Segmented Ball Head Abutment for Angular Dental Implant Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dental implant abutment systems face challenges in aligning structures with non-parallel axial directions and securing them firmly, particularly when the base body is implanted at an angle due to bone atrophy, requiring adjustable and stable connections to manage chewing forces effectively.

Innovation Solution

A dental abutment system featuring a cylindrical abutment base with a ball head receptacle and a fastening head having a through hole with slits forming ball head segments, allowing the ball head to be clamped securely within the receptacle using a clamping screw, enabling flexible alignment and secure fixation without the need for complex indexing elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a ball head with a locking screw is used to allow angular adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates because firm connection is not guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular adjustment capabilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ball head is divided into multiple segments by radial slots, allowing independent movement and adjustment of each segment while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables angular adjustment while preserving connection stability through the distributed locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The slots are pre-formed in the ball head to define the adjustment positions and paths. This preliminary preparation allows the locking screw to efficiently secure the ball head at the desired angle without requiring complex adjustment procedures, thereby improving both adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple individual parts are used to achieve adjustable connection, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustable connection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of individual parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ball head, slots, and locking mechanism are integrated into a single unified component structure. The slots are directly formed in the ball head itself, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms or multiple individual parts, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ball head structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides angular adjustment through the slots, maintains structural integrity, and enables secure locking through the integrated locking screw mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If welding or gluing is used to fix the post at an angle, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates because position correction is no longer possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular alignment precisionVSAvoidposition correction capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure transitions from a static welded/glued joint to a dynamic, adjustable mechanism. The slots in the ball head allow for angular adjustment before final locking, enabling both precise alignment and future repositioning if needed, thus improving ease of repair while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The angular parameter of the connection can be changed by adjusting the ball head position within the slots before locking. This allows precise angular alignment during installation and enables parameter modification for repairs, contrasting with the fixed parameters of welding or gluing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3790497B1Abutment for an endosseous dental implant
Publication Date: 2022.12.28 EPIPHANOSTICS
  • EP3790497B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3790497B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3790497B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an abutment for an endosseous dental implant, which abutment can be inserted into a jaw bone, and to a dental implant comprising said abutment.