge securing one elastic member parallel to the other. The denture may comprise synthetic resin reinforced by a metallic reinforcing bar.