Dental Component Design Using Virtual Die Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental prosthetic design methods, despite advancements in 3D and CAD software, remain cumbersome and require multiple steps, often necessitating physical models for accuracy, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors, especially in applications demanding high precision like prosthetics.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing the finish line of a tooth preparation as the cut line for a die and the path of draw line as the insertion axis for dental prosthetics, allowing for the creation of virtual and physical models with reduced steps while maintaining dimensional accuracy, using computer systems to produce three-dimensional models and define segmentation lines and insertion axes for precise dental component design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If physical models are used to check fit and interaction between crown and preparation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy (digital 3D model) of the physical preparation and uses this virtual model for fit checking and design iterations. The virtual model reproduces the essential geometric features of the preparation, allowing multiple fit checks without physical prototypes. This reduces the need for physical models while maintaining accuracy through repeated virtual simulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical model system with a computational virtual model system. Instead of physically manufacturing and manipulating models to check fit, the system uses computer-based 3D modeling and simulation to perform fit analysis. This substitution eliminates the need for physical model fabrication and handling while providing equivalent or superior precision through digital measurement and analysis tools.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple steps and physical models are used in prosthetic design, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary virtual fit checking and design validation before any physical model fabrication or final prosthetic manufacturing. The virtual model allows design iterations, fit verification, and parameter optimization to be completed in advance, ensuring dimensional accuracy is established digitally before physical production. This preliminary virtual work eliminates the need for multiple physical model iterations, significantly improving productivity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple design and verification steps into a single integrated virtual environment. Fit checking, design modification, and validation are combined in one computational process rather than requiring separate physical model fabrication and inspection cycles. This consolidation of steps into a unified digital workflow maintains dimensional accuracy through continuous virtual verification while dramatically reducing the total number of discrete steps required, thereby improving productivity.
3Productivity
If virtual models are used instead of physical models, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a high-fidelity virtual copy of the physical preparation using precise scanning or measurement data. The virtual model reproduces the anatomical features, dimensions, and geometric characteristics of the actual preparation with high accuracy. This digital replica serves as the basis for all subsequent design and fit-checking operations, enabling fast virtual iterations while maintaining measurement precision through accurate digital representation of the original anatomy.
Data Source
AI summary
Presented herein are methods and devices for designing dental components, such as physical models of a patient's anatomy, crowns and bridges. An operator of a prosthetic designing system can receive information, such as from a scanner, which provides information on the topology of the patient's dentition. The operator can use this information to design a custom prosthetic to fit the patient. Part of the designing process involves using a finish line defined for a preparation as a segmentation line for a physical die corresponding to the preparation, and using a path of draw line as an insertion axis line for a dental prosthetic.