Flexible Dental Base Structure for Non-Parallel Implant Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dental prosthetic systems face challenges in attaching bridges to implants with non-parallel insertion directions, requiring precise manufacturing and limited tolerance, and are not suitable for zirconium-based restorations, especially when using direct screw connections or complex fitting geometries.

Innovation Solution

A flexible dental base system comprising a prosthesis base element and a sleeve-shaped fitting element, allowing for a bonded connection with a single screw, which compensates for manufacturing inaccuracies and accommodates non-parallel implant orientations, and is compatible with zirconium-based prosthetic restorations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If direct screw connections with simplified fitting geometries are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen (requiring very precise elaboration of connection geometry)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate connection structure consisting of a prosthesis base element with a lumen and a sleeve-shaped fitting element. This intermediary mechanism mediates between the implant and the prosthetic restoration, allowing for greater manufacturing tolerance while maintaining secure attachment. The fitting element can move within the lumen to accommodate dimensional variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the connection structure by providing a lumen with a diameter larger than the fitting element, creating clearance space. This parameter change allows for movement and compensation of manufacturing inaccuracies, reducing the precision requirements compared to tight-fit direct connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If bridges are fitted onto implants with non-parallel insertion directions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity worsens (requiring connecting elements to parallelize insertion directions)

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic capability to the connection structure by allowing the fitting element to move within the lumen of the prosthesis base element. This movement capability enables the structure to adapt to non-parallel implant orientations without requiring complex rigid connecting elements, thereby maintaining adaptability while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the connection structure into three independent components: the prosthesis base element, the fitting element, and the prosthetic restoration. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates adaptability to various implant orientations through the relative movement between segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If double screw connections are used, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens (requiring precise elaboration of connection geometry between bridge and base)

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple connection elements into a single integrated screw connection system. The screw passes through both the prosthesis base element and the fitting element, combining what would otherwise require separate connection steps into one operation, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability through the multi-component structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Strength

If fitting geometry extends deeply into implant, then strength is improved, but adaptability worsens (making it difficult to accommodate non-parallel implant orientations)

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestrengthVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic movement capability between the fitting element and the prosthesis base element, allowing the connection structure to adapt to various implant orientations. This dynamic feature enables the system to accommodate non-parallel implants while maintaining adequate connection strength through the secured fitting mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fitting element acts as an intermediary between the implant and the prosthetic restoration, providing a flexible connection interface. This intermediary structure allows for adaptation to different implant orientations while maintaining sufficient attachment strength through the lumen-fitting element interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3448299B1Flexible dental basic structure for securing dental prosthetic fixtures to implants
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 HERAEUS KULZER GMBH
  • EP3448299B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3448299B1 patent drawingFigure 1c~1e
  • EP3448299B1 patent drawingFigure 1f

AI summary

The invention relates to a flexible dental basic structure (1) for securing dental prosthetic fixtures (6) to implants (11) or abutments, comprising: a) a prosthetic base element (3) and b) a sheath-like fitting element (2), wherein said a) prosthetic base element (3) can be mounted with an exact fit onto the front side of an implant and comprises an elongated lumen (3.5) arranged axially and extending from the upper side (3.4) to the underside (3.3) of the prosthetic base element (3), said lumen (3.5) being designed to receive the b) sheath-like fitting element (2) such that the fitting element can move in the lumen (3.5), wherein the b) fitting element (2) comprises a shoulder (2.2) which extends around the outer circumference at the top on the fitting element (2), as well as a shank (2.7) which downwardly delimits said fitting element, a sheath-like outer lateral wall (2.10) being arranged between the top shoulder (2.2) and the shank (2.7) and comprising a shoulder (2.8) that has an underside (2.8.1) and is inwardly offset around the outer circumference above the shank (2.7). The fitting element (2) additionally comprises an elongated lumen (2.4, 2.6) that has an inwardly offset shoulder (2.5) at which the diameter of the lumen (2.6) is decreased, the lumen (2.4, 2.6) extending from the upper side of the fitting element to the underside. The invention also relates to a durable dental prosthesis comprising at least one flexible basic structure (1) with a) a prosthetic base element (3) and b) a sheath-like fitting element (2) inserted into the lumen (3.5), as well as a securing means (7) arranged in the lumen (2.4, 2.6), and a prosthetic fixture (6) secured onto the prosthetic base element (3) by means of connecting means (5) and a prosthetic fixture (6) that can be mounted on said flexible basic structure.