Flexible Dental Prosthesis Screw Click Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing dental implant systems require laborious and uncomfortable screwing and unscrewing of various elements, making the process cumbersome for specialists and unpleasant for patients.
Innovation Solution
A flexible dental prosthesis system featuring a longitudinally elongated flexible screw with a threaded first end and a deformable, flexible second end with a projecting flange, allowing a 'click' type connection with an upper connection element, facilitating quicker and simpler coupling of elements to the dental implant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional screw-based coupling methods are used for dental implant elements, then reliable connection is achieved, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming for specialists and uncomfortable for patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible membrane structure at the distal end of the screw that can deform elastically to enable push-through coupling. The flexible portion allows the screw to bend and pass through the connection element's opening, then spring back to secure the element without requiring threading or screwing operations, thus dramatically reducing coupling time and procedural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible screw design enables self-coupling through its elastic deformation capability. When pushed against the connection element, the flexible distal end automatically deforms to pass through the opening and then springs back to engage and secure the element, eliminating the need for specialized screwing tools or complex assembly procedures
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple elements are coupled and decoupled repeatedly during dental prosthesis phases, then adaptability is achieved, but the repeated screwing and unscrewing increases complexity and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane at the screw's distal end provides a simple yet effective coupling mechanism that can be repeatedly engaged and disengaged. This flexible structure allows elements to be coupled by simple push-through motion and decoupled by reverse motion, maintaining adaptability for multiple phases of dental prosthesis while significantly reducing system complexity compared to traditional screw mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using threaded engagement where the screw rotates into the element, this invention inverts the approach by having the screw push through the element using flexible deformation. This inversion simplifies the coupling mechanism while maintaining the ability to securely attach various dental prosthesis elements across multiple treatment phases
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
Enables faster and more comfortable coupling of dental prosthesis elements to the implant, reducing the complexity and discomfort associated with traditional screw-based methods.
Implementation Method 1
The second end (10B) is flexible, open and can be inwardly deformed... Upon coupling the upper connection element (16) on the flexible screw (10), the second end (10B) of said flexible screw (10) will deform inwardly, allowing its insertion in the hole of the upper connection element (16). When the projecting flange (18) of the flexible screw (10) reaches the corresponding inner recess of the upper connection element (16), the second end (10B) of the flexible screw (10) will recover its original shape
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible dental prosthesis system including: a longitudinally elongated flexible screw having a first end suitable for being fitted by means of threading in a dental implant and a second open end that can be inwardly deformed having a threaded hole on its inside and a projecting flange on its outside; a transmucosal post with a through hole suitable for inserting the flexible screw; and an upper connection element having a hole at one of its ends suitable for being coupled on the second end of the flexible screw by means of an inner recess in said hole corresponding with the projecting flange on the outside of the second end of the flexible screw.