Hand tool for separating deep-drawn dental devices formed from thermoformed films across the jaw

Abstract

The present invention relates to a handheld tool for separating deep-drawn dental appliances across the jaw formed from a thermoformed film, such as aligners or bite splints, and formed from a thermoformed film, characterized in that the handheld tool (1) comprises: a handle (2) for holding; a separating element (3) for thermally separating the deep-drawn thermoformed film and finishing the separated deep-drawn thermoformed parts; a heating device suitable for regulating the heating of the separating element (3) so as to increase the temperature of the thermoformed film substantially to at least its glass transition temperature; and a power supply device for supplying electrical power to the heating device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a handheld tool for separating deep drawn dental appliances across the jaws, such as aligners or bite splints, formed from a thermoformed film. The present invention also relates to a method of using the handheld tool. Background Art

[0002] Dental appliances made of polymethyl methacrylate or similar materials that span the jaw, such as aligners or bite splints for treating bruxism, are exposed to considerable chewing loads during their use. For this reason, despite modern production methods such as 3D printing, they are still manufactured using a deep drawing process of thermoformed films. A relatively complex post-processing after the deep drawing of the thermoformed film is the manual cutting and trimming of the deep drawn thermoformed film with the aid of milling, grinding and / or polishing tools. For example, the manual cutting and trimming of the deep drawn thermoformed film is accomplished using a rotary instrument operated by a motorized handpiece. The resulting sharp edges must be smoothed in a time-consuming process. Summary of the invention

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the problems of the prior art and to provide a handheld tool for separating deep drawn dental appliances that span the jaws, such as aligners or bite splints, and are formed from a thermoformed film.

[0004] This object has been achieved by the handheld tool according to the technical solution of the present application. The technical solution of the present application relates to further embodiments and developments.

[0005] The present invention provides a hand tool for separating a deep drawn dental appliance across the jaw, such as an aligner or a bite splint, formed from a thermoformed film. The hand tool comprises a handle for holding, a separation element for thermally separating the deep drawn thermoformed film and finishing the separated deep drawn thermoformed piece, a heating device adapted to regulate the heating of the separation element so as to increase the temperature of the thermoformed film substantially to at least its glass transition temperature, and a power supply device for supplying electrical power to the heating device.

[0006] The main advantageous effect of the present invention is that, by substantially heating the thermoforming film to at least its glass transition temperature, separation and finishing can be performed in a single step. Thus, the number of working steps can be reduced, a fast and smooth separation process can be achieved, and the entire process can be simplified. Another main advantageous effect of the present invention is that, by adjusting the temperature of the thermoforming film substantially to its glass transition temperature, it is possible to separate the thermoforming film without it being degraded or melted unnecessarily, and thus the risk of damaging the aligner or bite splint can be prevented or reduced as much as possible.

[0007] According to the present invention, temperature regulation can be performed by closed loop or open loop. According to the present invention, the heating device regulates the heating of the separation element so that the temperature of the thermoforming film never reaches the degradation temperature of the thermoforming film and remains well below the degradation temperature of the thermoforming film, preferably substantially at or slightly above the glass transition temperature of the thermoforming film. Therefore, in an embodiment, a temperature sensor is used to sense the temperature of the thermoforming film in the vicinity of the separation element. The heating device regulates the heating of the separation element based on the sensed temperature. Alternatively, a thermodynamic model can be applied to the heating device to avoid the need to use a temperature sensor. Therefore, the heating device can regulate the heating of the separation element based on a thermodynamic model, which takes into account the temperature drop between the separation element and the thermoforming film in the vicinity thereof. The thermodynamic model can be based on empirical data.

[0008] Deep drawn dental appliances across the jaw, such as aligners or bite splints, are typically made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Therefore, in an embodiment, the heating device is further adapted to regulate the heating of the separation element so as to increase the temperature of the thermoformed piece substantially to at least 105 degrees Celsius, which corresponds to the glass transition temperature of polymethylmethacrylate. However, different types of thermoforming films may alternatively be used. Therefore, alternatively, the user may be allowed to selectively set the heating device depending on the type of thermoforming film to be separated.

[0009] According to the invention, the separating element may be provided in different forms that mechanically improve the separation process.In an alternative embodiment, the separating element is preferably provided in the form of a knife, chisel, nail or needle protruding from the front of the handle.

[0010] According to the present invention, the hand tool may be provided with a suction device for extracting the smoke generated during the separation of the deep drawn thermoformed film. The suction device can be fully integrated into the portable hand tool. Therefore, in an embodiment, the suction device is preferably fully integrated into the handle in a fully portable manner. In this embodiment, the suction device comprises: a channel, which is arranged in close proximity to the separation element; a filter, which is arranged in the channel; and a fan, which is suitable for extracting the smoke generated during the separation of the deep drawn thermoformed film into the channel towards the filter. And the power supply device is also suitable for providing electrical power to the fan. The filter preferably includes activated carbon. Alternatively, the suction device may be partially integrated into the hand tool. Therefore, in an alternative embodiment, the suction device comprises: a channel, which is arranged in close proximity to the separation element; and a hose, which is connected to the channel for conveying the smoke generated during the separation of the deep drawn thermoformed film to an external extractor, which is preferably detachably connectable to the other end of the hose. Alternatively, the hose can be connected to the external extractor in a fixed manner. The hose is preferably detachably connectable to the channel at the rear of the handle. Alternatively, the hose may be connected to the handle in a fixed manner. The external extractor has a filter and a fan.

[0011] According to the present invention, for the purpose of visual / navigation guidance, improved vision and / or user guidance, the handheld tool may be provided with lighting. Therefore, in an embodiment, the handheld tool also includes a lighting device. The power supply device is also suitable for supplying electrical power to the lighting device. In a variant of this embodiment, the lighting device has a laser pointer, which is arranged in close proximity to the separation element and is suitable for providing visual guidance to the user when moving the separation element. In a further variant of this embodiment, the lighting device has one or more light sources, which are suitable for illuminating at least the end of the separation element to provide improved vision to the user. In a further variant of this embodiment, the lighting device has one or more light sources, which have one or more different colors. And the lighting device is suitable for indicating the temperature of the separation element by selecting the corresponding color to provide user guidance. For example, green can be used to indicate that the temperature has reached the target level for the separation process during the adjustment. And red can be used to indicate that the temperature has not yet reached the target level for the separation process during the adjustment, and therefore the user needs to wait for the green light to be turned on.

[0012] According to the invention, the power supply device may be battery-driven and / or connectable to a power source via a fixed or detachable cable.

[0013] In an embodiment, the power supply device is preferably capable of being connected to a power source via a cable. The power supply device preferably has a socket on the handle. And the socket can receive a plug of a cable that can be connected to a power source. Alternatively, the cable can be connected to the handle in a fixed manner. In an embodiment, the power supply device is preferably capable of being operated by one or more batteries (preferably rechargeable batteries). And the handle has a battery holder for receiving one or more batteries. In a variant of this embodiment, the power supply device preferably has a charging unit that can be connected to a power source for recharging the battery. The charging unit is preferably provided in the form of a separate portable station for receiving the hand tool. Alternatively, the charging unit can be integrated into the handle and can be connected to a power source via a cable.

[0014] The present invention also provides a method of using the hand-held tool. The method includes at least the following steps: using a model to deep-draw a thermoformed film to manufacture a dental appliance that spans the jaw, such as an aligner or a bite splint; and separating and finishing the deep-drawn thermoformed film while being supported or clamped by the model and by moving a heated separation element along a separation contour on the thermoformed film or the model. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In the following description, further aspects and advantageous effects of the present invention will be described in more detail by using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0016] Figure 1 - is a partial schematic diagram of a handheld tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] The reference numerals shown in the drawings denote the elements listed below and will be referenced in the subsequent description of the exemplary embodiments:

[0018] 1. Handheld tools

[0019] 2. Handle

[0020] 3. Separate components

[0021] 4. Suction device

[0022] 4a. Channel

[0023] 5.Lighting device

[0024] 5a. Laser pointer

[0025] 6. Hose. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Figure 1An embodiment of a hand tool (1) for separating a deep drawn dental appliance across the jaw, such as an aligner or a bite splint, formed from a thermoformed film is shown. The hand tool (1) comprises a handle (2) for holding, a separating element (3) for thermally separating the deep drawn thermoformed film and finishing the separated deep drawn thermoformed piece, a heating device adapted to regulate the heating of the separating element (3) so as to increase the temperature of the thermoformed film substantially to at least its glass transition temperature, and a power supply device for supplying electrical power to the heating device.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the hand tool (1) comprises a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the thermoforming film in close proximity to the separating element (3), wherein the heating device is further adapted to regulate the heating of the separating element (3) based on the sensed temperature.

[0028] In a further alternative embodiment, a thermodynamic model is applied to the heating device to avoid the need to use a temperature sensor. The thermodynamic model takes into account the temperature drop between the separation element (3) and the thermoformed film in close proximity thereto. The thermodynamic model is based on empirical data.

[0029] Deep drawn dental appliances that span the jaw, such as aligners or bite splints, are often made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Therefore, in a further embodiment, the heating device is further adapted to regulate the heating of the separating element (3) so as to increase the temperature of the thermoforming film substantially to at least 105 degrees Celsius, which corresponds to the glass transition temperature of polymethylmethacrylate.

[0030] In a further alternative embodiment, the heating device is adjustable according to the thermoformed film other than PMMA to be separated.In an alternative variation of this embodiment, the user can selectively set the heating device according to the type of thermoformed film to be separated.

[0031] In a further alternative embodiment, the separating element (3) is preferably provided in the form of a knife, chisel, nail or needle, which protrudes from the front of the handle (2).

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the hand-held tool (1) includes a suction device (4), which includes: a channel (4a) arranged in close proximity to the separation element (3); and a hose (6) connected to the channel (4a) for conveying the smoke generated during the separation of the deep-drawn thermoformed film to an external extractor, which is preferably capable of being detachably connected to the hose (6).

[0033] In a further alternative embodiment, the hose (6) is connected to the external extractor in a fixed manner.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the hose (6) is detachably connectable to the channel (4a) at the rear of the handle (2).

[0035] In a further alternative embodiment, the hose (6) is fixed to the handle (2).

[0036] In an alternative embodiment, the suction device (4) is fully integrated into the handle (2). In this alternative embodiment, the suction device (4) comprises: a channel (4a) arranged in close proximity to the separation element (3); a filter arranged in the channel (4a); and a fan adapted to draw smoke generated during the separation of the deep-drawn thermoformed film into the channel (4a) towards the filter. And the power supply device is further adapted to provide electrical power to the fan. The filter preferably comprises activated carbon.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the handheld tool (1) further comprises an illumination device (5). The power supply device is also suitable for supplying electrical power to the illumination device (5).

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the lighting device ( 5 ) has a laser pointer ( 5 a ) which is arranged in close proximity to the separating element ( 3 ) and is adapted to provide a visual guide for the user when moving the separating element ( 3 ).

[0039] In a further embodiment, the lighting device (5) has one or more light sources, which are suitable for illuminating at least the ends of the separation element (3).

[0040] In a further embodiment, the lighting device (5) has one or more light sources, the one or more light sources having one or more different colors. And the lighting device (5) is adapted to indicate the temperature of the separation element (3) by selecting the corresponding color. For example, green can be used to indicate that the temperature has reached the target level for the separation process during regulation. Red can be used to indicate that the temperature has not yet reached the target level for the separation process during regulation, and therefore the user needs to wait for the green light to be switched on.

[0041] In a further embodiment, the power supply means is operable by one or more rechargeable batteries, and the handle (2) has a battery holder for receiving the rechargeable batteries.

[0042] In a further embodiment, the power supply device has a charging unit connectable to a power source for recharging the battery.

[0043] In a further embodiment, the power supply device is connectable to a power supply via a cable.

[0044] In a further embodiment, the cable is arranged within the hose (6).

[0045] In a further embodiment, the power supply device has a socket on the handle (2), and the socket can receive a plug of a cable that can be connected to a power source.

[0046] The present invention also provides a method of using the handheld tool (1). The method comprises at least the following steps: using a model to deep-draw a thermoformed film to manufacture a trans-jaw dental appliance such as an aligner or a bite splint; and separating and finishing the deep-drawn thermoformed film while being supported or clamped by the model and by moving a heated separation element (3) along a separation contour on the thermoformed film or the model.

Claims

1. A hand tool (1) for separating deep drawn dental instruments across the jaw, the dental instruments being formed from a thermoformed film, characterized in that The handheld tool (1) comprises: A handle (2) for holding; a separation element (3) for thermally separating the thermoformed films and finishing the separated deep-drawn thermoformed parts; Heating means adapted to regulate the heating of said separation element (3) so as to increase the temperature of the thermoformed film to its glass transition temperature; and A power supply device is used to supply electric power to the heating device.

2. The hand tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The handheld tool (1) further comprises: A temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the thermoforming film in close proximity to the separating element (3), wherein the heating device is further adapted to regulate the heating of the separating element (3) based on the sensed temperature.

3. The hand tool (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The heating device is also suitable for regulating the heating of the separation element (3) so as to increase the temperature of the thermoform to the glass transition temperature of polymethyl methacrylate.

4. The hand tool (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The separating element (3) is provided in the form of a knife, chisel, nail or needle protruding from the front of the handle (2).

5. The hand tool (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The handheld tool (1) also includes a suction device (4), which includes: a channel (4a) arranged in close proximity to the separation element (3); a filter arranged in the channel (4a); and a fan suitable for drawing smoke generated during the separation of the thermoformed film into the channel (4a) toward the filter, wherein the suction device (4) is integrated into the handle (2), and the power supply device is also suitable for supplying electrical power to the fan.

6. The hand tool (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The hand tool (1) also includes a suction device (4), which includes: a channel (4a) arranged in close proximity to the separation element (3); and a hose (6) connected to the channel (4a) for conveying the smoke generated during the separation of the thermoformed film to an external extractor, which can be connected to the hose (6).

7. The hand tool (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The hose (6) is detachably connectable to the channel (4a) at the rear of the handle (2).

8. The hand tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The handheld tool (1) further comprises a lighting device (5), wherein the power supply device is further suitable for supplying electrical power to the lighting device (5).

9. The hand tool (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that The lighting device (5) has a laser pointer (5a) which is arranged in close proximity to the separation element (3) and is suitable for providing a visual guide for a user when moving the separation element (3).

10. The hand tool (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The lighting device (5) has one or more light sources, which are suitable for illuminating at least the end of the separation element (3).

11. The hand tool (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The lighting device (5) has one or more light sources, and the one or more light sources have one or more different colors, wherein the lighting device (5) is suitable for indicating the temperature of the separation element (3) by selecting the corresponding color.

12. The hand tool (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The power supply device can be operated by one or more rechargeable batteries, wherein the handle (2) has a battery holder for receiving the one or more rechargeable batteries.

13. The hand tool (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that The power supply device has a charging unit connectable to a power source for recharging the battery.

14. The hand tool (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The power supply device can be connected to a power supply via a cable.

15. The hand tool (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that The power supply device has a socket on the handle (2), wherein the socket can receive a plug of a cable that can be connected to a power supply.

16. The hand tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The dental appliance is an aligner or a bite splint.

17. The hand tool (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that The temperature of the thermoform was increased to 105 degrees Celsius.

18. The hand tool (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The external extractor can be detachably connected to the hose (6).

19. A method of using a hand tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that: The method comprises the following steps: using the pattern to deep draw a thermoformed film to make a dental appliance that spans the jaw; The thermoformed film is separated and finished while being supported or clamped by the former and by moving a heated separation element (3) along a separation contour on the thermoformed film or the former.

20. The method of the hand tool (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that The dental appliance is an aligner or a bite splint.

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