Automated Dental Component Deflasking via Virtual Model
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of dental components, such as dental prostheses, is labor-intensive and prone to errors due to the complexity of manual processes, leading to high work effort and potential defects.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes a virtual model of the dental component to guide an at least partly automated deflasking process, combining automated and manual techniques to minimize errors and reduce work effort, involving the use of 3D scanning, additive manufacturing, and controlled deflasking devices to precisely remove the investment material and produce the dental component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual processes are used for manufacturing dental components, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but work effort increases and errors occur more frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy (digital model) of the physical dental component and manufacturing process. This virtual model allows for automated simulation and control of the deflasking process, reducing manual intervention and errors while maintaining process flexibility through digital modification capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated deflasking device controlled by a computer program. The device automatically removes investment material based on virtual model data, substituting human labor with automated mechanical systems to reduce errors and work effort.
2Productivity
If automated deflasking is implemented, then work effort is reduced and precision is improved, but initial device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflasking device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing various operations (removing investment material, exposing the dental component, preliminary cleaning) through a single integrated system. This universal approach improves productivity while managing device complexity by consolidating functions rather than requiring separate specialized equipment for each task.
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 manufacturing process, reduces human error, and enhances the precision and efficiency of dental component production, making it more cost-effective and reliable by automating key steps while ensuring the quality of the final product.
Implementation Method 1
the cured investment material is positioned in a furnace such that the melted model material can flow out of the investment material
Implementation Method 2
the melted model material can flow out of the investment material
Implementation Method 3
the dental component is deflasked in an at least partly automated manner, in particular by means of a stripping manufacturing process
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a dental component, in particular a dental prosthesis or a partial dental prosthesis, by means of a dental furnace, comprising the following steps:(i) producing a model of the dental component;(ii) embedding the model in an investment material;(iii) removing the model from the investment material, in particular by heating or burning out, to obtain a negative mold of the model;(iv) inserting a raw material required for manufacturing the dental component into the negative mold;(v) producing the dental component in the negative mold; and(vi) deflasking the dental component in an at least partly automated manner, in particular by means of a stripping manufacturing process, on the basis of a virtual model of the dental component.