Soapstone Deburr Tool for Denture Spires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dentists face challenges in smoothing spires on flexible polymer dentures during adjustments, as the elasticity of the material creates irritants, and existing deburr tools are inefficient in removing these spires without damaging the dentures.
Innovation Solution
A deburr tool comprising a deburr element made of soapstone or chalk, attached to a versatile holding element that can be configured in various sizes, shapes, and materials, allowing for spinning or reciprocating motions to smooth spires effectively without damaging the dentures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a dentist uses traditional deburr methods on flexible polymer dentures, then material removal is achieved, but the elasticity of the material creates tiny flexible spires that irritate the patient's mouth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional rigid deburr tools to flexible polymer deburr elements that match the denture material's elasticity. This parameter change allows the deburr element to conform to and smoothly remove material without creating irritating spires, as the flexible element adapts to the denture's elastic properties during the deburring process
2Productivity
If existing deburr tools are used on flexible polymer dentures, then some material removal occurs, but the tools are inefficient and may damage the denture material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the deburr tool by using flexible polymer material with matched elasticity, enabling efficient material removal through adaptive contact that prevents damage to the denture structure
Solution Approach 2:
The deburr element is constructed as a composite structure with a flexible polymer outer layer over a support core, combining the benefits of material compatibility with structural integrity for effective deburring operations
3Device complexity
If a fixed-design deburr tool is used, then the tool structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different denture sizes, shapes, and adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic deburr element that can flex, bend, and adapt its shape during operation. The flexible polymer material allows the tool to dynamically conform to various denture geometries and adjustment locations, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized tools
Solution Approach 2:
The deburr tool is designed with universal applicability through its flexible element that can accommodate different denture sizes, shapes, and adjustment requirements, allowing a single tool design to perform multiple deburring functions across various clinical scenarios
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 tool efficiently removes spires from dentures, improving comfort and reducing irritation for patients by allowing precise smoothing at different angles and motions, benefiting both dentists and patients by ensuring a proper fit without damaging the denture material.
Implementation Method 1
The soapstone may be attached to a holding element and the soapstone placed against the denture and then moved relative to the denture in a deburr motion. The deburr motion may be in a spinning, circular or reciprocating pattern to smooth the spires
Data Source
AI summary
A deburr tool and processes to smooth spires on dentures after an adjustment by the dentist for a proper fit are presented. The deburr tool may have a deburr element comprised of soapstone or chalk, and the deburr element may have a variety of geometric shapes. For example, it may be spherically shaped, parabolic shaped, triangular shaped, cylindrical shaped with and an outer face between a one side and an other side, or rectangular shaped. Appling the one or more outer faces, surfaces, or edges of soapstone to the spires and using a rotary or reciprocating motion, the spires may be smoothed to provide a comfortable fit. The deburr element may have a holding element with a distal end and an other end connected to the deburr element and configured to use in an individuals hand or may be configured to insert in a rotary or reciprocating machine.