Angled Workpiece Axis for Dental Milling Space and Dust Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processing machines for dental prostheses have limited processing space due to horizontal workpiece axes, requiring excessive depth and restricting the size of restorations that can be fabricated, and suffer from coolant and dust management issues.
Innovation Solution
The workpiece axis is set at an angle relative to horizontal, allowing for a larger processing space within standard dental practice dimensions, with the axis positioned above the workpiece holder to minimize machine footprint and prevent coolant and dust contact, enabling faster workpiece positioning and improved coolant management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the workpiece axis is arranged horizontally in the processing space, then the machine structure is simple, but the processing space is limited and the machine depth becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece axis is changed from a horizontal arrangement to an inclined arrangement at an angle between 30-60 degrees relative to the horizontal. This dimensional change in the axis orientation allows the processing space to be utilized more efficiently, enabling larger restorations to be fabricated while keeping the machine depth within standard dental equipment dimensions (0.5m-0.6m). The inclined configuration effectively transforms the spatial utilization from a limited horizontal plane to a three-dimensional configuration that maximizes processing volume within the constrained depth.
2Reliability
If the workpiece axis is arranged horizontally, then the machine footprint is minimized, but coolant and grinding dust accumulate in the bearings causing reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful factors (coolant and grinding dust) are extracted or separated from the bearing area by positioning the workpiece axis above the sump where coolant accumulates. The inclined arrangement ensures that the bearings are located in a higher position relative to the coolant sump, preventing coolant and dust from contacting the bearings. This spatial separation eliminates the contamination issue without requiring additional protective mechanisms, thereby maintaining bearing reliability while avoiding increased structural complexity.
3Productivity
If the workpiece axis is arranged horizontally or vertically, then the machine structure is straightforward, but workpiece positioning and loading time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation parameter of the workpiece axis is changed from standard horizontal or vertical alignment to an inclined angle between 30-60 degrees. This parameter change optimizes the workpiece insertion direction to align with the operator's viewing direction, enabling faster positioning and reduced loading time. The inclined configuration naturally facilitates workpiece approach from the front, eliminating the need for complex positioning mechanisms and improving productivity through geometric optimization.
4Volume of moving object
If the machine depth is limited to standard dimensions, then the machine fits in dental practice spaces, but the processing space is reduced limiting restoration size
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined workpiece axis arrangement transforms the processing space configuration to utilize three-dimensional space more effectively. By positioning the axis at an angle between 30-60 degrees, the effective processing length along the feed direction is extended by a factor of up to 1.41 (at 45 degrees) for the same machine depth. This dimensional transformation allows the fabrication of very large restorations while maintaining the machine depth within standard dental equipment dimensions (0.5m-0.6m), effectively decoupling processing volume from machine footprint.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a machining device, particularly for producing tooth replacement parts or models thereof, comprising a workpiece holder and at least one machining tool which is disposed in a machining space for a workpiece that is mounted therein. The feeding axis for the workpiece into the machining space extends at an angle relative to the horizontal.