Splint Partition Segments Adhesive for Dental Fiducial Marker

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing splint devices for surgical robots in dental surgery face challenges in achieving optimal rigidity and removability, as they require a careful balance of adhesive material to secure the fiducial marker, leading to issues with excess adhesive flow into tooth undercuts, making the device non-reusable.

Innovation Solution

A splint device with a laterally-extending medial portion and stabilizing portions forming a U channel, featuring a bridge portion and partition member that separates adhesive material into distinct portions, allowing for controlled application and easy removal without damaging the adhesive.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If too much adhesive material is applied to the retainer portion, then the splint device can be securely mounted to the teeth, but the excess adhesive material flows into the tooth undercuts, making the retainer portion non-removable without drilling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting strengthVSAvoidremovability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The U channel is divided into multiple compartments by partition members, which segment the adhesive material into separate portions. This prevents excess adhesive from flowing continuously into the tooth undercuts while still providing sufficient mounting strength in each segmented area, enabling easy removal without drilling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If too little adhesive material is applied to the retainer portion, then the splint device can be easily removed, but the mounting strength is insufficient to resist forces during the surgical procedure

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveremovabilityVSAvoidmounting strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The partition members create multiple separate adhesive portions within the U channel, allowing each compartment to use adhesive efficiently without waste. This segmentation ensures sufficient mounting strength is achieved in each area while preventing overall excess adhesive application, maintaining both strength and removability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the retainer portion is made as rigid as possible, then it provides stable tracking during the surgical procedure, but it becomes difficult to remove and replace between procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverigidityVSAvoidremovability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The partition members segment the adhesive material into controlled portions that bond the rigid retainer portion to the teeth without creating excessive adhesive buildup. This segmentation allows the rigid structure to maintain stability during surgery while enabling clean removal between procedures, as the segmented adhesive can be removed without damaging the retainer or requiring drilling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution provides a reusable splint device that securely attaches to the patient's teeth during surgery and can be easily removed without damaging the adhesive, addressing the limitations of prior art by allowing for reproducible and efficient use in multiple procedures.

Implementation Method 1

a retainer portion that grips the jaw or one or more of the teeth (i.e., by way of an adhesive substance, such as an acrylic material applied between the retainer portion and the teeth or jaw)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3463176B1Splint device for forming a fiducial marker for a surgical robot guidance system, and associated method
Publication Date: 2022.03.02 NEOCIS INC
  • EP3463176B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3463176B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3463176B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A method of implementing a splint device, and associated splint device, are provided for a guidance system of a surgical robot. A splint body includes first and second stabilizing portions extending from opposed lateral sides of a medial portion, and defines a U channel. The medial portion, or the medial portion and one of the stabilizing portions, defines a bridge portion extending along the U channel. A partition member, received by the bridge portion, extends into and longitudinally along the U channel. An adhesive material is engaged with the splint body, within the U channel. The U channel is engaged about an object such as a tooth or jaw of a patient, and urged toward the object, such that the partition member engages the object and separates the adhesive material into a first portion engaged with the first stabilizing portion and a second portion engaged with the second stabilizing portion.