Dental Model Demolding Lever for Low-Distortion Thermoformed Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for separating dental models from thermoformed plastic parts face issues with undesirable material distortion and complex handling due to varying model contours and undercuts, leading to increased rejects and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The device features a puller with an engagement hook and a lever system articulated via two sliding joints and a pivot axis, allowing for controlled movement and reliable demolding, with a return element for easy handling and reduced material distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a puller with knotted traction element is used for demolding, then the demolding process can be performed, but undesirable material distortion occurs with complex contours and undercuts
Solution Approach 1:
The puller is designed with a lever system that enables dynamic movement between engagement and removal positions. The lever can pivot to adjust the puller's orientation and position relative to the model, allowing adaptive force application that accommodates varying model contours and undercuts without causing material distortion
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows changing the pulling angle and position parameters by moving the lever between engagement and removal positions. This parameter adjustment enables optimal demolding forces to be applied regardless of the model's specific geometry, preventing material distortion while maintaining demolding effectiveness
2Reliability
If a knotted traction element is used to engage the model, then demolding can be performed, but handling becomes complex when changing to other model shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The puller with lever system serves multiple functions: it can engage with the model in the engagement position, perform demolding by moving to the removal position, and be easily repositioned for different model shapes. This universal design eliminates the need for different traction elements for different models, improving both reliability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The lever system automatically positions the puller correctly through its pivot motion from engagement to removal position. The design self-adjusts to accommodate different model geometries without requiring manual reconfiguration of the traction element, simplifying handling while maintaining reliable demolding
3Device complexity
If a fixed puller position is used during demolding, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot accommodate different model contours and undercuts
Solution Approach 1:
The lever provides simple yet effective dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the puller to move between engagement and removal positions. This single degree of freedom pivot motion enables the device to adapt to various model contours and undercuts without adding complex multi-axis mechanisms, maintaining device simplicity while achieving versatility
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for separating a model mold (7), particularly a dental one, from a thermoformed plastic part is described. The device comprises a separation platform (1) having a removal opening (2), a lever (10), and a puller (6) for the model mold (7) attached to the lever (10) and movable from an engagement position to a removal position along a pull-off direction (5). According to the invention, it is proposed that the puller (6) comprises an engagement hook (8) for the model mold (7) and that, on the one hand, the lever (10) is articulated to the separation platform (1) via two sliding joints (12, 13) spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the lever, one of the sliding joints (12) forming the axis of rotation for the lever (10), and/or that, on the other hand, the puller (6) is articulated to the lever (10) via a pivot axis (11) extending parallel to the axis of rotation.