CAD Wire Path Design Tool for Orthodontic Bending
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Designing complex wire shapes, particularly three-dimensional wire shapes, is challenging due to the difficulty in visualizing and intuitively selecting dimensions, leading to a trial-and-error process, especially when fitting wires to pre-existing three-dimensional shapes like the human mouth for orthodontic applications.
Innovation Solution
A CAD system that receives a solid model, allows user input to select points on the surface, calculates points in space for wire shaping, and generates a part program file for a wire bending machine to create the wire shape, including features for collision detection and template-based design adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional manual wire bending methods are used, then flexibility in creating custom wire shapes is maintained, but manufacturing precision and repeatability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical wire bending with an automated CNC wire bending machine controlled by computer software. The system uses digital modeling and automated control to substitute human craftsmanship with programmable machinery, achieving consistent precision through digital instructions rather than manual skill.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the wire bending process from manual parameter adjustment to digital parameter control. Wire shapes are defined by digital coordinates and parameters in CAD software, which are then automatically translated into machine instructions, allowing precise control of bend angles, radii, and positions through programmable parameters.
2Ease of operation
If complex three-dimensional wire shapes are designed manually, then design flexibility is maintained, but design time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital copying and representation of wire shapes through 3D CAD modeling. Instead of manually visualizing and designing complex three-dimensional forms, the system creates digital models that can be manipulated, visualized from multiple angles, and modified through software interfaces, making the design process more intuitive and efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional drafting to three-dimensional digital modeling for wire design. The CAD system allows designers to work with full 3D representations of wire shapes, enabling better spatial visualization and more efficient manipulation of complex geometries compared to traditional 2D methods.
3Productivity
If trial-and-error methods are used for wire shape fitting, then adaptability to pre-existing structures is achieved, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary digital fitting and collision detection before actual wire manufacturing. The software allows users to visualize the wire shape in relation to the target structure, detect potential collisions, and adjust the design virtually, eliminating the need for physical trial-and-error iterations and ensuring accuracy before production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated feedback through collision detection algorithms and digital visualization. The system provides immediate feedback on whether the designed wire shape will collide with the target structure or other components, allowing real-time adjustments to ensure proper fit and eliminate the uncertainty inherent in manual trial-and-error methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method is provided in which a CAD system receives a solid model and receives user input to select points on the surface of the solid model, to create a wire part program file based on the selected points, and to transmit the wire part program file to a bending machine. The wire part program files is configured such that the bending machine will manufacture a wire based on the wire part program file.