Segmented Dental Implant Abutment for Occlusal Force Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental implant abutments lack a mechanism to effectively attenuate occlusal force, leading to issues such as loosening and fracturing of the fixing screw, as well as inconvenience and discomfort during the prosthesis attachment process.
Innovation Solution
The abutment design features cut portions that divide the upper portion into segments, with spirally or diagonally formed sections to enhance elasticity and attenuate occlusal force. Additionally, prosthesis fastening protrusions with varying diameters and inclined surfaces facilitate secure attachment without adhesives, and the abutment includes slots at the lower portion to enhance contact with the fixture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the fixing screw is strongly tightened to obtain strong fastening force, then the fastening force between fixture and abutment is improved, but the fixing screw is prone to loosening and fracturing due to accumulated stress from occlusal force
Solution Approach 1:
The abutment is divided into multiple segments by cut portions extending from the top surface downward, allowing each segment to move independently and absorb occlusal force through elastic deformation, reducing stress transmission to the fixing screw
Solution Approach 2:
The abutment material and structure are designed to change physical parameters (elasticity, flexibility) enabling the abutment to deform elastically under occlusal load, attenuating the force before it reaches the fixing screw
2Strength
If the abutment structure is made rigid to maintain structural strength, then the structural strength is improved, but the ability to attenuate occlusal force is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The abutment body is segmented by cut portions that extend from the top surface downward, creating multiple independent sections that can deform elastically under occlusal load while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The abutment combines rigid material properties for structural strength with flexible geometric features (cut portions, inclined surfaces) that enable elastic deformation to attenuate occlusal force
3Strength
If adhesive is used to attach the prosthesis to the abutment, then the attachment strength is improved, but the attachment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The chemical bonding mechanism (adhesive) is replaced with a mechanical interlocking system featuring protrusions that fit into grooves, eliminating the need for adhesive application and curing time
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis and abutment are designed with pre-formed complementary geometric features (protrusions and grooves) that automatically interlock during assembly, eliminating the need for additional attachment steps
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 design maintains strong fastening force over time, prevents loosening and fracturing of the fixing screw, simplifies the attachment process, and ensures structural strength and proper positioning of the prosthesis.
Implementation Method 1
predetermined sections of the cut portions dividing the upper portion of the abutment into a plurality of segments are spirally or diagonally formed to improve elasticity of the segments influencing the function of attenuating occlusal force
Implementation Method 2
strong tension is applied between the head and the threaded portion of the fixing screw with the threads on the outer surface of the fixing screw and the threads on the inner surface of the hole of the fixture engaged
Implementation Method 3
the head of the fixing screw presses the abutment toward the fixture. Accordingly, strong tension is applied between the head and the threaded portion of the fixing screw
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
The present invention relates to an abutment for dental implants. The abutment for dental implants according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a prosthesis fastening protrusion which is formed such that an upper end of an upper portion of an abutment on which the prosthesis is mounted has an outer diameter larger than that of a portion directly below the upper portion thereof, the prosthesis fastening protrusion protruding outward; and an incision part for dividing the upper portion of the abutment into a plurality of segments, wherein when the prosthesis fastening protrusion is viewed in a horizontal cross-sectional view, the distance values from the vertical central axis (C) of the abutment to the outer surface of the fastening protrusion are different depending on location. Preferably, when the prosthesis fastening protrusion is viewed in the horizontal cross-sectional view, the distance values from the vertical central axis (C) of the abutment to the outer surface of the fastening protrusion is continuously reduced toward the incision part, and the distance value is the largest at a central portion (F) of the outer surface of the segments divided by the incision part.