Dental Splint Trimming with Camera-Guided Fixed Laser Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for trimming dental splints require complex CAD model preparation, precise laser parameter adjustment, and risk of cutting errors due to slippage and position inaccuracies, especially when dealing with deformations of the deep-drawing edge.
Innovation Solution
A device with a stationary laser, a thermostable and thermally conductive platform, and a camera for real-time position determination, allowing for force-locked mounting and precise cutting line calculation without the need for CAD models or precise laser alignment, using self-learning algorithms to simplify control and reduce errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a movable laser and spatially moved platform are used for trimming, then the device can accommodate complex dental splint geometries, but the device complexity and control requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the laser to follow the cutting line, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the laser stationary and moving the platform with the dental splint underneath it. The camera remains stationary while the platform moves to position different areas of the splint under the fixed laser beam, thereby reducing the complexity of laser control systems while maintaining the ability to trim complex geometries
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device that captures images of the dental splint from above. This camera serves as a mediator between the stationary laser and the movable platform, providing visual feedback that enables the computation unit to determine the cutting line and control platform movement without requiring complex real-time coordination between a movable laser and the splint geometry
2Manufacturing precision
If CAD models are used to determine cutting lines, then precise cutting paths can be calculated, but the preparation time and user effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for preliminary CAD model creation by using a camera to capture an image of the actual dental splint before trimming. The computation unit processes this captured image to directly determine the cutting line, thereby performing the necessary preparation action (obtaining geometric information) in advance but without requiring manual CAD modeling, thus reducing user effort and preparation time while maintaining cutting precision
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring users to create idealized CAD models, the patent uses a camera to create a visual copy (image) of the actual dental splint. This captured image serves as a digital representation that the computation unit processes to determine the cutting line, replacing the need for manual CAD modeling while preserving the actual geometry and reducing preparation time
3Manufacturing precision
If the dental splint is fixed during trimming, then cutting accuracy improves, but the risk of slippage and position deviation increases when deep-drawing edges deform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a camera that captures images of the dental splint on the platform before and during trimming. This visual feedback allows the computation unit to detect any position deviations or slippage of the splint and adjust the determined cutting line accordingly, thereby maintaining cutting accuracy even when the splint position changes due to deep-drawing edge deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static fixation approach to a dynamic adaptation approach. Instead of relying solely on mechanical fixation that may fail when edges deform, the system dynamically determines the cutting line based on real-time or pre-capture images of the splint's actual position. This dynamic recalculation of the cutting path accommodates position changes and maintains cutting accuracy without requiring rigid fixation
4Productivity
If laser intensity is increased to ensure complete cutting, then cutting speed improves, but the risk of welding to the model or damaging the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermostable platform as an intermediary between the high-intensity laser and the dental splint. This platform absorbs and dissipates the heat generated by the laser, acting as a thermal mediator that allows the use of higher laser intensities for faster cutting while preventing the heat from welding the splint to the model or damaging the device. The platform's thermostable properties enable it to withstand the thermal load without transferring harmful effects to other components
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 precise and efficient trimming of dental splints with minimal user effort and reduced position inaccuracies, as the camera determines the cutting line and the platform absorbs excess laser energy, ensuring stable support and accurate cutting without damaging the model or device.
Implementation Method 1
a laser (4) which is arranged to trim the dental splint (1)
Implementation Method 2
a suction device (3) attached to the holder (2) for extracting particles and vapors generated by the trimming process
Implementation Method 3
the platform (7) is not only thermostable, but also thermally conductive, so that the excess laser energy can be diverted away from the dental splint (1)
Data Source
AI summary
A device for trimming a dental splint (1) comprises a spatially movable holder (2) for the dental splint (1), a suction device (3), a laser (4) and a computation unit (5). In a device of the aforementioned kind that can be used with a minimum of control complexity and preparation for the user to precisely trim dental splints despite the use of conventional components, the laser (4) is stationary, a camera (6) for determining the position of the dental splint (1) is provided, and the holder (2) comprises a platform (7) at least portions of which are thermostable and a stop (8) for the force-locked and play-free mounting of the dental splint (1), which is free from a deep-drawing mold.