Magnetic Mounting Base for Articulator Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing articulator devices require retention plates for plastering dental models, which complicates precise alignment and handling, and often necessitate additional steps for model removal and reinsertion, leading to inefficiencies in dental model production.

Innovation Solution

A mounting base with a permanent-magnetic holding element and a push-off element that can be moved between predetermined positions, allowing direct plastering without retention plates and enabling precise alignment and easy detachment of dental models using magnetic attraction and a lifting mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If retention plates are used for plastering dental models in articulators, then the models can be securely held during plastering, but the alignment precision and handling complexity are worsened due to additional components and steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure holding of models during plasteringVSAvoidcomplexity of model removal and reinsertion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the retention plate component entirely, integrating its function directly into the articulator's mounting base. The mounting base now includes a magnetic holding element and push-off element that directly interact with the plaster model, eliminating the need for separate retention plates and simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the retention plate function with the mounting base by integrating a magnetic holding element and push-off element into the mounting base itself. This combination allows the mounting base to both secure the model during plastering and facilitate easy removal through the push-off mechanism, reducing the number of separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If retention plates are used for plastering dental models, then models can be held during plastering, but precise alignment and handling are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding capability during plasteringVSAvoidalignment precision of models
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical retention plate system with a magnetic holding system. The magnetic holding element provides secure attachment during plastering without requiring precise mechanical alignment of separate components, while the push-off element enables clean separation when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If multiple retention plates and mounting plates are used, then models can be secured in articulators, but the number of steps for model removal and reinsertion increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel securation in articulatorsVSAvoidefficiency of model production process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention eliminates the retention plate step entirely by integrating all necessary holding and release functions into the mounting base. This reduces the workflow from multiple steps (mounting plate attachment, retention plate placement, plastering, removal) to a simpler process (direct plastering on mounting base, push-off for removal).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The push-off element provides automatic model release when activated, eliminating the need for manual disassembly of retention plates and mounting plates. The system serves itself by using the push-off mechanism to directly eject the plaster model from the mounting base.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If conventional mounting plates with fixing screws are used, then models can be attached to articulators, but the ease of operation is reduced due to manual attachment and detachment steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment of models to articulatorsVSAvoidconvenience of model handling
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the manual screw-fixing mechanism with a magnetic holding system actuated by a push-off element. The magnetic force provides reliable attachment during plastering, while the push-off element enables one-action removal, dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The push-off element is designed to be movable, transitioning from a retracted position during plastering to an extended position for model ejection. This dynamic component allows the system to adapt its function from holding to releasing based on operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates precise alignment and handling of dental models in articulators without retention plates, reducing the complexity of model removal and reinsertion, and improving the reproducibility of model positioning during the plastering process.

Implementation Method 1

at least one permanent-magnetic holding element (6) is introduced into the holding surface (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3422995B1Mounting base for an articulator, articulator device and method for producing a plaster model with the articular
Publication Date: 2020.01.29 IML INSTRA MECHANIK LABOR
  • EP3422995B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3422995B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3422995B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a mounting base (1) for an articulator (101) in dental technology, as well as an articulator device and a method for adjusting an articulator. The mounting base has a base body with a mounting surface (2) facing the articulator in a mounting state, and a retaining surface (3) facing away from same. At least one permanent-magnetic retaining element (6) is positioned in the retaining surface (3). In addition, at least one recess (12) is positioned in the retaining surface (3), into which a imprinting element is moveably introduced, and at least one lever element is used between the mounting surface (2) and the retaining surface (3). The at least one lever element (10) is operatively connected to the at least one imprinting element, and can be actuated from outside the mounting base in order to carry out a lifting and lowering movement of the at least one imprinting element. The at least one lever element (10) is designed for positioning the at least one imprinting element in at least two predetermined positions, wherein the imprinting element projects out of the retaining surface (3) in a first position and lines up precisely with the retaining surface (3) in a second position.