Dental Milling Blank Setup Using Optical Machining-State Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The current dental milling machine processes are complex due to the need for manual setup and data management of blanks, which involves labeling and storing CAM data sets, leading to administrative inefficiencies and compatibility issues across different systems, especially with the increasing variety of materials and colors for dentures.
Innovation Solution
An automated setup procedure using a computer unit and image recording unit within the dental milling machine to optically record and analyze the blank, allowing for the identification of processed and unprocessed areas, eliminating the need for manual labeling and data storage by generating NC programs based on image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual setup with CAM data sets and physical markings is used, then blank position can be determined, but administrative complexity and data management burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical and manual system of physical markings, clamping frames, and CAM data set management with an optical measurement system. The image acquisition unit captures optical images of the blank, and automated software processes these images to determine blank position and identify machining areas, eliminating the need for manual setup procedures and complex data management.
Solution Approach 2:
The blank itself serves as the reference object for positioning. By capturing an image of the actual blank and processing it to identify its geometry and machining status, the system uses the blank's own physical characteristics rather than requiring external markings, clamping frames, or pre-stored CAM data sets.
2Stability of the object's composition
If physical markings like notches or clamping frames are used on blanks, then blank orientation can be maintained, but acquisition costs and administrative effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical physical markings (notches, clamping frames) with an optical identification system. The image acquisition unit captures the blank's visual characteristics, and software algorithms automatically identify its orientation and machining status based on these optical data, eliminating the need for physical modifications to the blank.
3Loss of information
If complete CAM data sets are stored for each blank, then machining history can be tracked, but data storage requirements and system compatibility issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the blank's current state through optical imaging. The captured image serves as a representation of the physical blank, allowing the system to track machining history and identify unmachined areas without requiring transfer of complex CAM data sets between different software systems.
4Loss of time
If automated optical setup is implemented, then setup time is reduced, but equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical setup operations with an automated optical measurement system. The image acquisition unit and processing software automatically determine blank position and orientation, eliminating the need for operators to manually measure and mark blanks, significantly reducing setup time despite adding optical equipment.
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
This approach simplifies the data management and setup process, reduces administrative burdens, and enables seamless transfer of data across different CAM systems, enhancing the efficiency and precision of dental milling operations.
Implementation Method 1
creating an image of the blank held in the workpiece holder by means of an image acquisition unit serving to optically acquire image data of a blank
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the automated setup of a workpiece in a machining tool, in particular a dental milling machine. The dental milling machine comprises a computer unit (24), a workpiece holder (10), and an image acquisition unit (12) for optically acquiring image data of a workpiece (11) held in the workpiece holder (10). The method according to the invention comprises the following steps: - fixing a workpiece (11) in the workpiece holder (10), - creating an image of the workpiece (11) using the image acquisition unit (12), - dividing the workpiece (11) into a machined area (14) and an unmachined area (15) based on the acquired image data, - assigning a workpiece geometry (17) to be produced to the unmachined area (15) of the workpiece (11), and - performing the milling operation.