Cutting system and method for an appliance

Abstract

This application discloses a cutting system and method for orthodontic appliances. The cutting method includes: obtaining a tooth model, wherein the tooth model is based on a tooth model obtained before, during, or after orthodontic treatment; obtaining thickness information of the orthodontic appliance in the region where at least one tooth is located based on the tooth model; segmenting the orthodontic appliance based on the thickness information to obtain multiple segment intervals; determining a first energy parameter based on the segment intervals, wherein the first energy parameter is used to characterize the relationship between the energy of the laser and the thickness to be cut; and cutting the area to be cut of the orthodontic appliance corresponding to the segment intervals based on the first energy parameter. This cutting method allows the laser energy to be adapted to the cutting requirements of different cutting thicknesses, which is beneficial to achieving precise energy control during the orthodontic appliance cutting process. Therefore, this cutting method has better dynamic performance and a higher cutting adaptation rate for orthodontic appliances with complex curved surfaces.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of orthodontic technology, and in particular to a cutting system and method for orthodontic appliances. Background Technology

[0002] Orthodontic appliances are essential instruments used in teeth straightening. Currently, there are two main methods for cutting orthodontic appliances: one is a combination of robotic and cutting tools, and the other is a combination of CNC machine tools and cutting tools. Regardless of the combination, a major drawback of cutting tools is the inability to achieve a polish-free finish on the appliance's edges after cutting; the smoothness of the cut edges cannot achieve the effect of direct wear. Furthermore, current cutting systems for orthodontic appliances may also suffer from poor dynamic performance and low adaptability to appliances with complex curved surfaces. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a cutting system and method for orthodontic appliances to improve the dynamic performance of the cutting system and the cutting adaptation rate of orthodontic appliances with complex curved surfaces.

[0004] This application provides a method for cutting an orthodontic appliance, the method comprising the following steps:

[0005] Obtain a dental model, which is a dental model of the patient obtained before, during or after orthodontic treatment;

[0006] Based on the dental model, obtain the thickness information of the orthodontic appliance in the region where at least one tooth is located;

[0007] Based on the thickness information, the orthodontic appliance is segmented to obtain multiple segmented intervals;

[0008] Based on the segmented intervals, a first energy parameter is determined, which is used to characterize the relationship between the laser energy and the thickness to be cut.

[0009] Based on the first energy parameter, the area to be cut of the orthodontic appliance corresponding to the segmented interval is cut.

[0010] In this scheme, the thickness information of the orthodontic appliance at the target tooth position is obtained based on a dental model. The appliance is then segmented according to this thickness information. A first energy parameter, characterizing the relationship between the laser energy and the thickness of the appliance to be cut, is determined based on the actual conditions of different segment intervals. This allows the first energy parameter to be matched according to the thickness distribution of the specific dental model, ensuring that the laser energy (reflected in the laser power) can adapt to the cutting requirements of different cutting thicknesses. This facilitates precise energy control during the appliance cutting process, resulting in better dynamic performance and a higher cutting fit rate for appliances with complex curved surfaces. Furthermore, by setting multiple segment intervals, a segment meeting preset conditions is divided into one interval, avoiding frequent adjustments to the laser energy. This simplifies the cutting process while improving the dynamic performance and cutting fit rate, and correspondingly optimizes energy control during the cutting process.

[0011] Optionally, the segmented intervals also satisfy at least one of the following:

[0012] Information on the cutting length of the area to be cut in the orthodontic appliance;

[0013] Information on the thickness variation of the area to be cut in the orthodontic appliance;

[0014] Information on the curvature change of the area to be cut in the orthodontic appliance.

[0015] In this solution, the above settings are adopted. Based on the actual cutting requirements during the cutting process, the segmented intervals can be divided by combining one or more of the following: the cutting length information of the area to be cut in the orthodontic appliance, the thickness change information of the area to be cut in the orthodontic appliance, and the curvature change information of the area to be cut in the orthodontic appliance. This allows the segmented intervals to meet preset conditions such as no single segment being too long / too long and no significant thickness abrupt changes within the same segment. This enables the reasonable division of the segmented intervals, which in turn facilitates the reasonable matching of the relationship between the laser energy and the thickness to be cut. Furthermore, it helps to further optimize the dynamic performance and cutting adaptation rate during the cutting process, thereby obtaining an orthodontic appliance that meets the cutting quality requirements.

[0016] Optionally, the cutting length information includes a threshold, a specified value, or a range segment;

[0017] The threshold is defined as at least two tooth positions.

[0018] In this scheme, the cutting length information can be set through a threshold, a specified value, or a range, offering diverse options and flexible settings that can be tailored to actual division and cutting requirements. Specifically, when the cutting length information is set as a threshold, the threshold can optionally be set to at least two two-digit values, ensuring that the length of a single segment interval is neither too long nor too short, which is beneficial for optimizing energy control during the cutting process.

[0019] Optionally, obtaining the thickness information of the orthodontic appliance in the region where at least one tooth is located, based on the dental model, includes:

[0020] Based on the dental model, determine the corresponding orthodontic appliance;

[0021] Based on the deformation information of the orthodontic appliance at the corresponding position on the dental model, the thickness variation distribution at the at least one tooth position is determined.

[0022] In this scheme, the above-mentioned structural setup provides a more accurate distribution of thickness variation, which can more precisely reflect the shape of the orthodontic appliance. This helps to ensure the accuracy of the subsequent acquisition of the first energy parameter, thereby further improving the cutting fit rate. Correspondingly, it also helps to further optimize the energy control during the cutting process.

[0023] Optionally, the cutting method further includes:

[0024] A second energy parameter is obtained, which is used to characterize the relationship between laser cutting speed and laser energy;

[0025] The orthodontic appliance is cut based on the first energy parameter and the second energy parameter.

[0026] In this scheme, the above settings are adopted. Based on the first energy parameter, the second energy parameter is further combined for cutting. The relationship between the laser energy and the thickness to be cut, and the laser energy and the laser cutting speed are comprehensively considered. This allows the cutting process to balance the cutting thickness at the current position of the orthodontic device, the laser energy and the laser cutting speed as much as possible, thereby further optimizing the parameter control in the cutting process and correspondingly optimizing the energy control in the cutting process.

[0027] Optionally, the priority of the second energy parameter is lower than the priority of the first energy parameter;

[0028] Alternatively, the weight of the second energy parameter may be less than the weight of the first energy parameter.

[0029] In this scheme, the above settings are adopted. For the first energy parameter and the second energy parameter, the first energy parameter can be given priority as needed, depending on the actual cutting situation. Alternatively, the first energy parameter can be used as the primary energy parameter, while the second energy parameter can be used as a relatively secondary energy parameter. This allows for flexible adjustment of the energy parameters according to different cutting positions or situations, which is more conducive to further improving the cutting adaptability rate. Correspondingly, it is also conducive to further optimizing the energy control during the cutting process.

[0030] Optionally, the second energy parameter is determined based on the curvature change information of the area to be cut in the orthodontic appliance.

[0031] In this scheme, the above settings are adopted to determine the second energy parameter based on the curvature change information of the area to be cut by the orthodontic device. The cutting speed and energy of the laser are matched according to the curvature change information of the area to be cut, which is beneficial to take into account the factor of not frequently changing the cutting speed, and thus can further optimize the energy control in the cutting process.

[0032] This application also provides a cutting system for orthodontic appliances, the cutting system including a laser, the laser cutting the orthodontic appliance with a laser beam, and the cutting system cutting the orthodontic appliance using the above-described cutting method for orthodontic appliances.

[0033] In this solution, the cutting system uses the above-mentioned cutting method to cut the orthodontic appliance. Correspondingly, the cutting system also has better dynamic performance, a higher cutting adaptation rate for orthodontic appliances with complex curved surfaces, and optimized energy control during the cutting process.

[0034] Optionally, the cutting system further includes a six-axis robot for loading the orthodontic appliance to be cut, executing the cutting path, and unloading the orthodontic appliance after it has been cut; the six-axis robot has a carrier for carrying the orthodontic appliance to be cut, and the incident direction of the laser beam is perpendicular to the carrier;

[0035] And / or, the cutting system further includes an air blowing device having an air blowing nozzle directed at a location where the laser beam contacts the orthodontic appliance; wherein the air blowing nozzle is used to eject a protective gas to reduce or isolate the orthodontic appliance from oxygen.

[0036] In this solution, a six-axis robot is used to load the orthodontic device to be cut, execute the cutting path, and unload the orthodontic device after cutting. This simplifies the structure of the cutting system and improves cutting efficiency. The laser beam's incident direction is perpendicular to the carrier, resulting in focused laser beams and minimal energy loss, which further enhances cutting efficiency and optimizes the cutting effect. Furthermore, by incorporating a blowing device, the protective gas ejected from the blowing nozzles promptly removes vaporized polymer particles, preventing the molten cutting edges from oxidizing and turning yellow upon contact with oxygen.

[0037] Optionally, the cutting system further includes a focusing fixture for focusing the laser beam so that the incident direction of the laser beam is perpendicular to the carrier;

[0038] The focusing fixture includes a bracket and at least three laser sensors mounted on the bracket, wherein the plane in which the at least three laser sensors are located is perpendicular to the incident direction of the laser beam.

[0039] In this solution, the aforementioned setup enables rapid and reliable focus alignment of the laser using a focusing fixture. This ensures a perpendicular relationship between the laser beam and the carrier, thereby guaranteeing high consistency for the six-axis robot during the cutting path execution. Furthermore, the focusing fixture has a relatively simple structure, which helps simplify the overall structure of the cutting system.

[0040] The positive and progressive effects of this application are as follows:

[0041] In this cutting method, the thickness information of the orthodontic appliance at the target tooth position is obtained based on a tooth model. The appliance is then segmented according to this thickness information. A first energy parameter, characterizing the relationship between the laser energy and the thickness of the appliance to be cut, is determined based on the actual conditions of different segment intervals. This allows the first energy parameter to be matched according to the thickness distribution of the specific tooth model, ensuring that the laser energy (reflected in the laser power) can adapt to the cutting requirements of different cutting thicknesses, thus facilitating precise energy control during the appliance cutting process. Consequently, this cutting method exhibits superior dynamic performance and a high cutting adaptation rate even for appliances with complex curved surfaces. Furthermore, by setting multiple segment intervals, a segment meeting preset conditions is divided into one interval, avoiding frequent adjustments to the laser energy. This simplifies the cutting process while improving the dynamic performance and cutting adaptation rate, and correspondingly optimizes energy control during the cutting process. Correspondingly, the cutting system that implements the above cutting method also has better dynamic performance, a higher cutting adaptation rate for orthodontic appliances with complex curved surfaces, and optimized energy control during the cutting process. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the cutting method for the orthodontic appliance in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0043] Figure 2 This is the digital model corresponding to the tooth model in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0044] Figure 3 This is the assembly (corresponding to the orthodontic appliance to be cut) after being hot-pressed with the tooth model in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0045] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the orthodontic appliance in the cutting process in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the orthodontic appliance after cutting in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0047] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cutting system in Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0048] Figure 7 This is a partial structural diagram of the cutting system in Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0049] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0050] 10 digital models

[0051] 20 orthodontic appliances to be cut

[0052] 30 laser beams

[0053] 40-cut orthodontic appliance

[0054] 50 six-axis robot

[0055] Vehicle 501

[0056] 60 Focusing Fixture

[0057] 601 stent

[0058] 602 laser sensor

[0059] 70 laser

[0060] 80 air blowing device

[0061] 90 suction device

[0062] 901 Negative Pressure Fan

[0063] 902 exhaust pipe

[0064] 100 bases

[0065] 110 cooling fan

[0066] 120 equipment internal exhaust ventilation structure Detailed Implementation

[0067] The present application is further illustrated below by way of embodiments, but this does not limit the present application to the scope of the embodiments described.

[0068] Orthodontic appliances are essential instruments used in orthodontic treatment. Currently, there are two main types of appliance cutting: one is a combination of robot and cutting tool, and the other is a combination of machine tool (CNC) and cutting tool.

[0069] One possible approach is through a combination of machine tools and laser cutting, such as a five-axis CNC machine tool + 3D galvanometer combination. This is a continuation of the previous generation of machine tool + cutting tool technology, characterized by high-quality cutting results that can achieve polish-free performance. The machine tool's speed stability is a significant advantage, ensuring smooth cutting edges throughout the orthodontic appliance cutting process. However, the overall equipment cost is quite high, and the application of the 3D galvanometer faces technological bottlenecks, as the core galvanometer technology is controlled by American companies, posing risks of supply and technology barriers. Another technological approach is a combination of a six-axis robot and a collimating laser. Although some manufacturers have proposed this combination, its limitations in robot speed control still cannot guarantee a smooth and even cutting line across the entire complex tooth profile. For example, at speed fluctuations or angle changes at corners, robot vibration can easily occur, resulting in localized serrations (the proportion of serrations in orthodontic appliance cutting is relatively high, around 40%).

[0070] In addition, the yellowing and contamination of the cut area in the laser cutting of orthodontic appliances made of polymer materials remains a problem in the industry. However, its advantage is that the cost is relatively low. The laser used is a collimated laser. There are relatively many products on the market using this technology. Except for the core laser light source, which is imported, other laser optical path technologies can be domestically produced, so the risk of technical barriers is low.

[0071] In another approach to laser cutting equipment and processes for invisible braces (US2013 / 0073071aligntechnology "Laser Cutting"), a cutting device is described, consisting of a five-axis CNC machine and a dynamically adjustable laser generator. In terms of process, this approach emphasizes the prediction of the digital model of the invisible braces and the determination of the diaphragm thickness along the cutting path. During laser cutting, the laser power or optical components of the laser generator are dynamically adjusted according to the thickness of the braces or aligners to achieve adaptive parameter cutting for different thicknesses. Compared to the previous approach, this approach represents a significant improvement in parameter adaptability, enabling precise control of the braces cutting process and allowing for better process optimization. This solution's advantage in process flexibility makes laser cutting of complex curved surfaces for dental braces highly feasible. However, based on the laser absorption characteristics of the braces material, CO2 lasers are most advantageous for cutting (unlike the fiber lasers used in most five-axis laser cutting machines, which only require mounting the laser head on the machine tool). Mounting a CO2 laser on the XYZ axes of a five-axis CNC machine would place a significant burden on the motion, affecting the dynamic performance of the entire system. If the laser is fixed, the five-axis machining equipment would be connected in series, greatly reducing system accuracy and performance. When machining complex curved surfaces, five-axis CNC machines typically operate at speeds of around 10-30 mm, within which the heat-affected zone is relatively large during laser cutting.

[0072] In summary, the above-mentioned methods for cutting orthodontic appliances suffer from poor dynamic performance and low adaptability to appliances with complex curved surfaces. Therefore, embodiments of this application provide a method for cutting orthodontic appliances, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the cutting method includes the following steps:

[0073] S10. Obtain a dental model, which is a dental model obtained based on the patient before, during or after orthodontic treatment.

[0074] S20. Based on the dental model, obtain the thickness information of the orthodontic appliance in the region where at least one tooth is located;

[0075] S30. Based on the thickness information, the orthodontic appliance is segmented to obtain multiple segment intervals;

[0076] S40. Determine the first energy parameter based on the segmented interval. The first energy parameter is used to characterize the relationship between the laser energy and the thickness to be cut.

[0077] S50. Based on the first energy parameter, the area to be cut of the orthodontic appliance corresponding to the segmented interval is cut.

[0078] In this embodiment, the thickness information of the orthodontic appliance at the target tooth position is obtained based on a dental model. The appliance is then segmented according to this thickness information. A first energy parameter, characterizing the relationship between the laser energy and the thickness of the appliance to be cut, is determined based on the actual conditions of different segment intervals. This allows the first energy parameter to be matched to the thickness distribution of the specific dental model, enabling the laser energy (reflected in the laser power) to adapt to the cutting requirements of different cutting thicknesses. The laser power output can be adjusted or controlled in real time according to different thickness information, facilitating precise energy control during the appliance cutting process. Therefore, this cutting method has better dynamic performance and a higher cutting adaptation rate for appliances with complex curved surfaces. Furthermore, by setting multiple segment intervals, a segment meeting preset conditions is divided into one segment interval, which avoids frequent adjustments to the laser energy. This simplifies the cutting process while improving the dynamic performance and cutting adaptation rate of the appliance, and correspondingly optimizes energy control during the cutting process.

[0079] It should be noted that, as mentioned in step S10 above, the dental model is a dental model obtained by the patient before, during or after orthodontic treatment. It can be understood that the dental model can be an actual dental model of the patient or a dental model corresponding to the design plan.

[0080] As an example, Figure 2 The image shows the tooth model corresponding to the design scheme, namely the digital model 10 corresponding to the tooth model.

[0081] In step S20 above, specifically in this embodiment, the thickness information of the orthodontic appliance is obtained through simulation analysis based on the tooth model.

[0082] In step S30 above, each segment interval can be divided using the same segmentation standard, or the segmentation standard can be adaptively adjusted for different tooth positions to ensure that each segment interval is ultimately divided reasonably. When specifically dividing the intervals, the orthodontic appliance can be initially segmented according to a preset segmentation standard, and then the segments in certain special locations can be smoothed. This involves optimizing the segment intervals by adding, subtracting, or merging segments to ultimately obtain multiple segment intervals that meet the segmentation requirements.

[0083] In step S40 above, a first energy parameter is determined based on the thickness information of each segment interval. For example, the first energy parameter can be obtained through curve fitting. As an example, a set of membranes with different thicknesses can be set, such as a set of membranes with thicknesses of 0.2mm, 0.4mm, 0.6mm, and 0.8mm. Then, the corresponding power is obtained through experiments at the same cutting speed, and the corresponding energy (power) function is obtained by curve fitting. For example, the energy function as an example can be: y = 1.3886x - 5.3524, where x represents the thickness and y represents the power.

[0084] One possible implementation is that, during the initial segmentation and / or smoothing process, the segmentation criteria can be set to include one or more of the following: the cutting length information of the area to be cut, the thickness variation information of the area to be cut in the orthodontic appliance, and the curvature variation information of the area to be cut in the orthodontic appliance.

[0085] This setup allows for segmentation based on actual cutting needs during the cutting process. It combines one or more of the following: cutting length information, thickness variation information, and curvature variation information of the area to be cut in the orthodontic appliance. This segmentation ensures that each segment is not too long or has excessive thickness abrupt changes, thus enabling reasonable segmentation. This, in turn, facilitates the proper matching of laser energy and the thickness to be cut, further optimizing dynamic performance and cutting fit during the cutting process to obtain an orthodontic appliance that meets cutting quality requirements.

[0086] If a single segment interval is too short, the cutting speed may change frequently, which is not conducive to energy control during the cutting process.

[0087] Regarding the aforementioned cutting length information, it can be set to any one of the following, including a threshold, a specified value, or an interval, depending on the actual segmentation. The cutting length information can be set through thresholds, specified values, or intervals, offering diverse options and flexible settings that can be tailored to specific segmentation and cutting needs. When the cutting length information is set to a threshold, the threshold can be set to at least two two-digit values, ensuring that the length of a single segment interval is neither too long nor too short, which is beneficial for optimizing energy control during the cutting process.

[0088] In this specific embodiment, the cutting length information can be set as a threshold. For example, the threshold can be set to at least two tooth positions, specifically a size of at least 15mm.

[0089] Furthermore, step S20 above may specifically include:

[0090] S210. Based on the dental model, determine the corresponding orthodontic appliance;

[0091] S220. Based on the deformation information of the orthodontic appliance at the corresponding position in the dental model, determine the thickness variation distribution at at least one tooth position.

[0092] This setup allows for a more accurate distribution of thickness variations, which can precisely reflect the shape of the orthodontic appliance. This, in turn, helps ensure the accuracy of the subsequent acquisition of the first energy parameter, thereby further improving the cutting fit rate. Correspondingly, it also helps to further optimize energy control during the cutting process.

[0093] For example, Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 The hot-pressed assembly corresponding to the middle tooth model (digital model) (corresponding to the orthodontic appliance determined in step S210, actually the orthodontic appliance 20 to be cut).

[0094] To further optimize dynamic performance, improve adaptability, and enhance precision control during the cutting process, the cutting method also includes:

[0095] A second energy parameter is obtained, which is used to characterize the relationship between laser cutting speed and laser energy;

[0096] The orthodontic appliance is cut based on the first energy parameter and the second energy parameter.

[0097] This cutting method, based on the first energy parameter, further incorporates a second energy parameter for cutting. It comprehensively considers the relationship between laser energy and the thickness to be cut, as well as the relationship between laser energy and laser cutting speed. This allows for a better balance between the cutting thickness at the current position of the orthodontic appliance and the relationship between laser energy and laser cutting speed during the cutting process. It can adapt to orthodontic appliances with relatively complex curved shapes, thereby further optimizing the parameter control during the cutting process, and correspondingly optimizing the energy control during the cutting process.

[0098] Figure 4 The diagram schematically illustrates an orthodontic appliance undergoing a cutting process, specifically, the appliance 20 to be cut is being cut by a laser beam 30. Figure 4 The incident laser beam 30 is schematically shown in the figure.

[0099] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the cut orthodontic appliance 40 is shown.

[0100] It should be noted that the second energy parameter can be obtained in the same way as the first energy parameter. Accordingly, at the same thickness, cutting is performed at different cutting speeds, and the relationship between speed and power is obtained through curve fitting.

[0101] Actual testing revealed that the correlation between thickness and power better aligns with actual expectations and is more conducive to the final shape of the product during the cutting process. Therefore, in this specific embodiment, the priority of the second energy parameter is set to be lower than that of the first energy parameter, or the weight of the second energy parameter is lower than that of the first energy parameter.

[0102] Based on this, for the first energy parameter and the second energy parameter, depending on the actual cutting situation, the first energy parameter can be given priority as needed, or the first energy parameter can be used as the main energy parameter and the second energy parameter as a relatively secondary energy parameter. This allows for flexible adjustment of the energy parameters according to different cutting positions or situations, which is more conducive to further improving the cutting adaptability rate and, correspondingly, also conducive to further optimizing energy control during the cutting process.

[0103] Of course, for cutting certain special tooth positions, the second energy parameter can also be given special consideration. For example, when cutting the corresponding position of the posterior tooth, the robot used in conjunction with the laser to achieve the cutting may vibrate. In this case, appropriately reducing the speed will be more beneficial for the cutting.

[0104] Furthermore, specifically in this embodiment, the second energy parameter can be determined based on the curvature change information of the area to be cut in the orthodontic appliance. Determining the second energy parameter based on the curvature change information of the area to be cut in the orthodontic appliance, and matching the laser's cutting speed and energy according to the curvature change information of the area to be cut, helps to take into account the factor of not frequently changing the cutting speed, thereby further optimizing energy control during the cutting process.

[0105] In this embodiment, the cutting method allows the laser energy (reflected in the laser power) to adapt to the cutting requirements of different cutting thicknesses. Based on different thickness information, the laser power output is adjusted or controlled in real time, which is beneficial for achieving precise energy control during the orthodontic appliance cutting process. Therefore, this cutting method has better dynamic performance and a high cutting adaptability rate for orthodontic appliances with complex curved surfaces. Furthermore, based on the first energy parameter, this cutting method can further incorporate a second energy parameter for cutting. This setting comprehensively considers the relationship between laser energy and the thickness to be cut, and the relationship between laser energy and laser cutting speed. This allows for a better balance between the cutting thickness at the current position of the orthodontic appliance, the laser energy, and the laser cutting speed, enabling adaptation to orthodontic appliances with more complex curved shapes. This further optimizes parameter control during the cutting process, and correspondingly, further optimizes energy control. Actual testing showed that the cutting method achieves a cutting adaptability rate of approximately 98% for orthodontic appliances.

[0106] Example 2

[0107] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, this embodiment also provides a cutting system for orthodontic appliances. The cutting system includes a laser 70, which cuts the orthodontic appliance using a laser beam. The cutting system uses the orthodontic appliance cutting method described in Embodiment 1 to cut the orthodontic appliance.

[0108] In this embodiment, the cutting system uses the above-mentioned cutting method to cut the orthodontic appliance. Accordingly, the cutting system also has better dynamic performance and a higher cutting adaptation rate for orthodontic appliances with complex curved surfaces, and optimizes energy control during the cutting process.

[0109] Among them, the laser 70 is the core component for cutting the orthodontic appliance. The laser power is 30w to 100w, and the laser band is 9.3μm. It can also be any band in the range of 8.5μm to 10.6μm.

[0110] Specifically, in this embodiment, the cutting system also includes a six-axis robot 50, which is used to load the orthodontic appliance 20 to be cut, execute the cutting path, and unload the orthodontic appliance that has been cut. The six-axis robot 50 has a carrier 501 for carrying the orthodontic appliance 20 to be cut, and the incident direction of the laser beam is perpendicular to the carrier 501.

[0111] The use of a six-axis robot 50 for loading the orthodontic appliance 20 to be cut, executing the cutting path, and unloading the orthodontic appliance after cutting simplifies the structure of the cutting system and improves cutting efficiency. The laser beam's incident direction is perpendicular to the carrier, and the focused laser beam results in minimal energy loss, which improves cutting efficiency and optimizes the cutting effect.

[0112] Furthermore, the cutting system also includes an air blowing device 80, which has an air blowing nozzle pointing towards the position where the laser beam contacts the orthodontic appliance. The air blowing nozzle is used to spray a protective gas to reduce or isolate the orthodontic appliance from oxygen. By providing the air blowing device, the protective gas sprayed from the nozzle can promptly blow away vaporized polymer particles, preventing the molten cutting edge from oxidizing and turning yellow upon contact with oxygen. As an example, the protective gas is N2 or CO2.

[0113] Optionally or alternatively, the blowing direction of the blowing nozzle forms an angle with the laser beam, and the angle ranges from 25° to 45°. Specifically, in this embodiment, the angle is set to 35°.

[0114] Furthermore, the cutting system also includes a focusing fixture 60, which is used to focus the laser beam so that the incident direction of the laser beam is perpendicular to the carrier.

[0115] The focusing fixture includes a support 601 and at least three laser sensors 602 mounted on the support, with the plane of the at least three laser sensors perpendicular to the incident direction of the laser beam. The focusing fixture enables rapid and reliable alignment of the laser's focal point, ensuring a perpendicular correspondence between the laser beam and the carrier, and consequently ensuring high consistency of the six-axis robot 50 during the execution of the cutting path. Furthermore, the focusing fixture 60 has a relatively simple structure, which helps to simplify the overall structure of the cutting system.

[0116] In this specific embodiment, the focusing fixture 60 is detachably connected to the bottom of the laser 70.

[0117] In this specific embodiment, the focusing fixture 60 is magnetically attached to the bottom of the laser 70.

[0118] Furthermore, the cutting system also includes a suction device 90, which acts on the position where the laser beam contacts the orthodontic appliance to remove debris generated during laser beam cutting of the appliance. This configuration helps to further ensure the quality of the orthodontic appliance after cutting.

[0119] Specifically, in this embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the suction device 90 includes a negative pressure fan 901 and an air extraction pipe 902. The negative pressure fan 901 blows air into the device and forms a negative pressure with the upper air extraction pipe 902, which greatly removes the exhaust gas generated during the orthodontic appliance cutting process from the inside of the device.

[0120] like Figure 6 As shown, the cutting system also includes a base 100, a cooling fan 110, and an internal exhaust ventilation structure 120. The main components of the cutting system are mounted on the base 100, which has anti-vibration counterweights, such as feet, significantly reducing vibration and ensuring stability during the orthodontic cutting process. The cooling fan 110 helps dissipate heat from the laser 70 during cutting, ensuring stable laser output over long-term operation. The internal exhaust ventilation structure 120 is responsible for promptly extracting fumes from the equipment cavity to the post-processing tower.

[0121] In addition, the cutting system also includes a controller, which is configured to:

[0122] The six-axis robot is controlled to grab the orthodontic appliance 20 to be cut from the first position, so as to realize the feeding of the orthodontic appliance 20 to be cut.

[0123] According to the cutting instructions, the six-axis robot is controlled to cut the orthodontic appliance 20 to be cut along the predetermined cutting path to execute the cutting path;

[0124] During the cutting of the orthodontic appliance 20, the power of the laser is dynamically adjusted according to the energy formula; and

[0125] The six-axis robot is controlled to deliver the cut orthodontic appliance to the second position to unload the cut appliance.

[0126] While specific embodiments of this application have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of this application is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of this application, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A method for cutting an orthodontic appliance, characterized in that, The cutting method includes the following steps: Obtain a dental model, which is a dental model of the patient obtained before, during or after orthodontic treatment; Based on the dental model, obtain the thickness information of the orthodontic appliance in the region where at least one tooth is located; Based on the thickness information, the orthodontic appliance is segmented to obtain multiple segmented intervals; Based on the segmented intervals, a first energy parameter is determined, which is used to characterize the relationship between the laser energy and the thickness to be cut. Based on the first energy parameter, the area to be cut of the orthodontic appliance corresponding to the segmented interval is cut.

2. The cutting method for the orthodontic appliance as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The segmented interval also satisfies at least one of the following: Information on the cutting length of the area to be cut in the orthodontic appliance; Information on the thickness variation of the area to be cut in the orthodontic appliance; Information on the curvature change of the area to be cut in the orthodontic appliance.

3. The cutting method for the orthodontic appliance as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The cutting length information includes a threshold, a specified value, or a range; The threshold is at least two tooth positions.

4. The cutting method for the orthodontic appliance as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Based on the dental model, obtaining the thickness information of the orthodontic appliance in the region where at least one tooth is located includes: Based on the dental model, determine the corresponding orthodontic appliance; Based on the deformation information of the orthodontic appliance at the corresponding position on the dental model, the thickness variation distribution at the at least one tooth position is determined.

5. The cutting method for the orthodontic appliance as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The cutting method further includes: A second energy parameter is obtained, which is used to characterize the relationship between laser cutting speed and laser energy; The orthodontic appliance is cut based on the first energy parameter and the second energy parameter.

6. The cutting method for the orthodontic appliance as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The priority of the second energy parameter is lower than that of the first energy parameter; Alternatively, the weight of the second energy parameter may be less than the weight of the first energy parameter.

7. The cutting method for the orthodontic appliance as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The second energy parameter is determined based on the curvature change information of the area to be cut in the orthodontic appliance.

8. A cutting system for an orthodontic appliance, the cutting system comprising a laser, the laser cutting the orthodontic appliance with a laser beam, characterized in that, The cutting system uses the cutting method for orthodontic appliances as described in any one of claims 1-7 to cut the orthodontic appliance.

9. The cutting system for the orthodontic appliance as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The cutting system also includes a six-axis robot, which is used to load the orthodontic appliance to be cut, execute the cutting path, and unload the orthodontic appliance after it has been cut; the six-axis robot has a carrier for carrying the orthodontic appliance to be cut, and the incident direction of the laser beam is perpendicular to the carrier; And / or, the cutting system further includes an air blowing device having an air blowing nozzle directed at a location where the laser beam contacts the orthodontic appliance; wherein the air blowing nozzle is used to eject a protective gas to reduce or isolate the orthodontic appliance from oxygen.

10. The cutting system for the orthodontic appliance as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The cutting system also includes a focusing fixture for focusing the laser beam so that the incident direction of the laser beam is perpendicular to the carrier. The focusing fixture includes a bracket and at least three laser sensors mounted on the bracket, wherein the plane in which the at least three laser sensors are located is perpendicular to the incident direction of the laser beam.

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