Removable Dental Splint Segmentation for Fiducial Marker Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing splint devices for surgical robots in dental surgery face challenges in achieving optimal rigidity and removability, with prior art devices requiring a careful balance of adhesive material to secure the fiducial marker, leading to issues with reusability and removal without damaging the teeth.
Innovation Solution
A splint device comprising removably engageable first and second splint portions with opposed surfaces and a mounting portion, secured via adhesive material, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without the need for excessive adhesive, facilitating reusability and minimizing damage to teeth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If excessive adhesive material is applied to secure the splint device to teeth, then the attachment strength is improved, but the removability deteriorates and tooth damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The splint device is divided into multiple segments (first splint portion and second splint portion) that can be separated from each other. This segmentation allows the adhesive material to be contained within specific regions, enabling strong attachment where needed while maintaining ease of removal by simply separating the segments. The first and second splint portions can be removably engaged with each other, facilitating straightforward removal without excessive adhesive residue on the teeth.
2Reliability
If the splint device structure is made more complex to improve stability, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The splint device is divided into separable first and second portions, each of which can be manufactured independently using standard dental laboratory processes. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity while improving stability through the combined structure. Each portion can be fabricated using conventional techniques, and their association provides enhanced stability without requiring complex monolithic manufacturing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the splint device is designed for easy removal, then the reusability is improved, but the attachment strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The separable design into first and second splint portions enables easy removal and reapplication for multiple uses. The segments can be detached from each other and removed from the teeth without damage, allowing the device to be reused on the same or different patients. Meanwhile, the adhesive material applied to each segment provides sufficient attachment strength during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The splint device is designed to be removed and potentially reused or replaced. The first and second portions can be separated and removed from the patient's teeth without causing damage, allowing for recovery of the device components for future use or proper disposal. This design facilitates the discard and recover cycle essential for reusability.
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 solution provides a stable and reusable splint device that securely attaches to teeth during procedures while allowing for easy removal and reapplication, addressing the limitations of prior art devices by maintaining stability without requiring excessive adhesive and enabling straightforward removal without damaging the teeth.
Implementation Method 1
secured via adhesive material
Data Source
AI summary
A method of implementing a splint device, and associated splint device are provided for a guidance system of a surgical robot. An adhesive material is engaged with a first stabilizing portion of a first splint portion, and the adhesive material is engaged with a second stabilizing portion of a second splint portion. The first or second splint portion has a mounting portion extending outwardly therefrom, The first and second splint portions are removably engaged with each other and about a tooth of a patient such that, when engaged, the first stabilizing portion is generally opposed to and laterally spaced apart from the second stabilizing portion to define a channel therebetween, with the mounting portion being disposed and extending outwardly of the channel, and with the first and second stabilizing portions defining the channel being secured to respective sides of the tooth via the adhesive material.