Spherical Dental Abutment Connection for Adjustable Prosthetic Axis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental abutment systems, particularly multi-unit abutments (MUA), fail to allow for adjustable inclination of the prosthetic axis to accommodate varying mandibular or maxillary bone structures and prosthetic screw positions, leading to instability and complexity in connections.
Innovation Solution
A dental abutment system with a partially spherical head and a rotatable connection element that can incline between -50° and +50°, allowing the multi-unit abutment (MUA) to adapt to different dental arches and prosthetic axis positions, featuring a bayonet-like connection for stability and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pre-angled MUA is used with fixed inclination (0°, 17° or 30°), then the connection structure is simplified, but the adaptability to different bone structures and prosthetic axis positions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic connection system where the MUA can be inclined at variable angles (-50° to +50°) relative to the implant axis through a rotatable connection element with spherical head that engages in a spherical seat, allowing adaptation to different bone structures and prosthetic axis positions while maintaining a relatively simple connection structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the inclination parameter of the MUA from fixed values (0°, 17° or 30°) to a variable range (-50° to +50°) by introducing a rotatable connection element with spherical geometry, enabling continuous adjustment to match different clinical requirements without significantly complicating the overall device structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If a ball joint connection system is used to allow MUA inclination adjustment, then the adaptability is improved, but the connection stability and ease of detachment are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection system into distinct functional elements: a spherical head on the connection element, a spherical seat on the MUA, and a prosthetic screw for final fixation. This segmentation allows the MUA to be inclined and rotated freely during positioning, then securely locked when the prosthetic screw is tightened, providing both adjustability and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary positioning and inclination adjustment of the MUA through the spherical connection before final prosthetic fixation. The connection element can be freely rotated and inclined to achieve optimal positioning, and once positioned, the prosthetic screw locks the configuration in place, ensuring both ease of adjustment and connection stability
3Ease of operation
If the MUA is made adjustable and rotatable, then the ease of operation and customization are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spherical geometry for the connection element head and MUA seat, allowing natural rotation and inclination adjustment through simple circular motions. This spherical design enables easy positioning and customization of the MUA angle without complex mechanisms, maintaining operational simplicity while achieving the desired adjustability
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an abutment system adapted to be connected or constrained to a dental implant, comprising a head (5) defining a seat (SE) with a configuration at least partially spherical, a connection element (6) mountable at least partially within the seat (SE), and a multi-unit abutment or MUA (7).