Dental Prosthesis Coloring with CAM-Guided Inkjet Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manual process of coloring dental prostheses is labor-intensive and highly dependent on individual skill, leading to inconsistent quality due to variables such as color perception, lighting, and application techniques, making it difficult to achieve consistent and natural-looking results.
Innovation Solution
An automated system and method using a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) file to control the dispensing and application of coloring fluid on dental prostheses, incorporating a color reader, mechanical-motion assembly, and motion controller to ensure precise and consistent color reproduction, utilizing a colorless ink that changes color upon exposure to heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual coloring by ceramic artist is used, then flexibility in color application is maintained, but consistency and quality control deteriorate due to human variables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical coloring process with an automated inkjet printing system. The mechanical motion system moves the dental prosthesis through a printing chamber where coloring fluid is deposited via inkjet nozzles, eliminating human hand movements and subjective judgment from the coloring process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls coloring parameters precisely by adjusting inkjet nozzle positioning, coloring fluid deposition rate, and prosthesis movement speed. The CAM file specifies exact parameters for each region, allowing reproducible coloration that maintains consistency across multiple prostheses.
2Measurement precision
If visual color matching with shade guide is used, then color selection flexibility is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lighting and perception variables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual color matching with automated spectral analysis. A spectrometer measures the actual color of patient teeth and extracts color data to generate a CAM file, eliminating dependence on lighting conditions and human color perception variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the patient's tooth color data through spectral measurement and stores it in the CAM file. This digital representation can be precisely reproduced without the ambiguities of visual matching, ensuring accurate color replication.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual painting with paintbrushes is used, then adaptability to different tooth surfaces is maintained, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to operator variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual brush painting with automated inkjet deposition. The inkjet system can precisely control fluid delivery at the micro-level, achieving uniform color application without the variability introduced by different brush strokes and operator techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The coloring process is segmented into multiple controlled deposition passes using inkjet nozzles. The CAM file directs sequential deposition patterns that build up color uniformly across the prosthesis surface, allowing precise control over final color appearance.
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
The system achieves consistent and esthetically pleasing coloration of dental prostheses by reducing variability and enhancing precision, ensuring a natural-looking match with surrounding teeth.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a colorless ink that changes color upon exposure to heat
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are example embodiments of methods and systems for automatically coloring a dental prosthesis. One of the systems includes: a memory configured to store a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) file of the dental prosthesis; a holding apparatus for securing the dental prosthesis; one or more outlets for dispensing coloring fluid; an coloring fluid controller configured to control the one or more outlets to dispense coloring fluid at a preset size and frequency based at least on the CAM file; and a motion controller configured to move the holding apparatus or the one or more outlets based at least on the CAM file.