Method and system for producing a shell-like dental appliance

Abstract

The application discloses a production method of a shell-shaped tooth appliance, and is used for manufacturing the shell-shaped tooth appliance by adopting a hot-pressing film process. Before a shell-shaped tooth appliance is formed by demolding, preliminary sorting is completed by using the same case information, and a tooth-jaw model circulation unit or a film-pressing assembly circulation unit is formed to circulate. Specifically, first identification information of the tooth-jaw model can be recognized after a tooth-jaw model printing process, and the tooth-jaw model is sorted according to the same case information. The first identification information on the tooth-jaw model in the film-pressing assembly can be recognized after a film-pressing process, and the film-pressing assembly is sorted according to the same case information. Therefore, after an appliance demolding process, an appliance circulation unit formed by the shell-shaped tooth appliance of the same case is obtained. In an appliance sorting process, only second identification information of the shell-shaped tooth appliance needs to be recognized for sorting, and packaging is completed through an appliance packaging process. The application also correspondingly provides a shell-shaped tooth appliance production system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of orthodontic technology, and more specifically to the field of shell-shaped orthodontic appliance manufacturing technology, and particularly to a method and system for manufacturing a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance. Background Technology

[0002] Invisible aligner technology is a technique that corrects teeth by wearing shell-shaped orthodontic appliances. Because shell-shaped appliances are comfortable, removable, and aesthetically pleasing, they are increasingly being chosen. One method for manufacturing shell-shaped orthodontic appliances involves a thermoforming process. First, a physical dental model is created. Then, a film is thermoformed onto the model to form a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance containing the tooth shape. After cutting, the appliance is sized to accommodate the teeth, and then the appliance undergoes demolding, sorting, and packaging.

[0003] Since shell-shaped orthodontic appliances are personalized products, and users need to wear them in an orderly manner according to the orthodontic process to achieve the best orthodontic effect, the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances produced are placed randomly, and the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances of multiple users are mixed together. Therefore, they need to be sorted and sorted before they can be provided to users. For the sorting of shell-shaped orthodontic appliances, some orthodontic appliance manufacturers have already achieved automated sorting, that is, they use visual recognition equipment to identify user case information on the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances to sort the products. For example, Chinese patent with patent number CN202010604616.5 provides a sorting system for shell-shaped orthodontic appliances. However, this sorting has the following problems: (1) Since the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances of multiple users are mixed together after the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances are obtained, it is necessary to sort out the appliances of different cases and the appliances of different orthodontic steps of the same case when identifying the identification information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances. However, since the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances are not sorted out, the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances are not sorted out. The surface is not smooth, and information carriers such as QR codes, strings, and graphics on it are greatly distorted. The recognition accuracy of visual recognition equipment is low, and recognition errors may occur, or it may be unable to recognize a lot of information. For example, it may misidentify case information or orthodontic steps, resulting in the simultaneous error in sorting aligners for multiple cases, causing case mixing. For example, the shell-shaped aligner of case X may be identified as the shell-shaped aligner of case Y, or the shell-shaped aligner of step N may be identified as the shell-shaped aligner of step M, or it may not be identified at all. In this case, multiple recognitions are required, and even manual intervention in sorting may be necessary. This reduces production efficiency and the level of intelligent production in the entire production process. (2) Since the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances entering the sorting station are a mixed set of shell-shaped orthodontic appliances from multiple users, this sorting method requires setting up multiple material accumulation channels for shell-shaped orthodontic appliances to lay out the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances of different cases. For example, one case occupies one material accumulation channel, and when the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances of a certain case are not complete, the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances of that case must wait on the material accumulation channel of that case. Not only do these material accumulation channels occupy a large area, greatly increasing the production cost, but also the waiting time of each case prolongs the overall sorting cycle, which greatly reduces the efficiency of the entire shell-shaped orthodontic appliance production process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem solved by this invention is to overcome the defects of the existing technology and provide a production method and system for shell-shaped orthodontic appliances. The process of sorting shell-shaped orthodontic appliances for the same case is brought forward to before the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances are removed from the mold, which reduces the waiting time of shell-shaped orthodontic appliances in the sorting process, improves the accuracy of information identification, and greatly reduces the floor space occupied by the sorting station, thereby improving the efficiency and production cost of shell-shaped orthodontic appliances in the entire production process.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A method for manufacturing a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, comprising:

[0007] The dental model printing process is used to obtain a dental model with first identification information, which is associated with the user's medical record information.

[0008] The dental model sorting process involves identifying the first identification information on the dental model, grouping the dental models according to the same case information, and placing the selected dental models in the same group into the same case receiving device to form a dental model circulation unit.

[0009] In the molding process, the dental model transfer unit is transferred to the molding station, where the dental model is hot-pressed to obtain a molding assembly with a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, forming a molding assembly transfer unit.

[0010] In the orthodontic appliance cutting and marking process, when the film-forming assembly transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance cutting and marking station, the first identification information is identified to obtain the cutting path of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, and a second identification information associated with the first identification information is generated; the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is cut based on the cutting path, and the second identification information is printed on the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance to form a film-forming assembly after cutting and marking.

[0011] The orthodontic appliance demolding process involves demolding the cut and marked molded components belonging to the same case information to obtain a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance with the second identification information. The obtained shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is placed in the same case receiving device to form an orthodontic appliance circulation unit.

[0012] Orthodontic appliance sorting process: When the orthodontic appliance transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance sorting station, the second identification information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is identified, and the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is sorted.

[0013] Orthodontic appliance packaging process: The paired and sorted shell-shaped orthodontic appliances are placed into several packaging units and then assembled into a single packaging unit.

[0014] Preferably, the method further includes: setting a third identification information for the same case receiving device that houses the dental model, the third identification information being used to identify the case information to which the case receiving device belongs; when the dental model transfer unit transfers to the lamination station, identifying the third identification information and the first identification information, and when the third identification information and the first identification information match, laminating the dental model therein, wherein the third identification information is set in the form of an RFID tag, or one or more of numbers, letters, text, barcodes, and QR codes; and / or,

[0015] A fourth identification information is set for the same case receiving device that houses the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance. The fourth identification information is used to identify the case information to which the case receiving device belongs. When the appliance transfer unit transfers to the appliance sorting station, the fourth identification information and the second identification information are identified. When the fourth identification information and the second identification information match, the appliance sorting is completed. The fourth identification information is set in the form of an RFID tag, or one or more of numbers, letters, characters, barcodes, and QR codes.

[0016] Preferably, after the orthodontic appliance demolding process and before the orthodontic appliance sorting process, an orthodontic appliance cleaning process is also included. When the orthodontic appliance transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance cleaning station, the case receiving device and the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance therein are cleaned and disinfected.

[0017] Preferably, the step of grouping and screening the dental models based on the same case information includes: screening all dental models in the same case information into a group; or screening dental models in the same case information that meet the preset orthodontic steps into a group, wherein the shell-shaped dental appliances produced based on the dental models of the preset orthodontic steps belong to the same package set.

[0018] Preferably, there are multiple case receiving devices, and different case receiving devices correspond to different position information; the process of identifying the first identification information on the dental model, grouping and screening the dental models with the same case information, placing the selected dental models in the same group into the same case receiving device to form a dental model transfer unit, and processing a dental model includes:

[0019] Identify the first identification information, obtain the case information of the case to which the dental model belongs based on the first identification information, and obtain the position information of the corresponding case receiving device based on the case information;

[0020] Based on this location information, the dental model is placed in the corresponding case-accommodating device.

[0021] Preferably, after identifying the first identification information on the dental model, grouping and screening the dental models with the same case information, and placing the screened dental models in the same group into the same case receiving device, the method further includes: determining whether the same case receiving device has already contained all dental models that meet the requirements of the same case.

[0022] If so, a first signal is issued to indicate that the same case receiving device contains all the dental models that satisfy the same case, and the dental model transfer unit is transferred to the next station;

[0023] If not, the dental model transfer unit waits at the current workstation.

[0024] Preferably, when the same case receiving device does not contain all the dental models that satisfy the same case, if any of the following conditions are further determined, a second signal is issued to indicate that the same case receiving device does not contain all the dental models that satisfy the same case, and the dental model transfer unit is transferred to a transition station:

[0025] a) When the preset time has expired and the same case-accommodating device still has not accommodated all the dental models corresponding to that case;

[0026] b. When the weight exceeds the preset limit and the same case-accommodating device still cannot accommodate all the dental models corresponding to that case;

[0027] c. When the preset number is exceeded and the same case-accommodating device still cannot accommodate all the dental models corresponding to the case.

[0028] Preferably, the method further includes: verifying the dental model transfer unit transferred to the transition station, and issuing an instruction to make a replacement dental model when it is determined that a dental model is missing.

[0029] Preferably, the step of identifying the second identification information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance and sorting the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances includes:

[0030] When the orthodontic appliance transfer unit is transferred to the sorting station, the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is placed in a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance carrier.

[0031] Second identification information for identifying the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance;

[0032] Associating the second identification information with the information of the vehicle;

[0033] The carriers are sorted and paired according to the treatment steps in the case information, and the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances in the sorted and paired carriers are sorted out in sequence.

[0034] To achieve the objective of the invention, the present invention also provides another method for manufacturing a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, which uses a hot-pressing film process to manufacture the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, comprising:

[0035] The dental model printing process is used to obtain a dental model with first identification information, which is associated with the user's medical record information.

[0036] The molding process involves hot-pressing the dental model to obtain a molding assembly with a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance attached.

[0037] The orthodontic appliance cutting and marking process involves identifying the first identification information of the dental model on the pressure film assembly, obtaining the cutting path of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, and generating second identification information associated with the first identification information; cutting the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance based on the cutting path, and printing the second identification information onto the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance;

[0038] In the process of sorting the compression molding components, the first identification information of the maxillary model of the compression molding component is identified, and the compression molding components are grouped and screened according to the same case information to form a compression molding component circulation unit.

[0039] In the orthodontic appliance demolding process, the pressure film assembly transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance demolding station to demold the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance to obtain the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance. The shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is then placed in the same case receiving device to form an orthodontic appliance transfer unit.

[0040] Orthodontic appliance sorting process: When the orthodontic appliance transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance sorting station, the second identification information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is identified, and the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is sorted.

[0041] Orthodontic appliance packaging process: The paired and sorted shell-shaped orthodontic appliances are placed into several packaging units and then assembled into a single packaging unit.

[0042] Preferably, the method further includes: setting a fourth identification information for the same case receiving device that houses the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, the fourth identification information being used to identify the case information to which the case receiving device belongs; when the appliance transfer unit transfers to the appliance sorting station, identifying the fourth identification information and the second identification information, and when the fourth identification information and the second identification information match, completing the appliance sorting, wherein the fourth identification information is set in the form of an RFID tag, or one or more of numbers, letters, characters, barcodes, and QR codes.

[0043] Preferably, before the orthodontic appliance sorting process, an orthodontic appliance cleaning process is also included. When the orthodontic appliance transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance cleaning station, the case receiving device and the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance therein are cleaned and disinfected.

[0044] Preferably, the step of grouping and screening the compression molding components based on the same case information includes: screening all compression molding components in the same case information into a group; or, screening compression molding components in the same case information that meet the preset orthodontic steps into a group, wherein the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances produced by the compression molding components based on the preset orthodontic steps belong to the same package set.

[0045] Preferably, the step of identifying the first identification information of the maxillary model of the compression assembly, grouping and screening the compression assemblies according to the same case information to form a compression assembly circulation unit, further includes: determining whether the compression assembly circulation unit already contains all compression assemblies that meet the requirements of the same case;

[0046] If so, a first signal is issued to indicate that the pressure membrane assembly transfer unit contains all pressure membrane assemblies that satisfy the same case, and the pressure membrane assembly transfer unit is transferred to the next station;

[0047] If not, the film pressing assembly transfer unit waits at the current workstation.

[0048] Preferably, if the pressure film assembly transfer unit does not yet contain all pressure film assemblies satisfying the same case, and further determines any of the following situations, a second signal is issued to indicate that the pressure film assembly transfer unit does not yet contain all pressure film assemblies satisfying the same case, and the pressure film assembly transfer unit is transferred to a transition station:

[0049] a) If, after the preset time has elapsed, the membrane assembly transfer unit still does not contain all the membrane assemblies corresponding to the case;

[0050] b. When the weight exceeds the preset weight and the membrane assembly transfer unit still does not contain all the membrane assemblies corresponding to the case;

[0051] c. When the preset quantity is exceeded and the membrane assembly transfer unit still does not contain all the membrane assemblies corresponding to the case.

[0052] Preferably, the method further includes: verifying the film-forming assembly transfer unit that has been transferred to the transition station, and issuing an instruction to replenish the missing film-forming assembly when it is determined that a film-forming assembly is missing.

[0053] Preferably, the step of identifying the second identification information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance and sorting the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances includes:

[0054] When the orthodontic appliance transfer unit is transferred to the sorting station, the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is placed in a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance carrier.

[0055] Second identification information for identifying the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance;

[0056] Associating the second identification information with the information of the vehicle;

[0057] The carriers are sorted and paired according to the treatment steps in the case information, and the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances in the sorted and paired carriers are sorted out in sequence.

[0058] To achieve the objective of the invention, the present invention also provides a production system for shell-shaped orthodontic appliances, used to manufacture shell-shaped orthodontic appliances using a hot-pressing process, comprising:

[0059] A dental model printing device for printing a dental model with first identification information, the first identification information being associated with user medical case information;

[0060] A dental model sorting device is used to group and screen the dental models based on the same case information using the first identification information on the dental models, and to place the selected dental models in the same group into the same case receiving device to form a dental model circulation unit.

[0061] A film pressing device is used to heat-press the dental model in the dental model transfer unit to the film pressing station to obtain a film pressing assembly with a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, forming a film pressing assembly transfer unit.

[0062] The orthodontic appliance cutting and marking device is used to cut the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance using the cutting path information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance carried by the first identification information when the film assembly transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance cutting and marking station, generate second identification information associated with the first identification information using the first identification information, and print the second identification information onto the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance.

[0063] An orthodontic appliance removal device is used to remove the film from the pressure assembly to obtain a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance with the second identification information. The shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is placed in the same case receiving device to form an orthodontic appliance transfer unit.

[0064] Orthodontic appliance sorting device: used to sort the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances by utilizing the second identification information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances when the orthodontic appliance transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance sorting station;

[0065] Orthodontic appliance packaging device: used to place the paired and sorted shell-shaped orthodontic appliances into several packaging units and aggregate them into a single packaging unit.

[0066] To achieve the objective of the invention, the present invention also provides another production system for shell-shaped orthodontic appliances, used to manufacture shell-shaped orthodontic appliances using a hot-pressing process, comprising:

[0067] A dental model printing device for printing a dental model with first identification information, the first identification information being associated with user medical case information;

[0068] A pressure-pressing device is used to heat-press the dental model to obtain a pressure-pressing assembly with a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance attached.

[0069] The orthodontic appliance cutting and marking device is used to cut the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance using the cutting path information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance carried by the first identification information of the maxillary model of the pressure film assembly, generate second identification information associated with the first identification information using the first identification information, and print the second identification information onto the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance.

[0070] A compression molding component sorting device is used to group and screen the compression molding components according to the same case information using the first identification information of the maxillary model of the compression molding component, forming a compression molding component circulation unit;

[0071] The orthodontic appliance demolding device is used to demold the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance when the pressure assembly transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance demolding station to obtain the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance. The shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is placed in the same case receiving device to form an orthodontic appliance transfer unit.

[0072] Orthodontic appliance sorting device: used to sort the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances by utilizing the second identification information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances when the orthodontic appliance transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance sorting station;

[0073] Orthodontic appliance packaging device: used to place the paired and sorted shell-shaped orthodontic appliances into several packaging units and aggregate them into a single packaging unit.

[0074] Compared with the prior art, the present invention, by adopting the above technical solution, has at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0075] (1) The production method of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance provided by the present invention advances the process of sorting the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance for the same case to before the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is demolded. Specifically, the case sorting is performed by identifying the first identification information on the dental model, including sorting the dental model printed after the dental model printing process, or sorting the molded assembly formed by the molding process. The sorting of the molded assembly is based on the first identification information on the dental model in the molded assembly. In the process before the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is demolded, the material of the same case is used as the transfer unit for transfer. In this way, the process can be carried out before the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is demolded. After the membrane is formed, a set of shell-shaped orthodontic appliances with the same case information is formed. Only the orthodontic steps of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances need to be sorted and sorted. Compared with the prior art, it is not necessary to first identify and sort out the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances belonging to the same case from the mixed shell-shaped orthodontic appliances of multiple mixed cases. This reduces the number of times the identification information on the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances is identified, thereby reducing the probability of information identification error. Moreover, the production method of the present invention does not require the setting of multiple material accumulation channels as described in the prior art when sorting and sorting shell-shaped orthodontic appliances, which greatly reduces the floor space and improves the efficiency and production cost of shell-shaped orthodontic appliances in the entire production process.

[0076] (2) The production method of the shell-shaped dental appliance provided by the present invention sets a third identification information on the same case receiving device that holds the dental model. When the dental model transfer unit is transferred to the pressing station, the third identification information and the first identification information can be identified and verified. Only when the third identification information and the first identification information match can the pressing be performed. In this way, adding a verification step before pressing can avoid errors being detected after pressing, thereby avoiding waste and loss of raw materials (such as dental films).

[0077] (3) The production method of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance provided by the present invention sets a fourth identification information on the same case receiving device that holds the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance. When the orthodontic appliance transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance sorting station, the fourth identification information and the second identification information can be identified and verified. Only when the fourth identification information and the second identification information match can the orthodontic appliance be sorted. In this way, adding a verification step before sorting the orthodontic appliance can avoid or reduce the probability of errors after sorting, thereby avoiding the increase in time cost caused by rework. Attached Figure Description

[0078] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same numerical reference numerals are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings do not constitute a limitation on scale.

[0079] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing method of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of some steps in the production method of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0081] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of some steps in the production method of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0082] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of some steps in the production method of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0083] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing method of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0084] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of some steps in the production method of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0085] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the production system for the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0086] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the production system for the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0087] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that many technical details are presented in the various embodiments of the present invention to facilitate a better understanding of the invention. However, the technical solutions claimed in the present invention can be implemented even without these technical details and with various changes and modifications based on the following embodiments. The division of the various embodiments below is for ease of description and should not constitute any limitation on the specific implementation of the present invention.

[0088] As described in the background section, current shell-shaped orthodontic appliance sorting primarily occurs after the shell-shaped appliances are obtained through demolding. At this stage, multiple users' shell-shaped appliances are involved. Identifying the identification information of these appliances requires separating appliances from different cases and also separating appliances from different treatment steps within the same case. However, because the surface of shell-shaped orthodontic appliances is not smooth, information carriers such as QR codes, strings, and graphics on them are subject to significant distortion. This results in low accuracy for visual recognition devices, leading to identification errors or the inability to recognize sufficient information. For example, errors may occur in identifying case information or treatment steps, causing missorting of appliances from multiple cases and resulting in mixed cases. For instance, a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance for case X might be identified as a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance for case Y, or a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance for step N might be identified as a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance for step M, or it might not be identified at all. This necessitates multiple identifications and even manual intervention in sorting, reducing production efficiency and the overall level of intelligent production. Furthermore, because the orthodontic aligners entering the sorting station are a mixed set of aligners from multiple users, this sorting method requires setting up multiple aligner accumulation channels to lay out the aligners from different cases. For example, one case occupies one accumulation channel, and when the aligners for a certain case are not complete, the aligners for that case must wait on that case's accumulation channel. Not only do these accumulation channels occupy a huge area, greatly increasing production costs, but the waiting time for each case also prolongs the overall sorting cycle, significantly reducing the efficiency of the entire orthodontic aligner production process.

[0089] Based on this, the present invention provides a method and system for producing shell-shaped orthodontic appliances. The key inventive concept lies in advancing the process of sorting the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances for the same case to before the appliance is demolded. Specifically, case sorting is performed by identifying the first identification information on the dental model. This includes sorting the dental models printed after the dental model printing process, or sorting the molded components formed after the molding process. The sorting of the molded components also involves identifying the first identification information on the dental model within the molded component. In the process flow before demolding of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, materials for the same case are used as the flow unit. Thus, it is possible to achieve… After the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances are removed from the mold, they form a set of shell-shaped orthodontic appliances with the same case information. It is only necessary to sort and classify the orthodontic steps of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances. Compared with the prior art, it is not necessary to first identify and sort the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances belonging to the same case from the mixed shell-shaped orthodontic appliances of multiple mixed cases. That is, it reduces the number of times the identification information on the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances is identified, thereby reducing the probability of information identification error. Moreover, the production method of the present invention does not require the setting of multiple material accumulation channels as described in the background art when sorting and classifying shell-shaped orthodontic appliances, which greatly reduces the floor space and improves the efficiency and production cost of shell-shaped orthodontic appliances in the entire production process.

[0090] The following will provide a detailed explanation in conjunction with the illustrations.

[0091] Example 1

[0092] This application provides a method for manufacturing a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, which uses a hot-pressing process to manufacture the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance. A flowchart is provided below. Figure 1 As shown, the process includes the following steps:

[0093] S101: Dental model printing process, used to obtain a dental model with first identification information, the first identification information being associated with user case information.

[0094] In this process, a digital dental model of the patient is first acquired, and first identification information is added to the digital dental model. The first identification information is associated with the user's case information, such as: which case the dental model belongs to, which orthodontic step it belongs to, and whether it belongs to the maxilla or mandible (if maxilla and mandible are present). The digital dental model represents the dentition layout of the case at a certain stage of treatment and is a computer-processable digital model used to guide the manufacture of a physical dental model. It can be observed, modified, or otherwise operated using a computer with a graphical user interface, a workstation, or other data processing equipment. Then, a physical dental model is obtained by printing using 3D printing technology. The first identification information on the printed dental model can be one or more of numbers, letters, text, barcodes, and QR codes. In some embodiments, the first identification information can be printed on the lingual or buccal side of the base of the dental model. In some embodiments, it can also be printed on an information carrier block set on the lingual or buccal side of the dental model.

[0095] Furthermore, the first identification information is typically embossed on the surface of the dental model or the information carrier block. Compared to the second identification information on the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, the first identification information has a relatively large area. Moreover, this embossed structure requires less pixel density from the visual recognition device, making it easier to identify accurately and significantly improving both efficiency and accuracy. Therefore, this application moves the sorting process for shell-shaped orthodontic appliances to the sorting process for the dental model. Although this reduces the number of times the second identification information on the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is identified while increasing the number of times the first identification information on the dental model is identified, it still improves recognition efficiency and accuracy, thereby increasing the overall production efficiency.

[0096] S102: Dental model sorting process, identifying the first identification information on the dental model, grouping the dental models according to the same case information, and placing the selected dental models in the same group into the same case receiving device to form a dental model transfer unit.

[0097] In this process, the first identification information is associated with the user case information corresponding to the dental model through the MES (Manufacturing Execution System). The identification device identifies the first identification information on the dental model, identifying all dental models belonging to the same case. These dental models are then placed in the same case's receiving device, forming a dental model transfer unit. In subsequent process flows, the dental models of this case are transferred according to this dental model transfer unit. Through this process, dental models belonging to the same case can be sorted out and formed into a dental model transfer unit in advance at the dental model stage. The advantage of this is that it can improve the accuracy and efficiency of information identification. This is because, under normal circumstances, the area on the dental model where the first identification information is set is relatively flat, especially when the dental model has an information carrier block for the first identification information. The information carrier block is relatively flat, making the first identification information easier to identify and less prone to errors during the identification process.

[0098] Furthermore, after forming a dental model transfer unit, it is possible to transfer the model using a single dental model transfer unit. That is, all models are grouped based on the same case and transferred in groups for subsequent molding processes.

[0099] Furthermore, compared to traditional shell-shaped orthodontic appliance sorting systems, this system sorts dental models without requiring material flow channels. Instead, models belonging to the same case are placed into the same case's receiving device (e.g., a material turnover box), thus reducing the floor space required and lowering production costs.

[0100] S103: Pressing process, the dental model transfer unit is transferred to the pressing station, and the dental model therein is hot-pressed to obtain a pressing assembly with a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, forming a pressing assembly transfer unit.

[0101] In this process, the dental models transferred from the dental model transfer unit are all dental models from the same case. After lamination, a dental film is placed on the dental model, and the lamination assembly formed by hot pressing is also a lamination assembly from the same case, forming a lamination assembly transfer unit.

[0102] Preferably, in some embodiments, a third identification information can be set for the same case receiving device (such as a material turnover frame) that holds the dental model. The third identification information is used to identify the case information to which the case receiving device belongs. When the dental model transfer unit flows to the molding station, the third identification information and the first identification information can be identified respectively, and the third identification information and the first identification information can be matched. When the third identification information and the first identification information match, the dental model is then molded. In this way, adding a verification step before molding can avoid errors being detected after molding, thereby avoiding waste and loss of raw materials (such as dental films). To further explain, in application, the third identification information can be identified first to obtain the case information to which the dental model in the receiving device belongs, i.e., which case the dental model in the receiving device belongs to; then, the first identification information on each dental model is identified by an identification device (such as a camera) to obtain the case information of that dental model. When the case information to which the dental model belongs matches the case information read by the receiving device, they belong to the same case. At this point, hot pressing is performed to form a pressing assembly. Of course, if the case information to which the dental model belongs does not match the case information read by the receiving device, an alarm can be set to feed back to the MES system for intervention.

[0103] To further explain the setting form of the third identification information, in one embodiment, the third identification information can be an RFID electronic tag. When the dental model transfer unit is transferred to the lamination station, the identification information in the RFID tag is first read by the RFID reader set at the lamination station to obtain the case information to which the dental model in the housing device belongs, that is, which case the dental model in the housing device belongs to. In another embodiment, the third identification information can be one or more of numbers, letters, text, barcodes, and QR codes. It can be printed on a label or label paper and identified by an identification device, or it can be identified directly by a person.

[0104] S104: Orthodontic appliance cutting and marking process. When the film assembly transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance cutting and marking station, the first identification information is identified to obtain the cutting path of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, and a second identification information associated with the first identification information is generated; the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is cut based on the cutting path, and the second identification information is printed on the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance to form a film assembly after cutting and marking.

[0105] S105: Orthodontic appliance removal process, the cut and marked molded components belonging to the same case information are removed to obtain a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance with the second identification information, and the obtained shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is placed in the same case receiving device to form an orthodontic appliance circulation unit.

[0106] In this process, the shell-shaped dental appliance and the dental model have been demolded. Since the dental model and the pressing assembly were transferred using the same case in the previous process, the shell-shaped dental appliance formed after demolding in this process also belongs to the same case, forming an appliance transfer unit, which will be transferred in subsequent processes.

[0107] S106: Orthodontic appliance sorting process: When the orthodontic appliance transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance sorting station, the second identification information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is identified, and the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is sorted.

[0108] When the orthodontic appliance transfer unit reaches the appliance sorting station, the second identification information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is identified by the identification device to determine which orthodontic step the current shell-shaped orthodontic appliance belongs to, and then sorted according to that orthodontic step. When the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances for the same orthodontic step include both maxillary and mandibular shell-shaped orthodontic appliances, the maxillary and mandibular appliances also need to be paired before being sorted according to the orthodontic step.

[0109] Preferably, in some embodiments, a fourth identification information can be set for the same case receiving device (such as a material turnover box) that houses the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance. The fourth identification information is used to identify the case information to which the case receiving device belongs. When the appliance transfer unit flows to the appliance sorting station, the fourth identification information and the second identification information can be identified respectively, and the fourth identification information and the second identification information can be matched. When the fourth identification information and the second identification information match, the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is then sorted. In this way, adding a verification step before sorting the appliances can avoid or reduce the probability of errors after sorting (e.g., shell-shaped orthodontic appliances mixed with other cases), thereby avoiding the increase in time costs caused by rework. To further explain, in application, the fourth identification information can be identified first to obtain the case information to which the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance in the receiving device belongs, i.e., which case the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance belongs to. Then, the second identification information on each shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is identified by an identification device (such as a camera) to obtain the case information of that shell-shaped orthodontic appliance. When the case information to which the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance belongs matches the case information read by the receiving device, they belong to the same case. At this time, the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances are sorted according to the information identified by the second identification information. Of course, if the case information to which the dental model belongs does not match the case information read by the receiving device, an alarm can be set to feed back to the MES system for intervention.

[0110] The setting format and identification method of the fourth identification information can be consistent with the setting format and identification method of the third identification information in process S103, and will not be described again here.

[0111] S107: Orthodontic appliance packaging process: The paired and sorted shell-shaped orthodontic appliances are placed into several packaging units and then assembled into a single packaging unit.

[0112] In one embodiment, the packaging unit may be a packaging bag for shell-shaped orthodontic appliances. When the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances for the same orthodontic step include both maxillary shell-shaped orthodontic appliances and mandibular shell-shaped orthodontic appliances, the maxillary shell-shaped orthodontic appliances and mandibular shell-shaped orthodontic appliances need to be placed together in the same packaging bag. The packaging set may be a packaging box that contains packaging bags containing all the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances for the same case.

[0113] More preferably, after the S105 appliance removal process and before the S106 appliance sorting process, an appliance cleaning process is also included. When the appliance transfer unit moves to the appliance cleaning station, the housing device for the case and the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance therein are cleaned and disinfected as a whole. It should be noted that at the cleaning station, this application can clean and disinfect the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance in the housing device together with the housing device (such as a material turnover box) containing the case, without the need to replace the housing device. This saves operation time at this station and also avoids the loss of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance when replacing the housing device.

[0114] To further explain, in the S102 dental model sorting process, the grouping and screening of dental models based on the same case information can, in one embodiment, involve screening all dental models in the same case information into one group. For example, in this process, the identification device identifies the first identification information on the dental model to obtain the case information to which the dental model belongs. Furthermore, all dental models belonging to the same case information are placed in the same case's receiving device. For instance, if there are 40 dental models belonging to case a stored in the MES system, then during the identification process, all 40 dental models belonging to case a are placed in the receiving device for case a. More preferably, a third identification information can be set on the receiving device of case a to identify the case information of the dental model contained in the receiving device. The third identification information can be set in the form of an RFID tag, or one or more of numbers, letters, words, barcodes, and QR codes. When the film pressing process is in S103, the third identification information can be identified to obtain that the dental model contained in the receiving device belongs to case a. Alternatively, a printed physical label can be directly pasted on the receiving device, such as a printed paper marked "case a", which can be placed inside the receiving device or pasted on the outside of the receiving device for identification.

[0115] In another embodiment, dental models that meet certain preset orthodontic steps from the same case information can be selected as a group and placed in the same case receiving device, wherein the shell-shaped dental appliances produced based on the dental models of the preset orthodontic steps belong to the same package set. For example, there are 70 dental models belonging to Case b stored in the MES system. These 70 dental models can be placed in two containers. For example, the first container holds the dental models corresponding to steps 1-35. In subsequent processing, the first container will be used as a dental model transfer unit for subsequent processes. The shell-shaped orthodontic appliances produced by this dental model transfer unit will be grouped into the same package during the packaging process. That is, the package contains the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances from steps 1-35. The second container holds the dental models corresponding to steps 36-70. In subsequent processing, the second container will be used as a dental model transfer unit for subsequent processes. The shell-shaped orthodontic appliances produced by this dental model transfer unit will be grouped into the same package during the packaging process. That is, the package contains the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances from steps 36-70. More preferably, a third identification information can be set on each of the two receiving devices for case b to identify the case information of the dental models contained in the two receiving devices. The third identification information can be in the form of an RFID tag, or one or more of numbers, letters, text, barcodes, and QR codes. When the film pressing process is in S103, the third identification information can be identified to determine whether the dental model contained in the receiving device belongs to one of the dental model transfer units of case b. For example, it can be determined whether the dental model information in the current dental model transfer unit belongs to the first dental model transfer unit or the second dental model transfer unit of case b. Then the complete model of case b is contained in the two receiving devices. Alternatively, printed physical labels, such as printed paper marked "case b-1" and "case b-2", can be directly affixed to the receiving devices and placed inside or affixed to the outside of the receiving devices for identification. This grouping and screening according to the preset orthodontic steps can be specifically set according to the carrying capacity of the production line or the carrying capacity of the receiving devices, and can be flexibly applied to different production lines. It is understood that the preset orthodontic steps are not necessarily grouped according to consecutive orthodontic steps. They can also be grouped according to other criteria, such as whether or not attachments are required. That is, orthodontic steps that require attachments are grouped together, and orthodontic steps that do not require attachments are grouped together, and so on.

[0116] To further explain, if the preset orthodontic steps include maxillary and mandibular dental models, the maxillary and mandibular dental models of the same orthodontic step need to be grouped into the same receiving device and transferred in a dental model transfer unit to complete the subsequent production process. This ensures that the produced shell-shaped orthodontic appliances also include both maxillary and mandibular models. Thus, in the S106 orthodontic appliance sorting process, the maxillary shell-shaped orthodontic appliances and mandibular shell-shaped orthodontic appliances can be paired, and then placed in the same packaging unit in the S107 orthodontic appliance packaging process.

[0117] Preferably, when there are multiple case receiving devices, and different case receiving devices correspond to different position information; the first identification information on the dental model is used to group and filter the dental models with the same case information, and the selected dental models in the same group are placed in the same case receiving device to form a dental model transfer unit. For a further explanation of the process of processing a dental model, please refer to the flowchart. Figure 2 As shown, it can specifically include:

[0118] S201: Identify the first identification information, obtain the case information of the case to which the dental model belongs based on the first identification information, and obtain the position information of the corresponding case receiving device based on the case information;

[0119] S202: Based on this location information, place the dental model in the corresponding case-accommodating device.

[0120] During this process, the first identification information can be identified using a visual recognition device. Specifically, when using a visual recognition device for identification, the light-incident side of the camera of the visual recognition device can be set to face the dental model.

[0121] In one embodiment, the specific method for setting the light-incident side of the camera of the visual recognition device towards the dental model is as follows: the dental model is moved while the camera remains stationary until the dental model is positioned on the light-incident side of the camera. At this time, the dental model can be moved manually. Preferably, a robotic arm moves the dental model. This reduces the cost of sorting dental models by minimizing manual labor. Furthermore, this setup eliminates the need for multiple dental model accumulation channels for multiple cases; identification, sorting, and placement can be achieved simply by moving the dental model. Specifically, when a printed dental model containing multiple cases is transferred to the dental model sorting station, the model is grasped and moved to the location of the visual recognition device for information identification. Once the identified dental model belongs to a particular case, it is placed in the corresponding case's receiving device (such as a material turnover box), saving floor space and thus reducing production costs.

[0122] In another embodiment, the specific method for setting the light-incident side of the camera of the visual recognition device to face the dental model is as follows: move the camera while keeping the dental model stationary until the light-incident side of the camera faces the dental model. In this case, the camera can be moved manually. Preferably, a robotic arm moves the camera, thus reducing the cost of sorting the dental model by minimizing manual labor.

[0123] Understandably, in another embodiment, the specific method for setting the light-incident side of the camera of the visual recognition device to face the dental model can be: moving the dental model and simultaneously moving the camera until the light-incident side of the camera faces the dental model. In this way, since both the dental model and the camera can be moved simultaneously, the time required to face the camera towards the dental model can be reduced. Of course, in this embodiment, the dental model and camera can be moved manually or by a robotic arm; one can be moved manually while the other is moved by a robotic arm.

[0124] To further explain, after the first identification information is identified, the information can be processed through the processing module that is connected to the visual recognition device to obtain the case information of the dental model and match the location information of the receiving device adapted to the case in the MES system.

[0125] To further explain, the receiving device corresponding to the case information is: the receiving device is bound to the case information, so that the receiving device only contains the dental model of the case reflected in the case information, and the receiving device does not contain the dental model of other cases.

[0126] It should be noted that when there are too many dental models for a case, the number of receiving devices corresponding to that case can be two or more, meaning the number of receiving devices bound to the case information can be two or more. In this case, when obtaining the location information of the receiving devices corresponding to the case information, one receiving device that can still accommodate the dental models can be selected from the two or more receiving devices, and the location information of the receiving device that can still accommodate the dental models can be obtained. The receiving device that can still accommodate the dental models is one that can continue to accommodate dental models.

[0127] The location information of the corresponding case receiving device is obtained based on the case information. Specifically, the processing module can first obtain the receiving device corresponding to the case information from the system, and then obtain the current location information of the receiving device from the system based on the obtained receiving device.

[0128] To further explain, in the S102 dental model sorting process, after identifying the first identification information on the dental model, grouping the dental models according to the same case information, and placing the selected dental models in the same group into the same case receiving device, a judgment step S301 is also included. Please refer to the flowchart for its schematic diagram. Figure 3 As shown: Determine whether the same case receiving device has already contained all the dental models that satisfy the same case; Determination result: S302: If yes, then issue a first signal to indicate that the same case receiving device has contained all the dental models that satisfy the same case, and the dental model transfer unit transfers to the next station; S303: If no, then the dental model transfer unit waits at the current station.

[0129] Specifically, in this step, when it is determined that the same case receiving device contains all the dental models that satisfy the same case (or all the dental models that satisfy the preset orthodontic steps), a first signal can be issued through the processing module, and the device can be transferred to the next workstation for subsequent production processes. The first signal can be a signal to the operator indicating that the receiving device has contained all the dental models corresponding to the case (or all the dental models that satisfy the preset orthodontic steps); it can also be a command signal to control some mechanical equipment, which is not limited in this application. Conversely, the dental model transfer unit waits at the current workstation if the condition is not met.

[0130] To control the waiting time of the dental model transfer unit at the current workstation and avoid excessive waiting time leading to wasted production resources and subsequent processes, when it is determined that the same case receiving device has not yet contained all dental models corresponding to the same case, the following further determination is made: If any of the following situations are further determined, a second signal is issued to indicate that the same case receiving device has not contained all dental models corresponding to the same case, and the dental model transfer unit is transferred to a transition workstation: a) when the preset time exceeds the limit and the same case receiving device still has not contained all dental models corresponding to the case; b) when the preset weight exceeds the limit and the same case receiving device still has not contained all dental models corresponding to the case; c) when the preset quantity exceeds the limit and the same case receiving device still has not contained all dental models corresponding to the case.

[0131] Specifically, the statement that "after exceeding the preset time, the same case receiving device still has not contained all the dental models corresponding to its case" means that: a preset time is set, and timing begins when the receiving device contains the first dental model. When the timing exceeds the preset time and the receiving device still has not contained all the dental models corresponding to its case, it is considered that all dental models in the current batch have been sorted, and some dental models corresponding to the case of that receiving device were lost or not printed during the previous printing process. The preset time can be ten minutes, twenty minutes, thirty minutes, etc., and is obtained by multiplying the sorting time of a single dental model by the total number of dental models to be sorted. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0132] The statement that "after exceeding the preset weight, the same case receiving device still does not contain all the dental models corresponding to its case" means that: the receiving device is preset to bear a preset weight, and the weighing begins when the receiving device contains the first dental model. When the weight exceeds the preset weight and the receiving device still does not contain all the dental models corresponding to its case, it is considered that all dental models in the current batch have been sorted, and some dental models corresponding to the case of the receiving device were lost or not printed in the previous printing process.

[0133] The statement that "after exceeding the preset number, the same case receiving device still does not contain all the dental models corresponding to its case" means that: a preset number that the receiving device can withstand is set in advance. When the receiving device contains the first dental model, counting begins. When the count exceeds the preset number and the receiving device still does not contain all the dental models corresponding to its case, it is considered that all dental models in the current batch have been sorted, and some dental models of the case corresponding to the receiving device were lost or not printed in the previous printing process.

[0134] Similarly, in this step, when one of the above three situations is determined, a second signal can be issued through the processing module, and the process can be transferred to a transition station. The second signal can be a signal to the operator indicating that the receiving device has received all the dental models corresponding to the case (or all the dental models that meet the preset orthodontic steps), such as an audible alarm signal, a flashing light signal, or a light color signal, etc.; it can also be a command signal to control some mechanical equipment, which is not limited in this application.

[0135] Furthermore, when the processing module issues a second signal, it can verify the dental model transfer unit that has been transferred to the transition station. If it is determined that a dental model is missing, it further issues an instruction to replace the missing dental model. Further, according to the replacement instruction, the operator can remove the dental model transfer unit currently at the transition station and replace it. Further, the system can also issue an instruction to the S101 dental model printing process to reprint the missing dental model.

[0136] Furthermore, in the S106 orthodontic appliance sorting process, the second identification information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is identified, and the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is sorted. For details, please refer to the flowchart. Figure 4 As shown, it may include:

[0137] S401: When the orthodontic appliance transfer unit is transferring to the sorting station, the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is placed into a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance carrier.

[0138] S402: Second identification information for identifying the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance.

[0139] S403: Associate the second identification information with the information of the vehicle.

[0140] S404: Sort and pair each of the aforementioned carriers according to the orthodontic steps in the case information, and sort out the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances from the sorted and paired carriers in sequence.

[0141] The specific implementation method is as follows: In this process, the sorting and pairing of shell-shaped orthodontic appliances requires identifying the second identification information on the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances. As mentioned in the background art, due to the uneven surface of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances, the identification probability of the second identification information is low or the error rate is high. Therefore, this application further binds the second identification information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances with the information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance carrier. In this way, information identification or verification of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance information can be performed by identifying the information tag of the carrier. Specifically, the second identification information of the current shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is identified by a visual recognition device to obtain its case information (e.g., which case it belongs to, which orthodontic step, maxilla, mandible, etc.). Then, the case information is written to the electronic tag (such as an RFID tag) of the carrier by a writing device to complete the information association. The identification information in the RFID tag of the carrier can be read by an RFID reader, and the carriers can be sorted and matched according to the orthodontic steps of the case information. After sorting and matching are completed, the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances in the carrier can be taken out in sequence according to the orthodontic steps by a picking device and placed in the packaging unit (such as a packaging bag) in the S107 orthodontic appliance packaging process.

[0142] Example 2

[0143] To achieve the objectives of this invention, the present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, which uses a hot-pressing film process to manufacture the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance. Please refer to the schematic diagram of the process. Figure 5 As shown, the process includes the following steps:

[0144] S501: Dental model printing process, used to obtain a dental model with first identification information, the first identification information being associated with user case information.

[0145] S502: Pressing process, whereby the dental model is hot-pressed to obtain a press-film assembly with a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance attached.

[0146] S503: Orthodontic appliance cutting and marking process, identifying the first identification information of the dental model on the pressure film assembly, obtaining the cutting path of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance and generating second identification information associated with the first identification information; cutting the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance based on the cutting path, and printing the second identification information onto the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance.

[0147] S504: The pressing assembly sorting process identifies the first identification information of the maxillary model of the pressing assembly, and groups the pressing assemblies according to the same case information to form a pressing assembly circulation unit.

[0148] To further explain, in this process, the first identification information is associated with the user case information corresponding to the dental model through the MES (Manufacturing Execution System). The identification device identifies the first identification information on the dental model in the molding assembly, identifying all molding assemblies belonging to the same case and forming a dental model transfer unit. In subsequent process flows, the molding assembly of this case flows according to this molding assembly type transfer unit. Through this process, molding assemblies belonging to the same case can be sorted out to form a molding assembly transfer unit before the S505 appliance demolding process. The advantage of this is that it can improve the accuracy and efficiency of information identification. This is because, under normal circumstances, the area on the dental model where the first identification information is set is relatively flat, especially when the dental model has an information carrier block for the first identification information. The information carrier block is relatively flat, making it easier and less prone to error in the identification process.

[0149] Furthermore, after forming the pressure film assembly transfer unit, it can be transferred in one pressure film assembly transfer unit. That is, all cases are grouped according to the same case, and the subsequent orthodontic appliance is transferred in groups to obtain the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance.

[0150] Furthermore, compared to traditional shell-shaped orthodontic appliance sorting systems, this system sorts the pressing components. Different pressing components do not require material accumulation channels; only pressing components belonging to the same case need to be identified. This reduces the floor space required and lowers production costs.

[0151] To further explain, in the S504 compression molding component sorting process, the grouping and screening of compression molding components based on the same case information can, in one embodiment, involve screening all compression molding components in the same case information into a group. For example, in this process, by using an identification device to identify the first identification information on the dental model in the compression molding component, the case information to which the compression molding component belongs can be obtained, and all compression molding components belonging to the same case information can be further grouped into a compression molding component transfer unit.

[0152] In another embodiment, pressure film components that meet certain preset orthodontic steps in the same case information can be screened into a group and collected into a pressure film component circulation unit, wherein the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances produced by the pressure film components based on the preset orthodontic steps belong to the same package set. For example, there are 80 molding assemblies belonging to case c stored in the MES system. These 80 molding assemblies can be grouped into two molding assembly transfer units. For instance, the first molding assembly transfer unit corresponds to the molding assemblies of steps 1-40. In subsequent transfers, the first molding assembly transfer unit will be used for subsequent processes. The shell-shaped orthodontic appliances produced by this molding assembly transfer unit will be grouped into the same packaging set in the packaging process. That is, this packaging set contains the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances from steps 1-40. The second molding assembly transfer unit corresponds to the molding assemblies of steps 41-80. In subsequent transfers, the second molding assembly transfer unit will be used for subsequent processes. The shell-shaped orthodontic appliances produced by this molding assembly transfer unit will be grouped into the same packaging set in the packaging process. That is, this packaging set contains the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances from steps 41-80.

[0153] To further explain, if the preset orthodontic steps include a maxillary pressure film assembly and a mandibular pressure film assembly, then the maxillary and mandibular pressure film assemblies of the same orthodontic step need to be collected into the same pressure film assembly transfer unit and transferred in one pressure film assembly transfer unit to complete the subsequent production process. This ensures that the produced shell-shaped orthodontic appliances also include both maxillary and mandibular components. Thus, in the S506 orthodontic appliance sorting process, the maxillary shell-shaped orthodontic appliances and mandibular shell-shaped orthodontic appliances can be paired, and then placed in the same packaging unit in the S507 orthodontic appliance packaging process.

[0154] S505: Orthodontic appliance demolding process, the molding assembly transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance demolding station, the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance therein is demolded to obtain the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, and the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is placed in the same case receiving device to form an orthodontic appliance transfer unit.

[0155] S506: Orthodontic appliance sorting process: When the orthodontic appliance transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance sorting station, the second identification information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is identified, and the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is sorted.

[0156] S507: Orthodontic appliance packaging process: The paired and sorted shell-shaped orthodontic appliances are placed into several packaging units and then assembled into a single packaging unit.

[0157] To further explain, in the S504 molding assembly sorting process, after identifying the first identification information on the dental model in the molding assembly, grouping the molding assemblies according to the same case information, and aggregating the selected molding assemblies into a molding assembly transfer unit, a judgment step S601 is also included. Please refer to the flowchart for its schematic diagram. Figure 6 As shown: Determine whether the pressure film assembly transfer unit already contains all pressure film assemblies that satisfy the same case; Determination result: S602: If yes, then issue a first signal to indicate that the pressure film assembly transfer unit contains all pressure film assemblies that satisfy the same case, and the pressure film assembly transfer unit transfers to the next station; S603: If no, then the pressure film assembly transfer unit waits at the current station.

[0158] Specifically, in this step, when it is determined that the pressure film assembly transfer unit contains all pressure film assemblies that satisfy the same case (or all pressure film assemblies that satisfy the preset treatment steps), a first signal can be issued through the processing module, and the assembly can be transferred to the next workstation for subsequent production processes. The first signal can be a signal to the operator indicating that the receiving device has contained all pressure film assemblies for the corresponding case (or all pressure film assemblies that satisfy the preset treatment steps); it can also be a command signal to control some mechanical equipment, which is not limited in this application. Conversely, the pressure film assembly transfer unit waits at the current workstation if the condition is not met.

[0159] To control the waiting time of the film-forming assembly transfer unit at the current workstation and avoid excessive waiting time leading to wasted production resources and subsequent idle processes, when it is determined that the film-forming assembly transfer unit has not yet accommodated all the film-forming assemblies for the same case, the following further determination is made: If any of the following situations are further determined, a second signal is issued to indicate that the film-forming assembly transfer unit has not accommodated all the film-forming assemblies for the same case, and the film-forming assembly transfer unit is transferred to a transition workstation: a) when the preset time exceeds the limit and the film-forming assembly transfer unit still has not accommodated all the film-forming assemblies for the corresponding case; b) when the preset weight exceeds the limit and the film-forming assembly transfer unit still has not accommodated all the film-forming assemblies for the corresponding case; c) when the preset quantity exceeds the limit and the film-forming assembly transfer unit still has not accommodated all the film-forming assemblies for the corresponding case.

[0160] Specifically, the statement that the film-forming assembly transfer unit still has not contained all the film-forming assemblies corresponding to its corresponding case after exceeding the preset time means that: a preset time is set, and timing begins when the receiving device contains the first film-forming assembly. When the timing exceeds the preset time and the receiving device still has not contained all the film-forming assemblies corresponding to its corresponding case, it is considered that all film-forming assemblies in the current batch have been sorted, and some film-forming assemblies corresponding to the case in the receiving device were lost in the previous film-forming process. The preset time can be ten minutes, twenty minutes, thirty minutes, etc., and is obtained by multiplying the sorting time of a single film-forming assembly by the total number of film-forming assemblies to be sorted. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0161] The phrase "after exceeding the preset weight, the pressure film assembly transfer unit still has not contained all the pressure film assemblies corresponding to its case" means that: a preset weight is set on the transmission line carrying the pressure film assemblies. The weighing begins when the receiving device contains the first pressure film assembly. When the weight exceeds the preset weight and the receiving device still has not contained all the pressure film assemblies corresponding to its case, it is considered that all pressure film assemblies in the current batch have been sorted, and some pressure film assemblies corresponding to the case in the receiving device were lost in the previous pressure filming process.

[0162] The statement that "after exceeding the preset number, the pressure film assembly transfer unit still does not contain all the pressure film assemblies corresponding to the case" means that: a preset number that the transmission line transporting the pressure film assemblies can withstand is preset. When the accommodating device contains the first pressure film assembly, counting begins. When the count exceeds the preset number and the accommodating device still does not contain all the pressure film assemblies corresponding to the case, it is considered that all pressure film assemblies in the current batch have been sorted, and some pressure film assemblies corresponding to the case in the accommodating device were lost in the previous pressure film process.

[0163] Similarly, in this step, when one of the above three situations is determined, a second signal can be issued through the processing module, and the process can be transferred to a transition station. The second signal can be a signal to the operator indicating that the receiving device has received all the pressure membrane components corresponding to the case (or all the pressure membrane components that meet the preset treatment steps), such as an audible alarm signal, a flashing light signal, or a light color signal, etc.; it can also be a command signal to control some mechanical equipment, which is not limited in this application.

[0164] Furthermore, when the processing module issues a second signal, it can verify the lamination assembly transfer unit that has been transferred to the transition station. If it determines that a lamination assembly is missing, it further issues an instruction to re-fabricate the missing lamination assembly. Further, according to the re-fabrication instruction, the operator can remove the lamination assembly transfer unit from the current transition station and re-fabricate it. Further, the system can also issue instructions to the S501 dental model printing process and the S502 lamination process to reprint the dental model and complete the lamination.

[0165] It should be noted that this embodiment is consistent with the inventive concept of Embodiment 1, that is, the process of sorting the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances for the same case is brought forward to before the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances are removed from the mold, thereby reducing the waiting time of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances in the sorting process, improving the accuracy of information identification, and greatly reducing the floor space occupied by the sorting station, thereby improving the efficiency and production cost of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances in the entire production process.

[0166] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that Embodiment 1 includes a dental model sorting process after the dental model printing process, which sorts the dental models based on the identification of the first identification information on the dental models. In this embodiment, however, an S504 molding assembly sorting process is set up after the molding assembly is formed and before the appliance removal process to sort the molding assembly. The sorting of the molding assembly is also based on the identification of the first identification information on the dental models in the molding assembly (the sorting criteria, sorting methods, and determination of whether the molding assembly is completely stored are all consistent with the core concept of the dental model sorting process in Embodiment 1). Except for the methods specifically described above, the other technical solutions in this embodiment are the same as in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0167] Example 3

[0168] To achieve the purpose of this invention, please refer to... Figure 7 As shown, the present invention also provides a production system for a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, used to manufacture a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance using the production method of Embodiment 1, comprising:

[0169] The dental model printing device 101 is used to print a dental model with first identification information, which is associated with user case information.

[0170] The dental model sorting device 102 is used to group and screen the dental models according to the same case information using the first identification information on the dental model, and to place the selected dental models in the same group into the same case receiving device to form a dental model circulation unit.

[0171] The pressing device 103 is used to heat-press the dental model in the dental model transfer unit to the pressing station to obtain a pressing assembly with a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, forming a pressing assembly transfer unit.

[0172] The orthodontic appliance cutting and marking device 104 is used to cut the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance using the cutting path information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance carried by the first identification information when the film assembly transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance cutting and marking station, generate second identification information associated with the first identification information using the first identification information, and print the second identification information onto the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance.

[0173] The orthodontic appliance removal device 105 is used to remove the film from the pressure assembly to obtain a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance with the second identification information, and to place the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance in the same case receiving device to form an orthodontic appliance transfer unit.

[0174] Orthodontic appliance sorting device 106: used to sort the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances by utilizing the second identification information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances when the orthodontic appliance transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance sorting station.

[0175] Orthodontic appliance packaging device 107: for placing the paired and sorted shell-shaped orthodontic appliances into several packaging units and assembling them into a single packaging unit.

[0176] It should be noted that, in addition to the devices for implementing each production process mentioned above, this embodiment may also include a control device. Specifically, the devices for implementing each production process mentioned above may be communicatively connected to the control device. The control device controls the orderly operation of each device in the system, so as to accurately and orderly transfer the materials in the previous process to the workstation of the next process.

[0177] The control device can be any applicable computing device, such as a personal computer, server, programmable logic controller (PLC), microcontroller, etc., or it can be an integration of computer devices. The control device has functions such as receiving information and sending control commands. The control device can control the devices that realize each production process to perform corresponding actions through wired or wireless communication to complete the production of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance.

[0178] Example 4

[0179] To achieve the purpose of this invention, please refer to... Figure 8As shown, the present invention also provides a production system for a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, used to manufacture a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance using the production method of Embodiment 2, comprising:

[0180] Dental model printing device 501 is used to print a dental model with first identification information, the first identification information being associated with user case information;

[0181] The pressure film device 502 is used to heat-press the dental model to obtain a pressure film assembly with a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance attached.

[0182] The orthodontic appliance cutting and marking device 503 is used to cut the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance using the cutting path information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance carried by the first identification information of the maxillary model of the pressure film assembly, generate second identification information associated with the first identification information using the first identification information, and print the second identification information onto the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance.

[0183] The compression assembly sorting device 504 is used to group and screen the compression assemblies according to the same case information using the first identification information of the maxillary model of the compression assembly, forming a compression assembly circulation unit.

[0184] The orthodontic appliance removal device 505 is used to remove the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance when the pressure assembly transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance removal station to obtain the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, and to place the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance in the same case receiving device to form an orthodontic appliance transfer unit.

[0185] Orthodontic appliance sorting device 506: used to sort the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances using the second identification information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances when the orthodontic appliance transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance sorting station;

[0186] Orthodontic appliance packaging device 507: for placing the paired and sorted shell-shaped orthodontic appliances into several packaging units and assembling them into a single packaging unit.

[0187] It should be noted that, in addition to the devices for implementing each production process mentioned above, this embodiment may also include a control device. Specifically, the devices for implementing each production process mentioned above may be communicatively connected to the control device. The control device controls the orderly operation of each device in the system, so as to accurately and orderly transfer the materials in the previous process to the workstation of the next process.

[0188] The control device can be any applicable computing device, such as a personal computer, server, programmable logic controller (PLC), microcontroller, etc., or it can be an integration of computer devices. The control device has functions such as receiving information and sending control commands. The control device can control the devices that realize each production process to perform corresponding actions through wired or wireless communication to complete the production of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance.

[0189] It should be noted that the above embodiments can be freely combined as needed to form different new implementation schemes without causing contradictions. All implementation schemes formed by such combinations are within the protection scope of this application. In order to save space in the application text, they will not be described in detail here.

[0190] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the inventive principle of this invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

[0191] Similarly, the above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, characterized in that, include: The dental model printing process is used to obtain a dental model with first identification information, which is associated with the user's medical record information. The dental model sorting process involves identifying the first identification information on the dental model, grouping the dental models according to the same case information, and placing the selected dental models in the same group into the same case receiving device to form a dental model circulation unit. In the molding process, the dental model transfer unit is transferred to the molding station, where the dental model is hot-pressed to obtain a molding assembly with a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, forming a molding assembly transfer unit. In the orthodontic appliance cutting and marking process, when the film-forming assembly transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance cutting and marking station, the first identification information is identified to obtain the cutting path of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, and a second identification information associated with the first identification information is generated; the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is cut based on the cutting path, and the second identification information is printed on the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance to form a film-forming assembly after cutting and marking. The orthodontic appliance demolding process involves demolding the cut and marked molded components belonging to the same case information to obtain a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance with the second identification information. The obtained shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is placed in the same case receiving device to form an orthodontic appliance circulation unit. Orthodontic appliance sorting process: When the orthodontic appliance transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance sorting station, the second identification information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is identified, and the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is sorted. Orthodontic appliance packaging process: The paired and sorted shell-shaped orthodontic appliances are placed into several packaging units and then assembled into a single packaging unit.

2. The method for manufacturing the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A third identification information is set for the same case receiving device that houses the dental model, the third identification information being used to identify the case information to which the case receiving device belongs; When the dental model transfer unit moves to the lamination station, it identifies the third identification information and the first identification information. When the third identification information and the first identification information match, the dental model is laminated. The third identification information is set in the form of an RFID tag, or one or more of numbers, letters, text, barcodes, and QR codes; and / or... A fourth identification information is set for the same case receiving device that houses the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance. The fourth identification information is used to identify the case information to which the case receiving device belongs. When the appliance transfer unit transfers to the appliance sorting station, the fourth identification information and the second identification information are identified. When the fourth identification information and the second identification information match, the appliance sorting is completed. The fourth identification information is set in the form of an RFID tag, or one or more of numbers, letters, characters, barcodes, and QR codes.

3. The method for manufacturing the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the orthodontic appliance demolding process and before the orthodontic appliance sorting process, there is also an orthodontic appliance cleaning process. When the orthodontic appliance transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance cleaning station, the case receiving device and the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance therein are cleaned and disinfected.

4. The method for manufacturing the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grouping and screening of the dental models using the same case information includes: Select all dental models from the same case information into a group; or, Dental models that meet the preset orthodontic steps in the same case information are selected as a group, wherein the shell-shaped dental appliances produced based on the dental models of the preset orthodontic steps belong to the same package set.

5. The method for manufacturing the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are multiple case receiving devices, and different case receiving devices correspond to different location information; The process of identifying the first identifier information on the dental model, grouping the dental models according to the same case information, placing the selected dental models in the same case receiving device to form a dental model transfer unit, and processing a dental model includes: Identify the first identification information, obtain the case information of the case to which the dental model belongs based on the first identification information, and obtain the position information of the corresponding case receiving device based on the case information; Based on this location information, the dental model is placed in the corresponding case-accommodating device.

6. The method for manufacturing a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, After identifying the first identification information on the dental model, grouping and filtering the dental models according to the same case information, and placing the filtered dental models in the same group into the same case receiving device, the method further includes: determining whether the same case receiving device has already contained all dental models that meet the same case. If so, a first signal is issued to indicate that the same case receiving device contains all the dental models that satisfy the same case, and the dental model transfer unit is transferred to the next station; If not, the dental model transfer unit waits at the current workstation.

7. The method for manufacturing the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that, If the same case receiving device does not contain all the dental models that satisfy the same case, and further determines any of the following situations, a second signal is issued to indicate that the same case receiving device does not contain all the dental models that satisfy the same case, and the dental model transfer unit is transferred to a transition station: a) When the preset time has expired and the same case-accommodating device still has not accommodated all the dental models corresponding to that case; b. When the weight exceeds the preset limit and the same case-accommodating device still cannot accommodate all the dental models corresponding to that case; c. When the preset number is exceeded and the same case-accommodating device still cannot accommodate all the dental models corresponding to the case.

8. The method for manufacturing the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: The dental model transfer unit transferred to the transition station is checked, and if it is determined that a dental model is missing, an instruction is issued to make a replacement dental model.

9. The method for manufacturing the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of identifying the second identification information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance and sorting the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances includes: When the orthodontic appliance transfer unit is transferred to the sorting station, the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is placed in a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance carrier. Second identification information for identifying the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance; Associating the second identification information with the information of the vehicle; The carriers are sorted and paired according to the treatment steps in the case information, and the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances in the sorted and paired carriers are sorted out in sequence.

10. A method for manufacturing a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, characterized in that, include: The dental model printing process is used to obtain a dental model with first identification information, which is associated with the user's medical record information. The molding process involves hot-pressing the dental model to obtain a molding assembly with a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance attached. The orthodontic appliance cutting and marking process involves identifying the first identification information of the dental model on the pressure film assembly, obtaining the cutting path of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, and generating second identification information associated with the first identification information; cutting the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance based on the cutting path, and printing the second identification information onto the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance; In the process of sorting the compression molding components, the first identification information of the maxillary model of the compression molding component is identified, and the compression molding components are grouped and screened according to the same case information to form a compression molding component circulation unit. In the orthodontic appliance demolding process, the pressure film assembly transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance demolding station to demold the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance to obtain the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance. The shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is then placed in the same case receiving device to form an orthodontic appliance transfer unit. Orthodontic appliance sorting process: When the orthodontic appliance transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance sorting station, the second identification information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is identified, and the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is sorted. Orthodontic appliance packaging process: The paired and sorted shell-shaped orthodontic appliances are placed into several packaging units and then assembled into a single packaging unit.

11. The method for manufacturing the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, Also includes: A fourth identification information is set for the same case receiving device that houses the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance. The fourth identification information is used to identify the case information to which the case receiving device belongs. When the appliance transfer unit transfers to the appliance sorting station, the fourth identification information and the second identification information are identified. When the fourth identification information and the second identification information match, the appliance sorting is completed. The fourth identification information is set in the form of an RFID tag, or one or more of numbers, letters, characters, barcodes, and QR codes.

12. The method for manufacturing the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, Before the orthodontic appliance sorting process, there is also an orthodontic appliance cleaning process. When the orthodontic appliance transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance cleaning station, the case receiving device and the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance therein are cleaned and disinfected.

13. The method for manufacturing the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, The grouping and screening of the pressure membrane components based on the same case information includes: Group all compression membrane components in the same case information together; or, Forming components that meet the preset orthodontic steps in the same case information are selected as a group, wherein the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances produced by the forming components based on the preset orthodontic steps belong to the same package set.

14. The method for manufacturing the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, The step of identifying the first identification information of the maxillary model of the compression component, grouping and screening the compression components with the same case information to form a compression component circulation unit, further includes: determining whether the compression component circulation unit already contains all compression components that meet the same case. If so, a first signal is issued to indicate that the pressure membrane assembly transfer unit contains all pressure membrane assemblies that satisfy the same case, and the pressure membrane assembly transfer unit is transferred to the next station; If not, the film pressing assembly transfer unit waits at the current workstation.

15. The method for manufacturing the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance according to claim 14, characterized in that, If the pressure film assembly transfer unit does not yet contain all pressure film assemblies satisfying the same case, and further determines any of the following situations, then a second signal is issued to indicate that the pressure film assembly transfer unit does not yet contain all pressure film assemblies satisfying the same case, and the pressure film assembly transfer unit is transferred to a transition station: a) If, after the preset time has elapsed, the membrane assembly transfer unit still does not contain all the membrane assemblies corresponding to the case; b. When the weight exceeds the preset limit and the membrane assembly transfer unit still does not contain all the membrane assemblies corresponding to the case; c. When the preset quantity is exceeded and the membrane assembly transfer unit still does not contain all the membrane assemblies corresponding to the case.

16. The method for manufacturing the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance according to claim 15, characterized in that, Also includes: The transfer unit for the film pressing assembly transferred to the transition station is checked, and if it is determined that a film pressing assembly is missing, an instruction is issued to make a replacement film pressing assembly.

17. The method for manufacturing the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, The process of identifying the second identification information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance and sorting the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances includes: When the orthodontic appliance transfer unit is transferred to the sorting station, the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is placed in a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance carrier. Second identification information for identifying the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance; Associating the second identification information with the information of the vehicle; The carriers are sorted and paired according to the treatment steps in the case information, and the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances in the sorted and paired carriers are sorted out in sequence.

18. A production system for a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, used to manufacture the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance using a hot-pressing process, characterized in that, include: A dental model printing device for printing a dental model with first identification information, the first identification information being associated with user medical case information; A dental model sorting device is used to group and screen the dental models based on the same case information using the first identification information on the dental models, and to place the selected dental models in the same group into the same case receiving device to form a dental model circulation unit. A film pressing device is used to heat-press the dental model in the dental model transfer unit to the film pressing station to obtain a film pressing assembly with a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, forming a film pressing assembly transfer unit. The orthodontic appliance cutting and marking device is used to cut the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance using the cutting path information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance carried by the first identification information when the film-forming assembly transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance cutting and marking station, generate second identification information associated with the first identification information using the first identification information, and print the second identification information onto the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance. An orthodontic appliance removal device is used to remove the film from the pressure assembly to obtain a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance with the second identification information. The shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is placed in the same case receiving device to form an orthodontic appliance transfer unit. Orthodontic appliance sorting device: used to sort the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances by utilizing the second identification information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances when the orthodontic appliance transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance sorting station; Orthodontic appliance packaging device: used to place the paired and sorted shell-shaped orthodontic appliances into several packaging units and aggregate them into a single packaging unit.

19. A production system for a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, used to manufacture the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance using a hot-pressing process, characterized in that, include: A dental model printing device for printing a dental model with first identification information, the first identification information being associated with user medical case information; A pressure-pressing device is used to heat-press the dental model to obtain a pressure-pressing assembly with a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance attached. The orthodontic appliance cutting and marking device is used to cut the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance using the cutting path information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance carried by the first identification information of the maxillary model of the pressure film assembly, generate second identification information associated with the first identification information using the first identification information, and print the second identification information onto the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance. A compression molding component sorting device is used to group and screen the compression molding components according to the same case information using the first identification information of the maxillary model of the compression molding component, forming a compression molding component circulation unit; The orthodontic appliance demolding device is used to demold the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance when the pressure assembly transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance demolding station to obtain the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance. The shell-shaped orthodontic appliance is placed in the same case receiving device to form an orthodontic appliance transfer unit. Orthodontic appliance sorting device: used to sort the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances by utilizing the second identification information of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliances when the orthodontic appliance transfer unit is transferred to the orthodontic appliance sorting station; Orthodontic appliance packaging device: used to place the paired and sorted shell-shaped orthodontic appliances into several packaging units and aggregate them into a single packaging unit.

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