Dental Prosthesis Coloring Using CAM-Guided Thermochromic Ink
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manual process of coloring dental prostheses is labor-intensive, highly dependent on individual skill, and lacks consistency due to variables such as color perception, lighting, and application techniques, making it difficult to achieve uniform and aesthetically pleasing results.
Innovation Solution
An automated system and method using a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) file to control the dispensing and application of coloring fluid on dental prostheses, incorporating a color reader, mechanical-motion assembly, and motion controller to ensure precise and consistent color reproduction, utilizing a colorless ink that changes color upon exposure to heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual coloring process is used with ceramic artists, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but consistency and quality control deteriorate due to human variables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical painting process with an automated inkjet printing system. The inkjet printer uses computer-controlled dispensing of coloring fluids to apply color to dental prostheses, eliminating human variables such as color perception differences, lighting conditions, and painting technique variations. This substitution maintains flexibility through programmable color profiles while achieving consistent, repeatable results across different operators and time periods.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated coloring system is implemented, then consistency and precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single automated coloring system. The inkjet printing apparatus combines precise positioning mechanisms, multiple coloring fluid reservoirs, computer-controlled dispensing, and programmable color profiles all in one device. This multi-functional integration achieves consistent coloring results while managing complexity through unified system design rather than separate independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls coloring precision by adjusting and standardizing key parameters including drop size, dispensing frequency, positioning accuracy, and coloring fluid composition. These parameters are programmatically controlled and can be optimized for different prosthesis types and color requirements, achieving consistent results while managing system complexity through parameter standardization.
3Ease of operation
If manual painting with paintbrushes is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The automated inkjet printing system enables continuous coloring operation without the interruptions inherent in manual painting. The computer-controlled system can continuously dispense coloring fluids at precise intervals, move the prosthesis or printing head without pause, and automatically transition between different color zones. This continuous operation significantly increases productivity while maintaining ease of operation through automated control, eliminating the need for frequent manual intervention.
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
The system provides consistent and aesthetically pleasing coloration of dental prostheses by reducing variability and enhancing precision, ensuring uniformity across multiple operators and environments.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a colorless ink that changes color upon exposure to heat
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are example embodiments of methods and systems for automatically coloring a dental prosthesis. One of the systems includes: a memory configured to store a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) file of the dental prosthesis; a holding apparatus for securing the dental prosthesis; one or more outlets for dispensing coloring fluid; an coloring fluid controller configured to control the one or more outlets to dispense coloring fluid at a preset size and frequency based at least on the CAM file; and a motion controller configured to move the holding apparatus or the one or more outlets based at least on the CAM file.