Extraoral Dental Scanner 5-Axis Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extraoral dental scanners require manual and labor-intensive processes for positioning dental models, limiting efficiency and accuracy in capturing complete and uninterrupted 3D data, especially for larger or articulated models.
Innovation Solution
An extraoral dental scanner with a 5-axis optomechanical positioning system that allows for machine-controlled or manual positioning of dental models, featuring a work plate aligned perpendicularly to the optical axis, enabling automatic or hybrid positioning modes to capture dental models from favorable angles with minimal interaction, and using a structured-light projector for 3D surface capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning of dental models is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity and measurement precision deteriorate due to labor-intensive processes and limited accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic positioning capabilities with five independently controllable axes that allow the measurement camera to move freely in space. This dynamic positioning system can operate in both automatic mode (driven by a control unit) and manual mode (with manual actuators), enabling the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining high productivity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can automatically position the camera for high-speed scanning, manually position for precise alignment, park components outside the optical path, and support both small and large dental models. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing both automated high-productivity operation and manual ease of operation within a single system.
2Device complexity
If manual positioning of dental models is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and completeness of data deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates self-positioning capabilities through automatic control that uses the measured object itself as a reference. The control unit automatically determines the position and orientation of the dental model and adjusts the camera positioning accordingly, eliminating the need for complex external positioning fixtures while achieving high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The five-axis dynamic positioning system provides the flexibility needed to achieve high measurement precision for complex dental geometries. Each axis can be independently controlled to precisely orient the camera perpendicular to surface elements, ensuring complete and accurate data capture without requiring overly complex mechanical fixtures.
3Device complexity
If the measurement camera remains stationary, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to capture complete data from favorable angles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement camera is mounted on a five-axis positioning system that enables dynamic movement in multiple directions. This allows the camera to be positioned at optimal angles relative to the dental model surface, ensuring that surface elements are captured perpendicular to the optical axis for complete and accurate 3D data, while the system remains adaptable to models of varying sizes and geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a stationary two-dimensional capture approach to a five-dimensional dynamic positioning approach. By adding three rotational dimensions and two translational dimensions to the camera positioning, the system can capture complete surface data from multiple favorable angles, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and completeness.
4Ease of operation
If the means for holding and positioning the dental shaped part blocks the optical path, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision and data quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The holding and positioning means is designed to be dynamically movable on the positioning system. During measurement, the holder can be repositioned or parked outside the optical path of the measurement camera, eliminating occlusions and ensuring high measurement precision. The system maintains ease of operation by allowing manual placement of models on the holder while enabling automated repositioning during the scanning process.
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
Enables rapid and accurate 3D data capture of dental models of varying sizes and designs, reducing recording time and interaction, while maintaining high precision and completeness of data sets, even for complex geometries and large articulators.
Implementation Method 1
having a 3D measuring camera for the three-dimensional capture of the surface of the dental shaped part
Implementation Method 2
the 3D measurement camera having an optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
An extraoral dental scanner for three-dimensional capture of the surface of a dental shaped part (300) with a 3D measuring camera (102) having an optical axis (106), wherein the means for the machine-controlled relative positioning of the 3D measuring camera (102) and the dental shaped part (300) are embodied in such a way that the means for taking up and positioning the dental shaped part (300) can be moved into a parking position outside a region that can be captured optically by the 3D measuring camera (102), with a work plate (708) for manually positioning the dental shaped part (300) in the measurement volume (144) of the 3D measuring camera (102), wherein the work plate (708) is aligned perpendicularly to the optical axis (106) and wherein the work plate (708), as viewed from the 3D measuring camera (102), is arranged behind the means for taking up and positioning the dental shaped part (300), makes it possible to record uninterrupted 3D image data with very short recording times both by automatic and by manual positioning of dental shaped parts of different sizes and embodiment variants.