PLATE BENDER FOR MANDIBULAR IMPLANTS AND BENDING PROCESS

Abstract

Provided is a plate bender for mandibular implants and the method employing it, which is intended for improving the bending process of mandibular plates or implants, reducing the number of folds (bents) until obtaining the desired geometry, further reducing fatigue failures, costs and streamlining the process, by providing a high-precision, semiautomatic bender, with modular and transportable assembly.

Claims

1. A plate bender for mandibular implants comprising a support structure, a feeding system, a fastening mechanism supporting the plate or mandibular implant in a specific position, a bending dice system), a power unit, a control unit, and an output platform.

2. The plate bender for mandibular implants according to claim 1, wherein the feeding system comprises an advance mechanism by synchronic pulleys, operated by a feeding servo, a free roller mechanism connected to a tensor mechanism controlling advancement of the mandibular plate and bending accuracy, wherein the elements are supported on a modular structure of the feeding system.

3. The plate bender for mandibular implants according to claim 1, wherein the bending dice system comprises at least one of a fixed pin and a movable pin of angular oscillation.

4. The plate bender for mandibular implants according to claim 1, wherein the power unit comprises at least one of a servo and a power transmission system, wherein the elements are supported on a modular structure of the power unit.

5. The plate bender for mandibular implants according to claim 1, wherein the power transmission system comprises at least one of a synchronic pulleys and a toothed belt.

6. The plate bender for mandibular implants claim 1, wherein the power transmission unit has a ratio of 2:1.

7. The plate bender for mandibular implants according to claim 1, wherein the control unit comprises a touch controller and auxiliary buttons.

8. The plate bender for mandibular implants according to claim 1, wherein the support structure has transportation handles.

9. The plate bender for mandibular implants according to claim 1, wherein it has an electrical charge or power supply system.

10. The plate bender for mandibular implants according to claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises covers for modular maintenance.

11. The plate bender for mandibular implants according to claim 1, wherein the feeding from the platform to the fastening and bending mechanism is mechanical.

12. The plate bender for mandibular implants according to claim 1, wherein the feeding from the platform to the fastening and bending mechanism is automatic.

13. A method for bending mandibular implants comprising the following steps: entering plate bending position and angle data, according to virtual surgical planning data; positioning the mandibular implant on the feeding platform, mechanically or automatically; starting the bending the process by activating the plate bender for mandibular implants; and removing the bent piece.

14. The method for bending mandibular implants according to claim 13, wherein the step of bending is automatic.

15. The method for bending mandibular implants according to claim 13, wherein the plate or mandibular implant feeding and positioning process is automatic.

16. The method for bending mandibular implants according to claim 13, wherein the plate or mandibular implant feeding and positioning process is mechanical.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0017] Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with references to the following Figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein:

[0018] FIG. 1A corresponds to a perspective view of the plate bender in its application position, from a first angle;

[0019] FIG. 1B corresponds to a perspective view of the plate bender in its application position, from a second angle;

[0020] FIG. 2 corresponds to a view of the plate bender, without the top cover, which allows to observe the arrangement of elements inside the bender;

[0021] FIG. 3 shows the power unit subassembly, the bending mechanical system (bending dice) and its components;

[0022] FIG. 4 shows in detail one of the synchronic pulleys and the bending dice;

[0023] FIG. 5A shows a tensor;

[0024] FIG. 5B shows a feeding system with the tensor and free rollers;

[0025] FIG. 6A shows an electronic system and the electrical power supply system;

[0026] FIG. 6B shows a control unit; and

[0027] FIG. 6C shows the control unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention is directed to a plate bender for mandibular implants, comprising the following components:

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1A-6C, plate bender for mandibular implants comprising a support structure (1), a feeding system (2), a clamping mechanism (22) which fastens the plate or mandibular implant in a specific position, a bending dice system (4), a power unit (5), a control unit (6), and an output platform.

[0030] The feeding system (2) comprises an advance mechanism by synchronic pulleys (21), operated by a feeding servo (24), a free roller mechanism (22) connected to a tensor mechanism (23) which improves the advancement and position of the mandibular plate and thus, the bending accuracy, wherein the elements are supported on the modular structure (11) of the feeding system.

[0031] In addition, the bending dice system (4) comprises a fixed pin (42), a movable pin (41) of angular oscillation, wherein the movable pin receives the specific rotation power and angle by a power transmission system (52) formed by synchronic pulleys in transmission ratio 2:1, and a toothed belt (53), operated by the servo (51).

[0032] On its part, the control unit (6) comprises a mixed system formed by a touch controller (61) and auxiliary buttons (62) to facilitate its operation by the operator, wherein the electrical system (63) is located on one side of the support structure (1), side on which the 110V with integrated fuse charge or electrical power supply system (8) is located. On its part, the 48V 10 Ah power source feeds the electronic circuitry and the control system.

[0033] The support structure (1) is configured on a modular manner to facilitate the maintenance of each of the elements and comprises the modular structure (11) of the feeding system, the modular structure (12) of the power system, the transportation handles (7), and the covers (13), (14), which are easy to remove for maintenance, its attachment could be made through screws, allowing that both the electrical and mechanical reparations can be performed with minimal disassembly.

[0034] The feed from the platform to the fastening and bending mechanism can be mechanical or automatic.

[0035] Finally, embodiments of the present invention also comprises a method for bending mandibular implants, characterized by comprising the following steps: [0036] Entering plate bending position and angle data, according to the virtual surgical planning data. [0037] Positioning the mandibular implant on the feeding platform, mechanically or automatically. [0038] Starting the bending the process by activating the plate bender for mandibular implants, and [0039] Removing the bent piece.

[0040] The method is further characterized in that the bending step is automatic, reducing the number of folds and increasing the accuracy of the bent product.

[0041] On its part, the plate or mandibular implant feeding and positioning process can be made mechanically or automatically.

[0042] Although the present invention has been disclosed in the form of preferred embodiments and variations thereon, it will be understood that numerous additional modifications and variations could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0043] For the sake of clarity, it is to be understood that the use of “a” or “an” throughout this application does not exclude a plurality, and “comprising” does not exclude other steps or elements.