Inclined Holding Surface for Disk Processing Block Axis Alignment

Solution Overview

Problem

The alignment of the processing block's axis with the processing device's axis is operator-dependent and prone to deviations, leading to potential processing errors and material waste in the production of dental prostheses.

Innovation Solution

A disk-shaped processing block with a columnar workpiece and a flange having an inclined holding surface is designed to be held by an annular holding member, where the holding surface is positioned to align with the facing peripheral edge of the pressing side holding member, ensuring precise axis alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual axis alignment is performed by operator, then the processing block can be positioned on the holding device, but axis deviation occurs leading to processing errors and material waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxis alignment precisionVSAvoidmaterial waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The processing block's own structure (inclined holding surface) serves as the alignment mechanism. When the holding member presses the processing block against the inclined surface, the block automatically orients itself to align its axis with the processing device axis, eliminating the need for external alignment tools or complex adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The inclined holding surface is pre-configured on the processing block at a specific angle. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that when the holding member applies pressure, the block naturally assumes the correct aligned position before processing begins, preventing misalignment and subsequent material waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If manual axis alignment is performed by operator, then the processing block can be positioned on the holding device, but operator dependency causes alignment deviations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxis alignment precisionVSAvoidalignment consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The processing block's own structure (inclined holding surface) serves as the alignment mechanism. When the holding member presses the processing block against the inclined surface, the block automatically orients itself to align its axis with the processing device axis, eliminating the need for external alignment tools or complex adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The inclined holding surface changes the geometric parameters of the interface between the processing block and holding member. By defining a specific inclination angle, the system transforms the alignment process from a manual skill-based operation to a deterministic geometric constraint, ensuring consistent results regardless of operator variability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If conventional holding structure is used, then the processing block can be held by the holding device, but precise positioning is difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning easeVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The processing block's own structure (inclined holding surface) serves as the alignment mechanism. When the holding member presses the processing block against the inclined surface, the block automatically orients itself to align its axis with the processing device axis, eliminating the need for external alignment tools or complex adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The inclined holding surface is pre-configured on the processing block at a specific angle. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that when the holding member applies pressure, the block naturally assumes the correct aligned position before processing begins, preventing misalignment and subsequent material waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4082717B1Processing block and method of positioning processing block

Publication Date: 2025.05.07 TOKUYAMA DENTAL CORP

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Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

Provided are a processing block, a processing block holder, and a method of positioning a processing block with which, when a disk-shaped processing block is supplied to a processing device, axial centering of the processing block and the processing device can be easily achieved. A holding surface 1c comprising an inclined surface is formed extending from an upper edge of a flange 1b, which has a wider diameter than a portion 1a to be processed of a disk-shaped processing block 1, to the portion 1a to be processed, the holding surface 1c having the shape of the side surface of a cone. The processing block 1 is stored in an annular holding member 10 of a holding device and is moved forward with respect to a storage-side holding member 11 while being engaged with a pressing-side holding member 12, whereby a facing peripheral edge portion 12c of the pressing-side holding member 12 abuts against the holding surface 1c. Since the facing peripheral edge portion 12c abuts on a circle centered around the axis of the holding surface 1c of the cone, the axis of the annular holding member 10 and the axis of the processing block 1 are aligned with each other, and the processing block 1 is set at a predetermined location on the processing device.