Integrated Dental Model Transport and Scanning Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current process for handling three-dimensional dentition models in dentistry is labor-intensive and prone to damage due to the need for manual handling, disinfection, and multiple steps involving removal from shipping containers, loading into scanning carriers, and unloading after scanning.
Innovation Solution
A container with an outer shell and an inner shock-absorbing core, configured with compartments for upper and lower dental arch models and a bite registration, allowing for transportation, scanning, and storage without the need for separate handling, using materials transparent to scanning radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dentition models are transported in separate shipping containers and handled manually through multiple steps (removal, disinfection, loading into scanning carriers), then the models can be processed at the facility, but the process becomes labor-intensive and increases the risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shipping container and scanning carrier into a single integrated unit. The container includes a rigid outer shell for protection during transport and an inner foam core with pre-formed cavities that serve as both shock-absorbing packaging and scanning holders. This eliminates the need to transfer models between separate containers, reducing manual handling steps and damage risk while maintaining protective functions throughout the process.
2Productivity
If dentition models are manually removed from shipping containers and loaded into scanning carriers, then scanning can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The container is pre-configured with an inner foam core that has cavities shaped and positioned to exactly match the dentition models. These cavities are prepared in advance during container manufacturing, so when the models arrive at the facility, they can be directly placed into the scanning position without requiring manual shaping or assembly of holding structures. This preliminary preparation eliminates time-consuming setup steps and accelerates the scanning process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate shipping containers and scanning carriers are used, then the models can be transported and scanned, but additional equipment and materials are required
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed to perform multiple functions: the rigid outer shell provides structural protection during shipping, the inner foam core with cavities serves as both shock-absorbing packaging and a scanning carrier that holds models in the correct position for scanning. The same container structure is used from transport through to the scanning process, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
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 solution simplifies the handling process, reduces labor and costs, and minimizes damage by eliminating the need for manual handling and disinfection, while enabling secure and efficient scanning and storage of dentition models.
Implementation Method 1
an inner shock-absorbing core... The core is preferably made of a cushioning polymeric foam, such as, for example, polyethylene or polyurethane
Data Source
AI summary
A method of transporting and processing a set of three-dimensional dentition models includes (a) providing a container having an outer shell containing a shock-absorbing core, wherein the core defines a plurality of compartments each configured to hold one model in the set of three-dimensional dentition models; (b) loading each of the dentition models into its respective compartment; (c) transporting the container to a processing site; and (d) processing the dentition models while they are in the container.