Optical Blank Positioning for Partially Processed Dental Milling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental milling machines require complex data management and procurement of multiple clamping frames due to the need for precise positioning of partially processed blanks, which is inefficient and limits system interoperability.
Innovation Solution
An automated optical positioning method using an image recording unit, such as a camera, to detect the processed and unprocessed regions of a blank, allowing for precise alignment and milling operations without relying on stored data sets or external markings, enabling the processing machine to automatically identify and utilize unprocessed regions for further workpiece production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stored data sets and markings are used for positioning blanks, then precise positioning is achieved, but data management complexity and procurement costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blank itself serves as the positioning reference through its geometric features (cylindrical shape, flat surfaces). The image recording unit captures the blank's actual geometry, and the system automatically determines positioning based on this self-provided information, eliminating the need for external markings or complex data management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical marking systems (RFID chips, grooves, steps) and their corresponding detection systems with a purely image-based recognition system. The image recording unit captures photographs of the blank, and software algorithms automatically analyze these images to determine blank identity and positioning, substituting complex mechanical marking systems with simpler optical imaging and computational analysis
2Measurement precision
If multiple clamping frames are procured for different blanks, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but procurement costs and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single clamping frame design is made universal by using image recognition to identify different blanks. The system photographs each blank in the clamping frame, analyzes its geometric features, and automatically adapts the processing parameters accordingly. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized clamping frames while maintaining positioning accuracy for various blank types
3Loss of information
If stored data sets are required for each blank, then processing history is preserved, but data management expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of storing complex structured data sets for each blank's processing history, the system creates simple photographic copies (images) of the blank at each processing stage. These images serve as a lightweight record that can be stored and referenced without requiring extensive database management, while still preserving the essential information about the blank's state and processing history
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method reduces administrative and procurement costs by eliminating the need for extensive data management and clamping frame requirements, enhancing system interoperability and operational efficiency by allowing for seamless processing of partially processed blanks.
Implementation Method 1
an image recording unit for optical recording of image data of a blank received in the workpiece holder
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for automated positioning of a blank in a processing machine provided with a housing and a spindle unit with an electric motor, a control unit for control and electrical supply of the processing machine, a computer producing processing programs for manufacturing workpieces, a workpiece holder, and an image recording unit that optically records image data of a blank received in the workpiece holder, a blank is fixed in the processing machine and the image recording unit produces an image of the blank. A division of the blank into an already processed region and into an unprocessed region based on the image data of the image is performed. A workpiece geometry to be produced is assigned to the unprocessed region of the blank, and a milling operation is performed on the unprocessed region. In a variant of the method, the image recording unit is separate from the processing unit.