A method for measuring the depth of dental membrane sagging due to heat softening

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of dental membrane testing technology, specifically disclosing a method for measuring the sagging depth of a dental membrane after heat softening. The method employs a dental membrane heat softening sagging depth measurement device, which includes a frame, a fixing mechanism, a testing mechanism, and a control system. The fixing mechanism includes a mounting plate, a tray support, a main tray, and a locking ring. The mounting plate is mounted on the frame, the tray support is slidably mounted on the mounting plate along the Z-axis, the main tray is rotatably mounted on the tray support, and the locking ring is movably mounted on the main tray. This invention combines laser ranging with a multi-dimensional moving structure to accurately measure the changes in sagging depth of a dental membrane in different orientations after heat softening, thereby reflecting the degree of heat softening and the uniformity of heat flow. It eliminates errors caused by indirect product measurement and manual measurement, and is not limited by membrane thickness or diameter, making it simple to operate in practical applications.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of dental membrane testing technology, and in particular to a method for measuring the depth of sagging caused by heat softening of dental membranes. Background Technology

[0002] Dental membranes, also known as gutta-percha sheets, are the primary raw material for molding clear aligners. They are typically composed of one or more different types of resins, such as polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and polyvinyl acetate. Dental membranes possess a certain degree of elasticity, compressive strength, and malleability, and have a stable physical structure. Clinically, they are used to fabricate orthodontic appliances, orthodontic retainers, oral protectors, and occlusal pads.

[0003] During product manufacturing, dental diaphragms are formed into different products by covering them with molds of different shapes. Further, the process involves heating the dental diaphragm to a certain temperature to soften it, then attaching the softened diaphragm to a mold of a specific shape (e.g., when producing clear aligners, the mold is a 1:1 simulated tooth model). Pressure is then applied to the diaphragm surface, typically using two methods: 1. Positive airflow applied perpendicularly to the outer surface of the diaphragm (the inner surface being the side in contact with the model) to create positive pressure; 2. Negative vacuum applied perpendicularly to the inner surface of the diaphragm to create negative pressure.

[0004] Current research on the heat softening of dental diaphragms mainly focuses on the molded products, such as clear aligners. After the diaphragm is molded, the degree of heat softening is determined by measuring the thickness of each tooth position in the clear aligner. While this method is reasonable, it is an indirect measurement method. Furthermore, the diaphragm thickness during molding is affected by factors such as model angle, height difference, molding pressure, coverage angle, and coverage contact points. Obviously, the molded thickness value alone cannot comprehensively and accurately reflect the degree of diaphragm softening. In addition, the commonly used measuring tool is the thickness gauge. For example, when measuring three-dimensional curved shell-shaped bodies such as aligners, a spring-loaded bent thickness gauge is used. The use of the thickness gauge is affected by factors such as the contact area of ​​the probe tip and the amount of force applied by the hand. In particular, the force applied by the hand has a significant impact on the error of the result data. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a device and method for measuring the depth of dental membrane drooping due to heat softening.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution of the present invention is: a method for measuring the depth of dental membrane softening and sagging due to heat, characterized in that the measurement is performed by measuring the depth of dental membrane softening and sagging due to heat, and the measuring device includes a frame, a fixing mechanism, a detection mechanism and a control system;

[0007] The fixing mechanism includes a mounting plate, a tray bracket, a main tray, and a locking ring; the mounting plate is disposed on the frame, the tray bracket is slidably disposed on the mounting plate along the Z-axis, the main tray is rotatably disposed on the tray bracket, the locking ring is movably disposed on the main tray, and the main tray is provided with a positioning structure and a detection through hole;

[0008] The detection mechanism includes a linear module and a laser rangefinder. The linear module is fixedly mounted on the frame, and the laser rangefinder is fixedly mounted on the linear module. The linear module can drive the laser rangefinder to move along the X-axis.

[0009] The control system is mounted on the frame and is electrically connected to the linear module and the laser rangefinder, respectively.

[0010] The method includes the following steps:

[0011] S1: Heat the dental diaphragm to a softened state using preset process parameters;

[0012] S2: Allow the dental membrane to cool at the preset temperature for at least 30 minutes;

[0013] S3: Position the dental diaphragm in the positioning structure of the main tray, so that the convex side of the drooping part of the dental diaphragm passes vertically downward through the detection through hole and the unstretched part of the dental diaphragm is exposed from the detection through hole. Install the locking ring on the main tray and cover the dental diaphragm. Rotate the locking ring to press and fix the dental diaphragm.

[0014] S4: Controls the tray support to slide along the Z-axis on the mounting plate, thereby adjusting the Z-axis measurement distance between the dental diaphragm and the laser rangefinder;

[0015] S5: Spray developing powder / agent evenly onto the surface of the dental membrane;

[0016] S6: Control the laser rangefinder to move linearly in the X direction. When the laser scanning point moves to the surface of the unstretched part of the dental membrane, set the measurement data to zero and use the surface of the unstretched part of the dental membrane as the measurement zero plane.

[0017] S7: Collect linear and circumferential droop data of dental membranes;

[0018] S8: Analyze the heat resistance, heat flowability, and heat softening uniformity of dental membranes based on linear droop data and circumferential droop data.

[0019] Optionally, there are two mounting plates and two tray supports. The two mounting plates are located on both sides of the frame, and each mounting plate is equipped with a slider that can slide along the Z-axis. The two tray supports are fixedly connected to the sliders of the two mounting plates one by one.

[0020] Optionally, the slider is provided with a first locking element for locking the slider to the mounting plate.

[0021] Optionally, the two pallet supports cooperate to form a rotating groove; the main pallet is rotatably connected to the rotating groove, and the rotating groove is limited to allow the main pallet to rotate.

[0022] Optionally, the pallet support is provided with a second locking element, which is used to lock the main pallet onto the pallet support.

[0023] Optionally, the control system includes a PCB circuit board, a power switch, an emergency stop button, a display panel, input / control buttons, and a data interface; the PCB circuit board, power switch, emergency stop button, display panel, input / control buttons, and data interface are respectively mounted on the rack, and the PCB circuit board is electrically connected to the power switch, emergency stop button, input / control buttons, display panel, data interface, linear module, and laser rangefinder.

[0024] Optionally, acquiring linear droop data of the dental membrane includes: controlling the linear module to drive the laser rangefinder to perform X-axis linear motion, and acquiring linear droop data of the dental membrane through the laser rangefinder.

[0025] Optionally, collecting circumferential droop data of the dental membrane includes: controlling the main tray to rotate the dental membrane along the A-axis, and collecting circumferential droop data of the dental membrane using a laser rangefinder.

[0026] Optionally, the Z-axis measurement distance between the dental diaphragm and the laser rangefinder is at least 10 cm.

[0027] By adopting the above technical solution, which combines laser ranging and a multi-dimensional moving structure, the change in the sagging depth of the dental membrane in different directions after it is softened by heat can be accurately measured. This reflects the degree of softening and the uniformity of heat flow of the membrane, eliminating the errors caused by indirect product measurement and manual measurement. It is not limited by the thickness and diameter of the dental membrane and is simple to operate in actual application. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Appendix Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the dental membrane softening and sagging depth measuring device of the present invention;

[0030] Appendix Figure 2This is a front view schematic diagram of the dental membrane softening and sagging depth measuring device of the present invention;

[0031] Appendix Figure 3 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the dental membrane softening and sagging depth measuring device of the present invention;

[0032] Appendix Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the main tray in this invention;

[0033] Appendix Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the dental membrane of the present invention.

[0034] In the diagram, 1-frame, 2-mounting plate, 3-tray bracket, 4-main tray, 5-locking ring, 6-slider, 7-first locking element, 8-rotating groove, 9-second locking element, 10-positioning structure, 11-detection through hole, 12-angle mark, 13-pin, 14-guide groove, 15-handle, 16-linear module, 17-laser rangefinder, 18-PCB circuit board, 19-power switch, 20-emergency stop button, 21-display panel, 22-input / control buttons, 23-data interface, 24-foot pad, 25-dental diaphragm. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that these descriptions are for the purpose of aiding understanding the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0036] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "thickness," "up / down / back / left / right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, the defined features of "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. It should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or a connection indirectly through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] To illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, specific embodiments are described below.

[0038] like Figure 1-5 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, a method for measuring the depth of dental membrane softening and sagging due to heat is provided. The method is characterized by using a dental membrane softening and sagging depth measurement device, which includes a frame 1, a fixing mechanism, a detection mechanism, and a control system.

[0039] The frame 1 mainly serves a supporting function, used to support components such as the fixing mechanism and the testing mechanism.

[0040] The fixing mechanism is used to fix the dental diaphragm 25, and to drive the dental diaphragm 25 to rotate along the A-axis and move along the Z-axis. The fixing mechanism includes a mounting plate 2, a tray support 3, a main tray 4, and a locking ring 5.

[0041] There are two mounting plates 2, which are respectively set on both sides of the frame 1 to support the tray bracket 3. In one example, matching connection holes can be opened on the two mounting plates 2 and the frame 1, and then the two mounting plates 2 can be installed on the frame 1 by fasteners passing through the connection holes in sequence.

[0042] There are two tray supports 3, which are slidably mounted on two mounting plates 2. Each tray support 3 can slide along the Z-axis on the two mounting plates 2 to support the main tray 4 and drive the main tray 4 to move along the Z-axis. Specifically, each mounting plate 2 is provided with a slider 6 that can slide along the Z-axis, and the two tray supports 3 are fixedly connected to the sliders 6 of the two mounting plates 2. Each tray support 3 can be assembled from multiple sub-supports of different shapes, or it can be integrally molded; no specific limitation is made here.

[0043] A first locking element 7 is provided on the slider 6, which is used to lock the slider 6 to the mounting plate 2. Specifically, the first locking element 7 is threadedly connected to the slider 6. The first locking element 7 can screw in and out of the slider 6. After the slider 6 is screwed in to a preset position, the first locking element 7 abuts against the mounting plate 2 to lock the slider 6 to the mounting plate 2. After the slider 6 is screwed out to the preset position, the first locking element 7 separates from the mounting plate 2, releasing the slider 6, which can then slide along the Z-axis on the mounting plate 2. Preferably, the first locking element 7 includes a wing nut.

[0044] The main tray 4 is rotatably mounted on two tray supports 3. The main tray 4 can rotate along the X-axis to support the dental diaphragm 25 and drive the dental diaphragm 25 to rotate along the A-axis. Specifically, the two tray supports 3 cooperate to form a rotating groove 8, and the main tray 4 is rotatably connected to the rotating groove 8. The rotating groove 8 is limited to allow the main tray 4 to rotate along the A-axis.

[0045] A second locking element 9 is provided on the tray support 3, which is used to lock the main tray 4 onto the tray support 3. Specifically, the second locking element 9 is threadedly connected to the tray support 3. The second locking element 9 can be screwed in and out of the tray support 3. When the second locking element 9 is screwed in, it abuts against the main tray 4 to lock and fix the main tray 4 to the tray support 3. When the second locking element 9 is screwed out, it can separate from the main tray 4 and release the main tray 4 from the tray support 3, allowing the main tray 4 to rotate along axis A on the tray support 3. Preferably, the second locking element 9 includes a knob with a threaded rod.

[0046] The main tray 4 is provided with a positioning structure 10 and a detection through hole 11. The positioning structure 10 is used to position the dental diaphragm 25, and the detection through hole 11 is used for the drooping portion of the dental diaphragm 25 to pass through for detection and to expose at least part of the unstrapped portion. Specifically, the positioning structure 10 includes a positioning groove, the structure of which matches the structure of the dental diaphragm 25, allowing the dental diaphragm 25 to be placed in the positioning groove for positioning. Preferably, the main tray 4 also has angle markings 12 evenly distributed along the circumference.

[0047] A locking ring 5 is movably mounted on the main tray 4 to press and fix the dental diaphragm 25. Specifically, the locking ring 5 is rotatably connected to the main tray 4, and the locking ring 5 is provided with a pin 13. The main tray 4 is provided with a guide groove 14, and the pin 13 is slidably disposed in the guide groove 14. During installation, the locking ring 5 is placed over the dental diaphragm 25, and the locking ring 5 is controlled to rotate on the main tray 4. The pin 13 slides on the guide groove 14, cooperating with the main tray 4 to press and fix the dental diaphragm 25. Preferably, the locking ring 5 is provided with a handle 15 for the user to hold and control the rotation of the locking ring 5 on the main tray 4.

[0048] The testing mechanism is used to measure the depth of sagging caused by heat softening of the dental membrane 25. The testing mechanism includes a linear module 16 and a laser rangefinder 17.

[0049] A linear module 16 is mounted on the frame 1 to support the laser rangefinder 17 and drive it to move along the X-axis. By using the linear module 16 to drive the laser rangefinder 17, its displacement can be precisely controlled by an electrical program, allowing for accurate positioning when acquiring sag values ​​at different locations on the dental membrane 25.

[0050] A laser rangefinder 17 is mounted on a linear module 16. Specifically, the laser rangefinder 17 utilizes the high directionality, high monochromaticity, and high brightness of laser light to achieve non-contact, long-distance measurement, obtaining high-precision values ​​of the diaphragm droop depth. The linear module 16 drives the laser rangefinder 17 to move along the X-axis, and the laser rangefinder 17 detects the droop depth of the dental diaphragm 25 after it has softened due to heat.

[0051] In this embodiment, both the linear module 16 and the laser rangefinder 17 are located inside the housing. The laser rangefinder 17 detects the dental diaphragm 25 through the detection slot opened in the housing.

[0052] The testing organization uses micron-level laser ranging combined with a mechanical and electrical moving module to replace the traditional manual measurement tools, which not only improves the testing accuracy but also allows for precise multi-dimensional positioning of testing points.

[0053] The control system is used for signal processing control of the linear module 16 and the laser rangefinder 17. It can control the linear module 16 to drive the laser rangefinder 17 to move along the X-axis to detect the depth of the dental membrane 25 after it is heated and softened. It can also set zeroing, compensation, etc. for the measurement data, which increases the richness of data acquisition.

[0054] Specifically, the control system includes a PCB circuit board 18, a power switch 19, an emergency stop button 20, a display panel 21, input / control buttons 22, and a data interface 23. The PCB circuit board 18, power switch 19, emergency stop button 20, display panel 21, input / control buttons 22, and data interface 23 are respectively mounted on the rack 1. The PCB circuit board 18 is electrically connected to the power switch 19, emergency stop button 20, input / control buttons 22, display panel 21, data interface 23, linear module 16, and laser rangefinder 17.

[0055] In this embodiment, the bottom of the frame 1 is also provided with foot pads 24.

[0056] The aforementioned dental membrane 25 heat-softening drooping depth measuring device has at least the following advantages:

[0057] During operation, the dental membrane 25 is positioned on the positioning structure, allowing the drooping portion of the dental membrane 25 to pass through the detection through-hole 11. A locking ring 5 is installed on the main tray 4 and covers the dental membrane 25. The locking ring 5 is rotated to press and fix the dental membrane 25. Then, the heat-softened drooping depth of the dental membrane 25 is detected using a laser rangefinder 17. During the detection process, the tray support 3 slides along the Z-axis on the mounting plate 2, the main tray 4 rotates along the A-axis on the tray support 3, and the linear module 16 drives the laser rangefinder 17 to move along the X-axis. This allows for multi-dimensional acquisition of the drooping depth values ​​at points, lines, and circumference on the surface of the dental membrane 25, reflecting its heat resistance, heat-induced fluidity, and heat-softening uniformity.

[0058] This invention can accurately measure the change in the sagging depth of a dental diaphragm 25 in different orientations after it has softened due to heat, thereby reflecting the degree of softening and the uniformity of heat flow. It eliminates errors caused by indirect product measurement and manual measurement, and is not limited by the thickness or diameter of the diaphragm. It is also simple to operate in practical applications.

[0059] The device measures the dental diaphragm 25, and its measurement value is the depth of the dental diaphragm 25 after heat softening and sagging. This value reflects the material softening and deformation more effectively than indirectly measuring the thickness of the molded product. Furthermore, the product molding thickness is affected by many factors and varies randomly. Directly measuring the raw material dental diaphragm 25 makes it easier to establish a unified quality inspection standard.

[0060] This invention also provides a method for measuring the depth of sagging caused by heat softening of a dental membrane, comprising:

[0061] S1: Heat the dental membrane to a softened state using preset process parameters;

[0062] The dental film 25 is initially a flat sheet. Different brands, materials, and specifications of dental films 25 are assembled on a heating device for infrared heating. The heating device includes, but is not limited to, orthodontic film pressing machines, vacuum thermoforming machines, automated film forming equipment, etc. The heating form includes, but is not limited to, tungsten wire infrared ring heating tubes, carbon fiber ring heating tubes, ceramic heating plates, etc.

[0063] By setting certain process parameters, the initial state of the diaphragm is heated to a softened state. After the diaphragm softens due to heat, it will sag and deform under the influence of gravity. It should be noted that when comparing different test dental diaphragms 25, the parameter variables must be kept consistent, and no fewer than 3 parallel test objects should be set up.

[0064] S2: Allow the dental diaphragm to cool at a preset temperature for at least 25 minutes;

[0065] After initial heating, the dental membrane 25 is kept at the preset temperature to room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow its shape to stabilize and internal stress to release. Once cooled, the target dental membrane 25 is obtained and ready for the next step.

[0066] S3: Loading dental membrane 25;

[0067] The dental diaphragm 25, which has been heated in the previous step, is placed in the positioning groove of the main tray 4 and positioned so that the convex surface of the drooping part of the dental diaphragm 25 passes vertically downward through the detection through hole 11 and the unstretched part of the dental diaphragm 25 is exposed from the detection through hole 11. The locking ring 5 is installed on the main tray 4 and covers the dental diaphragm 25. The locking ring 5 is rotated to press and fix the dental diaphragm 25.

[0068] S4: Adjust the Z-axis measurement distance between the dental membrane 25 and the laser rangefinder 17;

[0069] The control tray support 3 slides along the Z-axis on the mounting plate 2, thereby adjusting the relative distance between the dental diaphragm 25 and the laser rangefinder 17. Because diaphragms of different materials have different sag values ​​under the same heating process parameters, in order to ensure that the laser rangefinder 17 has sufficient measuring space, the lowest point of the sag of the dental diaphragm 25 is at least 10cm away from the laser rangefinder 17.

[0070] S5: Spray developing powder / agent;

[0071] Dental films 25 are generally classified into two types: transparent and non-transparent. Since the laser rangefinder 17 measures by emitting modulated light waves, which are reflected by the object being measured and then received by the rangefinder, the distance to be measured is indirectly obtained by measuring the phase difference or time difference of the modulated light waves traveling back and forth to the measured distance. Therefore, for transparent dental films 25 that cannot reflect light waves, a layer of developing powder / agent needs to be uniformly sprayed on the surface. It should be noted that the developing powder / agent is for high-quality, high-precision reverse engineering in the field of 3D scanning. The coating thickness is generally ≤0.005mm. This thickness has little interference with the acquisition of film thickness data and does not damage the fine morphology of the film surface.

[0072] S6: Determine the zero-position plane for measurement;

[0073] Control the laser rangefinder 17 to move linearly in the X direction, and set the measurement data to zero when the laser scanning point passes through the detection through-hole 11 groove of the main tray 4 (moving to the unstretched surface of the dental membrane 25). Figure 5 As shown, when the dental diaphragm 25 is mounted on the main tray 4, the unstretched surface of the dental diaphragm 25 can be exposed through the detection through-hole 11 of the main tray 4, and this surface can be used as the measurement zero point surface.

[0074] S7: Collect linear droop and circumferential droop data for dental membrane 25;

[0075] like Figure 4 As shown, when collecting the linear droop value of the dental membrane 25, the laser rangefinder 17 is controlled to move linearly in the X direction. A certain step distance is set in the X direction, and the linear droop value of the dental membrane 25 at the corresponding position is collected by the laser rangefinder 17 at each step distance.

[0076] The numerical trend is that the value is the largest at the lowest point of the dental membrane 25, and then gradually decreases towards both sides. However, it should be noted that on the same straight line, the values ​​corresponding to the same distance from the center are not necessarily symmetrical. In an ideal situation, after the dental membrane 25 is softened by heat, the internal molecular flow uniformity is very high, which will result in the drooping values ​​on both sides of the circumference being nearly symmetrical and the same, centered on the lowest point of the droop.

[0077] Collect 25mm circumferential droop data of dental membrane;

[0078] like Figure 4 As shown, when acquiring the circumferential droop value of the dental membrane 25, the main tray 4 is controlled to rotate along axis A to adjust the orientation of the dental membrane 25; multi-dimensional droop values ​​can be acquired, specifically as follows:

[0079] Assuming the main tray is oriented at 10 degrees at 4-degree angle, the laser rangefinder 17 is controlled to perform a linear reciprocating motion in the X direction. The laser rangefinder 17 can collect the different distance drop depth values ​​in the X direction at 10 degrees.

[0080] Assuming the main tray is oriented at 30 degrees, the laser rangefinder 17 is controlled to perform linear reciprocating motion in the X direction. The laser rangefinder 17 can collect the different distance drop depth values ​​in the X direction at 30 degrees.

[0081] By following the same logic 1 and 2, by fixing the rotation angle of the main tray 4, the circumferential droop depth value of the dental membrane in the 25X linear direction at that angle can be obtained.

[0082] Assuming a fixed X-axis step distance of 10mm, the main tray 4 is controlled to rotate the dental membrane 25 along the A-axis. The laser rangefinder 17 can collect the drooping depth values ​​of the dental membrane 25 at different angles of the circumference corresponding to this step distance.

[0083] Assuming a fixed X-axis step distance of 30mm, the main tray 4 is controlled to rotate the dental membrane 25 along the A-axis. The laser rangefinder 17 can collect the drooping depth values ​​of the dental membrane 25 at different angles of the circumference corresponding to this step distance.

[0084] By analogy with steps 3 and 4, by fixing the linear motion step distance in the X direction, we can obtain the droop depth values ​​of the dental membrane at different angles around the 25 circumference corresponding to this step distance.

[0085] S9: Comparative analysis of data;

[0086] When the moving variables of this measuring device are multiple factors, by changing one or multiple variables simultaneously, a wealth of multidimensional research data on membrane softening and sagging values ​​can be obtained. Comparing the data yields three key results:

[0087] Under certain heating process parameters, the maximum drooping depth of the dental membrane 25 under test can reflect the heat resistance and heat flowability of the dental membrane 25.

[0088] Under certain heating process parameters, the uniformity of the softening of the dental membrane 25 under heat is measured. Specifically, with the lowest point of droop as the center, at symmetrical and synchronous positions on both sides, the smaller the difference in droop value, the better the uniformity of the softening of the dental membrane 25 under heat, and vice versa.

[0089] Under certain heating process parameters, the uniformity of the softening of the dental diaphragm 25 under heat is measured. Specifically, at a fixed linear step point on the circumference, the smaller the difference in the circumferential droop of the diaphragm, the better the uniformity of the softening of the dental diaphragm 25 under heat, and vice versa.

[0090] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For those skilled in the art, various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and these variations still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for measuring the depth of sagging due to heat softening of a dental membrane, characterized in that, The measurement was performed using a dental membrane softening and sagging depth measuring device, which includes a frame, a fixing mechanism, a detection mechanism, and a control system. The fixing mechanism includes a mounting plate, a tray bracket, a main tray, and a locking ring; the mounting plate is disposed on the frame, the tray bracket is slidably disposed on the mounting plate along the Z-axis, the main tray is rotatably disposed on the tray bracket, the locking ring is movably disposed on the main tray, and the main tray is provided with a positioning structure and a detection through hole; The detection mechanism includes a linear module and a laser rangefinder. The linear module is fixedly mounted on the frame, and the laser rangefinder is fixedly mounted on the linear module. The linear module can drive the laser rangefinder to move along the X-axis. The control system is mounted on the frame and is electrically connected to the linear module and the laser rangefinder, respectively. The method includes the following steps: S1: Heat the dental diaphragm to a softened state using preset process parameters; S2: Allow the dental membrane to cool at the preset temperature for at least 30 minutes; S3: Position the dental diaphragm in the positioning structure of the main tray, so that the convex side of the drooping part of the dental diaphragm passes vertically downward through the detection through hole and the unstretched part of the dental diaphragm is exposed from the detection through hole. Install the locking ring on the main tray and cover the dental diaphragm. Rotate the locking ring to press and fix the dental diaphragm. S4: Controls the tray support to slide along the Z-axis on the mounting plate, thereby adjusting the Z-axis measurement distance between the dental diaphragm and the laser rangefinder; S5: Spray developing powder / agent evenly onto the surface of the dental membrane; S6: Control the laser rangefinder to move linearly in the X direction. When the laser scanning point moves to the surface of the unstretched part of the dental membrane, set the measurement data to zero and use the surface of the unstretched part of the dental membrane as the measurement zero plane. S7: Collect linear and circumferential droop data of dental membranes; S8: Analyze the heat resistance, heat flowability, and heat softening uniformity of dental membranes based on linear droop data and circumferential droop data.

2. The method for measuring the sagging depth of a dental membrane after heat softening according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the mounting plate and the tray bracket are both two; The two mounting plates are located on both sides of the frame, and each mounting plate is provided with a slider that can slide along the Z-axis. The two tray brackets are fixedly connected to the sliders of the two mounting plates one by one.

3. The method for measuring the sagging depth of a dental membrane after heat softening according to claim 2, characterized in that, The slider is provided with a first locking member, which is used to lock the slider to the mounting plate.

4. The method for measuring the sagging depth of a dental membrane after heat softening according to claim 2, characterized in that, The two tray supports cooperate to form a rotating groove; The main tray is rotatably connected to the rotating groove, which is configured to allow the main tray to rotate.

5. The method for measuring the sagging depth of a dental membrane after heat softening according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pallet support is provided with a second locking member, which is used to lock the main pallet to the pallet support.

6. A method for measuring the depth of sagging due to heat softening of a dental membrane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control system includes a PCB circuit board, a power switch, an emergency stop button, a display panel, input / control buttons, and a data interface; The PCB circuit board, the power switch, the emergency stop button, the display panel, the input / control buttons, and the data interface are respectively disposed on the rack. The PCB circuit board is electrically connected to the power switch, the emergency stop button, the input / control buttons, the display panel, the data interface, the linear module, and the laser rangefinder.

7. The method for measuring the sagging depth of a dental membrane after heat softening according to claim 1, characterized in that, The acquisition of linear droop data for dental membranes includes: The linear control module drives the laser rangefinder to move in the X-axis linear direction, and the laser rangefinder collects the linear droop data of the dental membrane.

8. The method for measuring the sagging depth of a dental membrane after heat softening according to claim 1, characterized in that, The acquisition of circumferential sag data for dental membranes includes: The main tray is controlled to rotate the dental diaphragm, and the circumferential droop data of the dental diaphragm is collected by a laser rangefinder.

9. The method for measuring the sagging depth of a dental membrane after heat softening according to claim 1, characterized in that, The Z-axis measurement distance between the dental diaphragm and the laser rangefinder should be at least 10 cm.

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