Dental Object Supports with Lattice Reinforcement for Lower Material Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support structures for dental objects in additive manufacturing offer limited stability and require excessive material usage.

Innovation Solution

A method involving columnar support structures reinforced with lattice structures, which can be arranged laterally, around, or integrated with the support structures, using triangular, quadrangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal lattice configurations, to enhance stability while minimizing material consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If pillar support structures are used, then the support structure can be manufactured with low material usage, but the stability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial usageVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two different support structure types (pillars and lattices) into a composite support system. The pillar structures provide vertical support with minimal material, while the lattice structures provide lateral stability and reinforcement. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating the advantages of both structures: low material usage from pillars and high stability from lattices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If lattice support structures are used, then the stability is improved, but the material input increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidmaterial input
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the support structure into two functional segments: pillar structures that provide vertical support and lattice structures that provide lateral reinforcement. By segmenting the support function, the design achieves high stability through the lattice portion without requiring the entire support structure to be made of material-intensive lattice, thus reducing overall material input while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lattice structures are applied locally rather than uniformly throughout the entire support structure. The patent positions lattice reinforcement specifically where lateral stability is needed, while other areas use simpler pillar structures. This local application of lattice structures provides necessary stability without the excessive material input that would result from universal lattice construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional support structures are used in additive manufacturing, then the manufacturing process can be completed, but the structural reinforcement requires excessive material

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing capabilityVSAvoidmaterial consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies lattice structures partially rather than excessively. Instead of creating complete lattice structures throughout the entire support system, the invention uses lattices only in specific regions where additional reinforcement is needed. This partial application provides sufficient structural reinforcement for successful manufacturing while avoiding the excessive material consumption that would occur with comprehensive lattice construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4186462B1Method for producing a dental object and dental object
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 IVOCLAR VIVADENT AG
  • EP4186462B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4186462B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4186462B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for producing a dental object (100), comprising the steps of generating a column-shaped support structure (101) on the dental object (100); and generating a lattice structure (103) to reinforce the support structure (101).