Pluggable Implant Sealing via Removable Plug Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable devices lack effective mechanisms for sealing and controlling the transfer of materials and contaminants, particularly in scenarios where removability and ease of use are essential, such as in dental implants.
Innovation Solution
A pluggable implant design featuring a cavity extending from the distal end to the apical end with a removable plug that seals the cavity when fully inserted, utilizing a threaded distal cavity and complementary stud, and a smooth apical bore to limit material passage, facilitating easy insertion and removal with a driving device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a removable plug is used to seal the implant cavity, then the sealing effectiveness and contamination prevention are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and insertion mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The implant system is divided into separate components: the implant body with cavity and the removable plug. This segmentation allows the plug to be inserted and removed independently to seal or open the cavity, providing reliable sealing when needed while keeping the overall device design modular and manageable in complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The plug is designed to be inserted into and nested within the implant cavity. When fully inserted, the plug occupies the cavity space and seals the distal opening. This nesting arrangement allows the sealing mechanism to be compact and integrated within the implant structure without adding significant external complexity
2Ease of operation
If a threaded distal cavity with complementary stud is used for plug insertion, then the ease of operation and insertion control are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded distal cavity and complementary stud form a self-aligning, self-guiding insertion mechanism. The threads automatically guide the plug into the correct position and orientation as it is screwed in, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or specialized insertion tools, thereby improving ease of operation while the threading provides inherent tolerance compensation
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded interface is pre-configured during manufacturing with precise threading patterns that facilitate controlled insertion. The threads are designed in advance to engage progressively, providing mechanical guidance and control throughout the insertion process, which reduces the skill level required for insertion while the precision is built into the manufactured components
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a smooth apical bore is used to limit material passage, then the sealing against contaminant ingress is improved, but the transfer of materials and signals through the implant is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static open or closed state to a dynamic, controllable state. The removable plug allows the apical bore to switch between being open (permitting material and signal transfer) and sealed (preventing contaminant ingress). This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the structure to adapt its permeability based on operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The plug can be removed from the apical bore when material transfer is needed, effectively extracting the sealing element from the passage. This allows the smooth apical bore to function as an open channel for material and signal transfer, while the same smooth surface continues to provide sealing when the plug is in place, preventing contaminant ingress
Data Source
AI summary
A pluggable implant is disclosed that is comprising an implant body extending between a distal end and an apical end, and comprising a cavity extending from the distal end towards the apical end, the cavity capable of accommodating a plug insertable from the distal end towards the apical end, such that when the plug is fully inserted and located in its apically-most position, the plug seals the cavity. Moreover, there is a method for plugging a hollow implant is disclosed, the implant comprising an implant body extending between a distal end and an apical end, and comprising a cavity extending from the distal end towards the apical end; wherein a plug is removably inserted into the implant through the cavity from the distal end towards the apical end such that when the plug is in fully inserted position and located in its apically-most position, the plug seals the cavity.