Virtual Dental Model Jaw Movement Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for producing dentures and partial dentures are complex and require significant expertise, as they involve mechanical adjustments of articulators to simulate jaw movements, which can be prone to errors and require manual assembly and parameter transfer.

Innovation Solution

A virtual model of the patient's teeth and jaw is created using electronic recording systems and software, allowing for automatic simulation of jaw movements and insertion of dentures, eliminating the need for mechanical adjustments and ensuring accurate parameter transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical articulator is used to simulate jaw movements, then the functional occlusion can be checked, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional occlusion checkVSAvoidarticulator adjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy (virtual model) of the patient's dentition and jaw movements instead of using a physical articulator. The virtual model replicates all the functional characteristics of the mechanical system but in a simplified digital environment that can be manipulated and analyzed without physical adjustment complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical articulator system with a computer-based virtual simulation system. Instead of physically adjusting mechanical components to simulate jaw movements, the system uses software to digitally replicate and analyze eccentric jaw positions and occlusion relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual parameter transfer to articulator is performed, then the patient-specific occlusion can be configured, but the risk of parameter errors and loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter transfer accuracyVSAvoidparameter transfer time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual parameter transfer procedures with automated digital data capture and processing. Electronic recording systems directly capture patient-specific parameters and automatically transfer them to the virtual model, eliminating the manual transcription process that is prone to errors and time-consuming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates automated feedback loops where the virtual model continuously validates and adjusts parameters based on digital recordings of patient anatomy and jaw movements. This automated feedback mechanism ensures parameter accuracy without requiring manual verification and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical articulator adjustments are made, then the condyle path and Bennett angle can be simulated, but the ease of manufacture and operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejaw movement simulation capabilityVSAvoidarticulator setting ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the jaw movement mechanics that can be manipulated digitally. The virtual model preserves all the adaptability features for simulating condyle paths and Bennett angles but allows these complex movements to be configured and analyzed through software interfaces rather than manual mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses dynamic digital simulation to model jaw movements, allowing real-time adjustment and analysis of eccentric positions. The virtual model can dynamically adapt to different jaw movement scenarios without requiring physical reconfiguration of mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2552343B1Method for producing a dental prosthesis or partial dental prosthesis
Publication Date: 2018.05.02 DEKEMA DENTAL KERAMIKOFEN GMBH
  • EP2552343B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing a dental prosthesis or partial dental prosthesis, wherein a model is created of the set of teeth, or part of the set of teeth, of the patient to be treated, the dental prosthesis or partial dental prosthesis is produced on the basis of the model and is inserted into the model, and the quality of the prosthesis is checked by moving the upper jaw and the lower jaw of the model of the set of teeth relative to one another. In order to make it easier for the method to be carried out, the model of the set of teeth is created by incorporation of the mandibular joint as a virtual model, the prosthesis is produced virtually and inserted into the model, and the quality of the prosthesis is checked by virtual movement of the set of teeth via the virtual mandibular joint.