Mesiostructure Topology Optimization for Dental Prostheses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for creating mesiostructures for dental prostheses often fail to accurately account for individual biomechanical properties of the jaw, leading to unnecessary implants and overly robust constructions, which are aesthetically and cost-inefficiently excessive.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing topology optimization to create a biomechanically optimized geometry for mesiostructures by simulating loads and displacements, determining areas that contribute insignificantly to load absorption, and strategically placing implants to minimize material usage and ensure adequate stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual CAD design methods are used to create mesiostructure geometry, then the design can be created with existing knowledge and experience, but the individual biomechanical properties of the jaw are not sufficiently taken into account and the statics are not calculated exactly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of biomechanical properties considerationVSAvoidcomplexity of design method
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical design methods with computer-based simulation and optimization systems. The software performs automated static analysis, finite element analysis, and topology optimization to calculate exact biomechanical properties and stress distributions, substituting human experience-based design with precise computational mechanics.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital replica or virtual model of the patient's jaw and mesiostructure before physical fabrication. This digital twin allows for iterative simulation and optimization without physical prototypes, enabling precise measurement and adjustment of biomechanical properties in the virtual environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If implants are placed to ensure sufficient stability of the mesiostructure, then the mesiostructure becomes stable, but some implants may not absorb any load and are superfluous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of mesiostructureVSAvoidnumber of implants
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses topology optimization to change the distribution and density of material in the mesiostructure based on simulated load patterns. This identifies optimal implant positions and orientations that maximize load absorption efficiency, ensuring each implant contributes meaningfully to structural stability while minimizing the total number required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The optimization software automatically analyzes the simulated chewing loads and self-determines the optimal implant configuration without requiring manual trial-and-error by the dentist. The system serves itself by iteratively refining the design based on computational feedback from the finite element analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the mesiostructure is dimensioned more heavily to ensure sufficient stability, then the mesiostructure becomes more stable, but additional costs occur and aesthetic appearance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of mesiostructureVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies topology optimization that continuously adjusts the geometric parameters of the mesiostructure based on simulated mechanical loads. This creates an optimized geometry that uses material only where structurally necessary, achieving maximum stability with minimal material while maintaining aesthetic contours in visible areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The optimization process applies different structural densities and material distributions to different regions of the mesiostructure. Areas requiring high strength receive denser reinforcement, while aesthetic regions maintain lighter, more natural-looking contours, creating local variations in quality that satisfy both functional and cosmetic requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3219287B1Optimization of suprastructures or mesio structures in dental prostheses
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 CADFEM INT GMBH
  • EP3219287B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3219287B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a device for creating a geometry of a superstructure or mesiostructure for dental prostheses.According to one aspect of the invention, a method for creating a geometry of a mesiostructure for a dental prosthesis comprises the following steps: receiving first 3D data defining a 3D construction space for a mesiostructure, receiving second 3D data defining possible positions for fixing the mesiostructure, receiving third 3D data defining possible positions or areas for fixing the dental prosthesis to the mesiostructure, and creating an optimized geometry of the mesiostructure by means of an optimization method, wherein, starting from the 3D construction space, the possible positions for attaching the mesiostructure, and the possible positions or areas for fixing the dental prosthesis to the mesiostructure, the geometry of the mesiostructure is optimized using the laws of physics.