Mandible Prosthesis Serpentine Mounts Stress Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mandible reconstruction methods, such as the fibula flap procedure and 3D printed metal prostheses, fail to adequately match the size and geometry of mandibular defects, leading to severe facial defects and inability to withstand dental implant surgery due to stress concentration issues.
Innovation Solution
A reconstruction prosthesis featuring a main section connected via serpentine structures to mount sections, allowing for flexible placement and cushioning to absorb pressure, reducing stress concentration and facilitating integration with osseous tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional metal mandibular prosthesis is used, then the prosthesis can be manufactured to match the mandibular defects geometry, but the prosthesis cannot distribute pressure and results in stress concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible polymer coating layer over the rigid metal prosthesis. This flexible shell absorbs and distributes occlusal forces, preventing stress concentration while maintaining the precise geometric fit of the underlying metal structure to the mandibular defects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining rigid metal (for geometric precision and structural support) with flexible polymer material (for pressure distribution and stress absorption). This composite approach resolves the contradiction between manufacturing precision and strength/pressure distribution.
2Strength
If fibula flap procedure is used, then bone tissue can be harvested to rebuild mandibular structures, but the fibula fragments do not match the mandibular defects size and geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses 3D scanning and digital modeling to create an exact copy or replica of the patient's specific mandibular defects geometry. This digital template guides the fabrication of the custom prosthesis, ensuring precise geometric matching that cannot be achieved with harvested fibula fragments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from using biologically harvested tissue with fixed geometric parameters to manufacturing a prosthesis where all geometric parameters can be precisely controlled and customized to match the patient's specific defects through digital design and additive manufacturing.
3Strength
If rigid metal prosthesis is used, then the prosthesis can provide structural support, but the prosthesis deforms or collapses under stress concentration during dental implant surgery or occlusion
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible polymer coating acts as a protective shell that absorbs impact forces and prevents stress concentration on the rigid metal structure, thereby preventing deformation and collapse during high-load activities like dental implant surgery or chewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a cushioning layer beforehand on the rigid metal prosthesis to preemptively absorb and distribute forces before they can concentrate on weak points of the metal structure, preventing deformation before it occurs.
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 prosthesis effectively matches mandibular defects, reduces stress concentration, and enhances the ability to withstand dental implant surgery by using serpentine structures as a cushion, improving the reconstruction outcome and patient's facial appearance.
Implementation Method 1
When the at least one serpentine structure is deformed by force, the relative position of the main section and the at least one mount section is changed
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a reconstruction prosthesis including a main section, at least one serpentine structure, and at least one mount section. The at least one serpentine structure is connected to one end of the main section. The at least one mount section is connected to the main section via the at least one serpentine structure. The at least one mount section is configured to be connected to osseous tissue. When the at least one serpentine structure is deformed by force, the relative position of the main section and the at least one mount section is changed.