Digital Deposition of Continuous-Fiber Dental Reinforcements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing dental prosthesis reinforcements in composite materials risk damaging the fibers during material removal, leading to weakened structures and requiring manual, expertise-dependent processes.
Innovation Solution
A process involving a digital three-dimensional scan to create a continuous filiform reinforcement structure, using a three-dimensional model to define deposition paths, and depositing a continuous filiform element through controlled movement and polymerization to automate the production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If material removal works with machine tools are used to produce reinforcement structures, then the reinforcement can be obtained from a molded block, but the composite material fibers are cut or interrupted, weakening the structure
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of molding a block and then removing material to create the reinforcement structure, the invention inverts the process by directly depositing continuous filiform elements to build the reinforcement structure additively. This avoids all material removal operations that would cut or interrupt the continuous fibers, thereby maintaining fiber integrity while achieving the desired reinforcement geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical cutting/removal system with a deposition system that builds the reinforcement structure by laying down continuous filiform elements according to a predetermined path. This substitution eliminates the harmful mechanical cutting action on the fibers while achieving the same structural outcome through additive construction.
2Strength
If manual tying of continuous filiform elements is used to create reinforcement structure, then fiber continuity is maintained, but the process is very slow and dependent on operator expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements an automated deposition system that operates autonomously to lay down continuous filiform elements according to a computationally determined path. The system uses digital modeling and automated control to guide the deposition process, eliminating dependence on operator expertise while maintaining continuous fiber integrity throughout the reinforcement structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters from manual, slow, expertise-dependent tying to automated, high-speed deposition controlled by digital parameters. The automated system can rapidly deposit continuous filiform elements while precisely controlling the deposition path and parameters, thereby increasing productivity without sacrificing fiber continuity or structural quality.
3Productivity
If automated deposition of continuous filiform elements is implemented, then production speed increases and operator expertise is no longer required, but a complex digital modeling and path planning system is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses digital copying and modeling techniques to create a virtual representation of the desired reinforcement structure and the patient's anatomy. By working with digital models and computationally generated paths, the system translates complex geometric requirements into automated deposition instructions, managing the complexity through information processing rather than mechanical complexity.
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
This method prevents fiber damage and enables rapid, automated production of dental prosthesis reinforcements with integral fibers, reducing dependence on operator expertise.
Implementation Method 1
The thermosetting polymers are cross-linked by means of a process named 'Curing,' through which the resin undergoes a series of transformations in the fluid state, passing through a gelled or rubbery state until passing to the vitreous state.
Data Source
AI summary
A process for making a reinforcing structure (20) for dental prostheses in continuous fiber composite materials is described, comprising the steps of: —a) obtaining a digital three-dimensional model (2) of the patient's palate by means of a three-dimensional scan; —b) defining an operative outline (3;3′) through an offset of at least one portion of said three-dimensional model (2); —c) obtaining a path for at least one height hi of said three-dimensional model, said path being arranged inside said operative outline (3:3′); —d) depositing a continuous filiform element according to said path (9).