Scan Body Projections for Accurate Dental Implant Triangulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current scanning systems face challenges in accurately scanning oral situations, especially when teeth are missing or implants are below the gum line, as they lack reliable reference points, leading to incorrect triangulation and incomplete data capture.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a scanbody with projections extending at right angles to the body, which serve as clear references for the scanner, allowing for uninterrupted scanning and precise data capture without pinching the gums, and the use of a connecting web to securely attach scanbodies for enhanced orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a cylindrical scanbody is used for non-rotation-protected implant abutments, then the position of the implant can be determined, but the scanning process becomes complicated and triangulation may fail when interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning accuracyVSAvoidscanning process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scanbody is divided into functional segments: a cylindrical body portion and a separate reference structure (protrusion or indentation) that extends along the longitudinal axis. This segmentation allows the cylindrical body to maintain rotational symmetry for non-rotation-protected abutments while the reference structure provides unique triangulation points for the scanner, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and scan reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a scanbody with lateral bulge or indentation is used for rotation-protected implant abutments, then rotation protection is achieved, but the bulge extends over the entire body causing injury to the gums

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation protectionVSAvoidgum injury
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The reference structure (protrusion or indentation) is localized to specific regions along the longitudinal axis rather than extending over the entire body circumference. This localized approach provides sufficient rotation protection and scanning reference points while leaving other areas smooth and biocompatible, preventing gum injury while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the distance between teeth or implants is greater than the optical scanning range, then complete tooth replacement is possible, but the scanner cannot find reference points for triangulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplant placement flexibilityVSAvoidtriangulation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The scanbody acts as an intermediary element between the implant and the scanner. It provides artificial reference structures (protrusions or indentations) that are within the optical scanning range, enabling triangulation even when natural teeth are absent or implants are spaced beyond the scanner's direct range. The reference structure serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between the implant position and scanner capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3471655B1Scan body
Publication Date: 2021.06.23 BLOIER KARL
  • EP3471655B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3471655B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7
  • EP3471655B1 patent drawingFigure 8~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a scan body (10), a connecting portion (24) and a system consisting of scan bodies (10) and a connecting portion (24), the scan body acting as a reference for a scanner in the mouth region and comprising a fastening device for fastening to an implant and a body extending longitudinally, the body being preferably at least essentially cylindrical.