Multi-tool Spindle for Automated Dental Workpiece Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machining devices for dental applications are cumbersome, require manual intervention, and have high production costs due to complex designs and the need for multiple tool spindles, limiting their ability to efficiently produce multiple artificial teeth simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A compact machining device with a multi-axis workpiece retainer and a tool retainer system that uses a single rotatably driven spindle with multiple tools, allowing for automatic tool changes and machining of multiple workpieces without manual intervention, featuring a 5-axis robot configuration and linear or rotary drives for efficient tool and workpiece handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single rotatably driven spindle with multiple tools is used, then device complexity and production costs are reduced, but tool change automation and tool positioning precision become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
A single spindle unit is designed to perform multiple machining functions by accommodating different cutting tools. The spindle serves as a universal tool holder that can be automatically positioned to present the required tool for each machining operation, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated spindles while maintaining full machining capability
Solution Approach 2:
The spindle system incorporates dynamic tool selection and positioning mechanisms that allow automatic switching between different tools during the machining process. The spindle can be rotated or repositioned to bring the appropriate tool into the working position based on the current machining requirements, enabling automated tool changes without manual intervention
2Productivity
If multiple workpieces are processed simultaneously, then productivity increases, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A robotic arm serves as an intermediary device between the workpiece storage magazine and the machining spindle. The robot automatically retrieves workpieces from the magazine, positions them in the workpiece holder, and replaces finished workpieces, enabling continuous automated processing without requiring complex multi-spindle synchronization or manual operation
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple workpieces are pre-loaded into the magazine in advance before the machining process begins. This preliminary preparation allows the automated system to continuously retrieve and process workpieces without interruption, maintaining high productivity while keeping the actual machining area simple and focused on a single spindle
3Adaptability or versatility
If machining spindles are fed sideways from both sides of the workpiece retainer, then machining flexibility is improved, but device length and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the spindles sideways from both sides of the workpiece retainer, the workpiece holder itself is rotated to present the workpiece to the spindle from different angles. This inversion of the approach allows the spindle to remain in a fixed position while achieving the same machining flexibility, thereby reducing the device's construction length and simplifying the control system
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a machining device for the machine-assisted production and machining of dental workpieces (16), particularly of artificial teeth and/or other dental replacement parts, the at least one workpiece (16) being clamped in at least one workpiece retainer (11) which can be raised, lowered and rotatably driven, is positioned on a rotational axis (9), and, for the purpose of machining, feeds said workpiece (16) to at least one tool spindle (4, 5, 6) that is rotationally driven and has a tool (7) secured thereto, an additional tool retainer (2, 2a, 2b) with a plurality of tools (7) arranged thereupon being associated with said workpiece retainer (11, 11a, 11b) and lying opposite on one side thereof, and a workpiece changer (22, 22a, 22b) which receives the workpieces (16, 16a, 16b, 16c) to be machined, such that they can be exchanged, being arranged on the other side of said workpiece retainer (11, 11a, 11b).