Dental Blank Indexing for Repeatable CAD/CAM Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the field of digital dentistry, accurately and repeatedly positioning dental material blanks in manufacturing apparatuses, such as milling machines, is challenging due to the complexity of multi-layered prosthetics and the risk of misalignment during multiple machining steps.
Innovation Solution
A dental blank positioning device that secures around the circumferential perimeter of the blank with an index element, which can be clamped, shrink-fitted, or glued, featuring a bolt and nut assembly to ensure precise alignment with the holder, allowing for repeatable and accurate placement of the blank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning of dental blanks is used during multiple machining steps, then the manufacturing process can be completed, but alignment accuracy deteriorates due to repeated positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating index features (protrusions and recesses) on the dental blank and holder before the machining process begins. These pre-formed geometric references enable automatic positioning during each machining step, eliminating the need for manual realignment and ensuring consistent accuracy across multiple operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces index features as intermediary elements between the dental blank and the holder. These geometric mediators (protrusions fitting into recesses) serve as reference points that transfer precise positional information, enabling accurate registration without direct manual measurement or alignment operations.
2Reliability
If multiple positioning operations are performed manually, then the blank can be processed in multiple steps, but positioning repeatability deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the positioning system into distinct index features on the blank and corresponding features on the holder. This segmentation creates modular, interchangeable reference elements that can be independently manufactured and assembled, improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by designing non-symmetric index features (specific protrusion and recess geometries) that provide unique, unambiguous positioning. This asymmetric design prevents rotational or translational errors by ensuring only one correct orientation fits, thereby enhancing positioning repeatability without requiring complex active control systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If simple handling tools are used, then the device remains simple, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to lack of reference features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning function directly into the handling tool by integrating index features onto the holder itself. This combination eliminates the need for separate, complex positioning apparatus while achieving high accuracy through the geometric reference features built into the handling device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by designing the holder with built-in index features that automatically guide and position the blank without requiring external positioning equipment or complex adjustment mechanisms. The holder serves its own positioning function through its geometric features, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A dental blank positioning device for positioning a dental blank holder within a manufacturing apparatus, the device capable of securing to a dental blank around its circumferential perimeter and comprising an interior side corresponding to the dental blank and an exterior side generally corresponding to a dental blank holder, an index element extending outwardly of the exterior side, whereby a portion of the index element may rest against an index chamber of a blank holder.