Dental Blank 3D Coding for Reliable Tool Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for identifying dental blanks require additional components like sensors or reading devices, which are not necessary for processing and are unreliable in dirty environments without prior cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A dental blank with three-dimensional coding means featuring panels of varying levels, allowing machining tools to recognize the blank without additional components, ensuring reliable identification even in dirty conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional identification components (sensors, reading devices) are attached to the blank, then identification capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the identification function with the existing machining tool by incorporating coding means directly into the blank's surface structure. The coding means consists of patterns that can be read by the machining tool's existing sensors, eliminating the need for separate identification devices and integrating multiple functions into a single system.
Solution Approach 2:
The machining tool is designed to perform both machining operations and identification functions using the same toolhead and sensors. The coding means on the blank enables the machining tool to universally handle both processing and identification tasks without requiring dedicated separate equipment.
2Measurement precision
If optical recognition units are used for identification, then recognition accuracy is improved, but reliability in dirty environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical recognition systems with a mechanical/physical coding means that uses tactile or geometric patterns on the blank's surface. These patterns can be detected by the machining tool's physical sensors or even manually, providing reliable identification without being affected by dirt, grease, or environmental contaminants that would interfere with optical systems.
3Reliability
If coding means are added to the blank, then identification capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coding means is divided into multiple panels or zones on the blank's surface, each containing specific patterns or markers. This segmentation allows the coding information to be distributed across different areas, making it easier to manufacture and less complex than requiring a single complex coding structure. Each panel can be independently formed during the blank manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a blank for the production of a dental shaped body, wherein the blank has a corpus (2) of tooth restoration material, from which the shaped part to be fabricated is carved by means of a tool (4) by removal of material. The blank has coding means (1) formed on part of the surface (6) of the blank corpus (2), which coding means (1) has at least one structure (8, 9) for identification of the blank. The coding means (1) consists of a plurality of panels (5.1) at the level of the surface (6) of the corpus (2) and a plurality of panels (5.2, 5.3) incorporating a flat structure (8, 9) at a level (h1, h2) which is distinguishable from at least the level of the surface (6) of the corpus (2).The invention further relates to a method for identifying a blank with the aid of coding means (1).