Polymerization Device Window Pane UV Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post-tempering devices for dental restoration parts made by stereolithography face challenges in balancing UV light exposure to prevent yellow coloration and premature aging, while ensuring safe handling to avoid UV radiation hazards for operators, as current solutions require intermittent UV exposure and unergonomic screening.
Innovation Solution
A polymerization and post-tempering device with a window pane composed of two layers: a reflective inner layer and an outer edge filter, allowing for continuous UV exposure and safe viewer inspection by reducing UV radiation transmission to less than 1% through the window, ensuring ergonomic handling and preventing UV hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If UV light intensity is increased to ensure complete polymerization, then the degree of polymerization is improved, but yellow coloration and premature aging occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by dividing the UV curing process into multiple stages with varying light intensities. The system uses a multi-position UV lamp arrangement that can selectively activate different zones, applying intense UV radiation only when the component is in specific positions during rotation, rather than continuous high-intensity exposure. This periodic application ensures complete polymerization while allowing rest periods that prevent excessive heat buildup and yellowing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a rotating component holder that continuously moves the dental restoration part through different positions relative to the UV lamps. This dynamic positioning ensures uniform exposure distribution, prevents localized overheating, and allows the system to maintain optimal curing intensity without causing premature aging. The rotation speed and lamp positioning are dynamically adjusted based on component size and material properties.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If UV light source is turned off during inspection to protect viewers, then safety is improved, but continuous curing is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing a multi-zone UV lamp system where different lamp positions can be independently controlled. The inspection window is positioned in a specific zone where UV intensity is naturally lower due to geometric positioning and distance. This allows the system to maintain high-intensity curing in other zones while providing a safe viewing area, eliminating the need to turn off the entire UV source during inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element in the form of a carefully designed inspection window with specific optical properties. The window positioning and geometry act as a mediator that allows visual inspection while blocking harmful UV radiation. The window is positioned and dimensioned to permit viewing of the curing process without exposing the observer to dangerous UV levels, thus maintaining both safety and process continuity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If screens are attached to the window to block UV view, then safety is improved, but ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the UV blocking function from physical screens or filters and instead relies on the geometric positioning and natural attenuation of UV radiation through the inspection window design. By taking out the need for additional blocking elements, the system maintains full visual clarity for inspection while inherently protecting against UV exposure through proper window positioning, size, and distance from the UV source.
4Manufacturing precision
If tempering time is extended to ensure complete polymerization, then degree of polymerization is improved, but production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by maintaining constant UV radiation exposure throughout the curing process through rotational positioning. The component is continuously exposed to UV lamps at optimal intensity levels without interruption or extended idle time. This continuous action achieves complete polymerization faster than static methods would allow, thereby improving both the degree of polymerization and production efficiency simultaneously.
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
The solution enables continuous UV exposure for effective polymerization without risking operator health, as the window pane reduces UV radiation to safe levels, allowing for uninterrupted inspection and eliminating the need for protective measures during prolonged viewing.
Implementation Method 1
a layer having a surface reflective to the inside facing the light chamber
Implementation Method 2
a layer having an edge filter for UV light, or even for blue light, facing the viewer
Implementation Method 3
post-tempering devices have been known for long into which the dental restoration parts produced by stereolithography are inserted and subjected to the effect of the UV light source
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a polymerization and post-tempering device (10) for tempering, in particular post-tempering, dental restoration parts (54) made of polymerizable plastics. At least one light source (38) which emits light in the visible and/or ultraviolet wavelength range and a light chamber with a door (14) to the light chamber are provided. The door (14) comprises a window (20) with a window pane (22) which consists of at least two layers (56, 58) whose layer facing the light chamber reflects at least 90%, in particular approximately 95%, of light, and whose layer facing away from the light chamber filters out UV light and/or blue light.