Optical Probe Angular Stiffness Measurement for Dental Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating dental implant stability are inadequate, as they are often invasive, subjective, or fail to accurately measure the stiffness at the implant-bone interface, which is crucial for assessing primary and secondary stability.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that apply a force to a medical implant using a probe to detect a response signal, compare it with a computer model, and determine an angular stiffness coefficient, which indicates the implant's stability, allowing for non-invasive and precise assessment of implant stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If resonance frequency measurement devices are used to assess implant stability, then non-invasive assessment is achieved, but the measurement does not accurately reflect stiffness at the implant-bone interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical percussion methods and resonance frequency devices with a photonic measurement system. The probe uses optical components (light source, photodetector) to measure implant stability through optical interference patterns, eliminating the need for mechanical contact that affects measurement accuracy while maintaining non-invasive assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light) as the medium between the measurement system and the implant. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the system uses light reflection and interference patterns at the implant-bone interface to indirectly measure stiffness, achieving both non-invasive operation and high measurement precision.
2Strength
If connected components (abutment, testing instrument) are attached to the implant for measurement, then structural support is provided, but the measured frequency is significantly affected by these components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the mechanical connection system. Instead of measuring through the abutment and connected components, the system directly measures the implant-bone interface using optical methods, removing the confounding influence of intermediate components from the measurement path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or representation of the implant-bone interface conditions through interference patterns. The photodetector captures optical information that replicates the mechanical state of the interface without requiring physical connection through abutments or testing instruments.
3Loss of information
If traditional radiographs are used for implant evaluation, then imaging is achieved, but only two-dimensional partial representation is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional radiographic imaging to a multi-dimensional assessment by measuring vibration characteristics at multiple frequencies and modes. The system captures dynamic behavior data that provides comprehensive three-dimensional information about implant stability, bone density, and interface conditions without complex imaging hardware.
4Ease of operation
If percussion method is used for stability assessment, then simple technique is provided, but highly subjective results are obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the measurement system to automatically perform both the excitation and detection functions. The probe self-generates vibration signals and self-measures the response through optical detection, eliminating the need for clinician interpretation while maintaining operational simplicity. The system objectively quantifies what was previously a subjective tactile assessment.
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
This approach provides a reliable and objective measurement of dental implant stability, enabling better evaluation of osseointegration and decision-making in clinical settings, such as determining when to load an implant or monitoring its status over time.
Implementation Method 1
determining a response signal associated with a vibration of the medical implant
Implementation Method 2
Some current non-invasive devices used for assessing implant stability are based on measurement of the resonance frequency of the implant-bone system
Data Source
AI summary
An example method for detecting stability of a medical implant is provided. The method includes (a) applying a force to the medical implant with a probe, (b) based on the applied force, determining a response signal associated with a vibration of the medical implant, (c) comparing the determined response signal with a computer model of the medical implant, and (d) based on the comparison, determining an angular stiffness coefficient of the medical implant, wherein the angular stiffness coefficient indicates a stability of the medical implant.