Trapezoidal Reference Member for Dental Implant Analog Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining the position of an implant analog in three-dimensional space is challenging due to the need for high user skill and concentration, with existing reference members being constrained by adjacent teeth and requiring manual documentation, which can lead to errors.
Innovation Solution
A trapezoidal reference member with apical and coronal surfaces featuring unique reference codes is used, allowing for accurate optical scanning and alignment, reducing manual input and increasing accuracy by optimizing the available space within a working model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cylindrical or conical reference member is used, then it can be matched to implant analog systems, but a high degree of user skill and concentration is required leading to potential errors
Solution Approach 1:
The reference member employs an asymmetric trapezoidal cross-section instead of a symmetric cylindrical or conical shape. This asymmetric geometry provides unique orientation features that eliminate the need for manual alignment skills, as the shape itself guides correct positioning. The asymmetric form factor ensures only one correct orientation fits the implant analog, thereby reducing user error while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference member is designed to self-align with the implant analog through its unique trapezoidal geometry and complementary fitting surfaces. The asymmetric shape automatically orients itself correctly when placed on the implant analog, eliminating the need for user skill in manual alignment. The design makes the alignment process self-correcting, where the geometry itself ensures proper positioning without requiring concentrated user attention.
2Loss of information
If manual documentation of reference member alignment is used, then position can be recorded, but errors can occur during data processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual documentation with an optical scanning system that captures the reference member's position and orientation data automatically. Instead of relying on user manual recording, which is prone to errors, the system uses optical scanners to detect reference codes and compute spatial coordinates automatically. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with optical and computational methods eliminates transcription errors and improves data reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through optical scanning that automatically detects and verifies the reference member's position and orientation. The scanning system provides real-time feedback by reading reference codes and computing spatial data, allowing for automatic verification and correction of alignment information. This feedback loop eliminates the need for manual documentation and reduces errors by providing automated validation of the recorded position data.
3Area of stationary object
If the reference member is constrained by adjacent teeth, then it fits in the dental cavity, but the cylinder thickness is limited to about 5 millimeters
Solution Approach 1:
The reference member uses an asymmetric trapezoidal cross-section that optimizes space utilization within the constrained dental cavity. Unlike a symmetric cylinder limited to 5mm thickness, the asymmetric trapezoidal shape allows strategic distribution of material thickness, providing sufficient reference surface area in critical directions while maintaining compatibility with adjacent tooth structures. This asymmetric geometry enables better adaptation to the specific spatial constraints of each dental site.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional circular cross-section to a four-sided trapezoidal cross-section, utilizing additional geometric dimensions to optimize space usage. The trapezoidal shape provides varied thickness profiles across different sides, allowing the reference member to fit within tight constraints while maintaining adequate reference surface area for accurate scanning and measurement in the critical measurement dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A reference member for determining a position of an implant analog can comprise a trapezoidal body including a first side and a substantially parallel second side. The first side can define a first dimension and the second side can define a second dimension that is greater than the first dimension.