Snap-Coupling Temporary Abutment Mount for Dental Prosthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temporary cylinders for dental implants require cumbersome screw fastening, are difficult to install and remove, especially in limited spaces, and pose aspiration risks due to their size and manual handling.
Innovation Solution
A temporary cylinder with a snap-in retention mechanism using a male irregular hexagonal plug and female regular hexagonal socket for frictional engagement, allowing for secure attachment without screws, and optionally featuring a central screw hole for additional securing, made from materials like polyether ether ketone (PEEK).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw fastening system is used to attach the temporary cylinder to the implant, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the installation and removal process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement feature is segmented into a male portion on the temporary cylinder and a female portion on the implant, allowing for a snap-fit connection that eliminates the need for screw fastening while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The screw-based mechanical fastening system is replaced with a snap-fit engagement mechanism that provides secure connection through geometric interlocking and friction, eliminating the time-consuming screw tightening and loosening operations
2Reliability
If a long installation driver is used to manually screw the abutment screw, then the screw can be properly tightened, but vertical space requirements increase making placement difficult in the posterior
Solution Approach 1:
The installation driver and screw tightening operation are extracted from the system by using a snap-fit engagement feature that requires no external tools or manual screwing, allowing direct placement in the temporary cylinder into the implant without requiring vertical clearance for a driver
Solution Approach 2:
The manual screw tightening mechanism requiring a long driver is replaced with a snap-fit engagement system that achieves secure connection through geometric interlocking, eliminating the need for extended vertical access and complex manual operations in the posterior
3Ease of operation
If manual handling of the abutment screw is required, then the screw can be installed and removed, but the risk of dropping the screw and creating an aspiration hazard increases
Solution Approach 1:
The removable abutment screw is extracted from the system and replaced with an integrated snap-fit engagement feature that is part of the temporary cylinder structure, eliminating the risk of dropping a separate screw component into the patient's mouth
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary cylinder's engagement feature is designed to self-align and self-secure through the snap-fit mechanism with the implant, eliminating the need for manual screw handling and reducing the risk of aspiration hazards
4Productivity
If a snap-fit engagement feature is used to attach the temporary cylinder to the implant, then installation and removal become faster and easier, but the connection may be less secure than screw fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement feature uses an asymmetric male-female geometry where the male portion on the temporary cylinder fits into the female portion on the implant, creating a secure snap-fit connection that provides both speed and reliability through geometric interlocking and friction
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement surfaces utilize curved and tapered geometries that facilitate smooth insertion and secure engagement through friction and geometric interlocking, maintaining connection security while enabling rapid installation and removal
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
Facilitates easier, faster, and safer installation and removal of provisional restorations, reducing chair time, improving accessibility in limited spaces, and eliminating the risk of fastener aspiration, while offering dual functionality with implants and analogs.
Implementation Method 1
The temporary cylinder's lower engagement portion includes a male irregular hexagonal plug. The dental implant includes a female regular hexagonal socket, and the male irregular hexagonal plug and the female regular hexagonal socket are configured for inter-engagement with each other. The fitting of the irregular hexagonal plug and regular hexagonal socket together with one another results in a frictional fit when inter-engaged.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~6
AI summary
A temporary cylinder for snap-in retention with an elongate dental implant includes an elongate body extending from a first end to a second end, the elongate body being generally cylindrical and having an upper portion and a lower engagement portion and the temporary cylinder's lower engagement portion includes a male irregular hexagonal plug, and wherein the dental implant includes a female regular hexagonal socket, and wherein the male irregular hexagonal plug and the female regular hexagonal socket are configured for inter-engagement with each other, and the fitment of the irregular hexagonal plug and regular hexagonal socket together with one another results in a frictional fit when inter-engaged.