5-Axis CNC Dental Appliance Trimming for Precise Trim Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing excess material from dental appliances are cumbersome, imprecise, and lack automated trimming and cost-effective, high-speed processing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a 5-axis CNC machine and an administrator computing system to generate and execute a tool path based on a defined trim line, allowing for automated machining of dental appliances, including subprocesses for thermoforming, line assessment, and manual user input for optimizing the trim line and tool path, with options for milling or waterjet machining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual trimming methods are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but manufacturing precision and productivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical trimming operations with an automated CNC machining system that uses computer-controlled cutting tools to precisely remove excess material along defined trim lines, thereby improving manufacturing precision while accepting increased system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the CNC machine automatically executes trimming operations based on pre-programmed tool paths and trim line definitions, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly improving both precision and productivity
2Productivity
If automated CNC machining is implemented, then productivity and manufacturing precision improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining trim lines and generating tool paths before the actual machining operation, allowing the CNC machine to execute automated high-speed trimming without real-time manual control, thus improving productivity while managing complexity through advance preparation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computing system that acts as a mediator between the operator and the CNC machine, handling complex path planning and control functions, which enables automated high-speed trimming while isolating the complexity from the operational level
3Manufacturing precision
If automated tool path generation is used, then manufacturing precision and productivity improve, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses copying by creating digital representations of trim lines and tool paths that can be precisely replicated during machining, ensuring high accuracy while allowing operators to work with simplified digital models rather than complex physical measurements
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
Facilitates efficient, precise, and cost-effective removal of excess material from dental appliances, improving the accuracy and speed of the trimming process while reducing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element to heat the water to a specific temperature
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum-thermoforming process to vacuum-thermoform the dental appliance
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and a method allow for the removal of excess material from a dental appliance. The system includes at least one 5-axis computer numerical control (CNC) machine and at least one administrative computing system. The administrative computing system is used to determine the trim line for the dental appliance. The administrative computing system is also used to determine a tool path for an automated tool that is an integrated part of the 5-axis CNC machine. The tool path is then relayed from the administrative computing system to the 5-axis CNC machine. The 5-axis CNC machine is used to machine off the excess material from the dental appliance along the trim line, while the automated tool follows the tool path.