Separable Segmented Casting Ring for Dental Investment Molds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cylindrical casting rings for dental prosthesis investment molds face issues such as mold cracking due to heat and pressure buildup during the exothermic reaction and limited capacity, which restricts the number of appliances that can be cast simultaneously, leading to increased production costs and material waste.
Innovation Solution
A separable ring apparatus formed of soft, flexible, high-temperature resistant semi-cylindrical segments with mating joint elements, allowing for assembly into a cylindrical ring with a smaller diameter at ends and a larger diameter intermediate section to accommodate more appliances and distribute heat and pressure more evenly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a larger diameter ring is used to accommodate more appliances, then the capacity increases, but the amount of investment material used increases and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The casting ring is divided into two separable segments that can be assembled together. This segmentation allows the ring to be opened for easy removal of the investment mold after casting, eliminating the need to break or damage the mold to remove it from the ring. The segments can be separated and the mold extracted, then the segments reassembled for the next casting cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The casting ring transitions from a static, fixed-structure design to a dynamic, separable design. The two segments can be moved relative to each other (opened and closed), allowing the ring to adapt between two states: enclosed during casting to maintain integrity, and open during mold removal to facilitate easy extraction without damaging the investment mold.
2Quantity of substance
If a larger diameter ring is used to accommodate more appliances, then the capacity increases, but production time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The casting ring is divided into two separable segments that can be assembled together. This segmentation allows the ring to be opened for easy removal of the investment mold after casting, eliminating the need to break or damage the mold to remove it from the ring. The segments can be separated and the mold extracted, then the segments reassembled for the next casting cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The casting ring transitions from a static, fixed-structure design to a dynamic, separable design. The two segments can be moved relative to each other (opened and closed), allowing the ring to adapt between two states: enclosed during casting to maintain integrity, and open during mold removal to facilitate easy extraction without damaging the investment mold.
3Loss of substance
If a smaller diameter ring is used, then material usage decreases, but the investment mold cracks due to heat and pressure buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The casting ring is divided into two separable segments that can be assembled together. This segmentation allows the ring to be opened for easy removal of the investment mold after casting, eliminating the need to break or damage the mold to remove it from the ring. The segments can be separated and the mold extracted, then the segments reassembled for the next casting cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The separable segments are designed with flexible interfaces that allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the investment material during the exothermic setting reaction. The segmentation provides relief for heat and pressure buildup by allowing the segments to slightly move apart, preventing cracking of the investment mold while maintaining structural integrity during the casting process.
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 reduces the likelihood of mold cracking and allows for increased capacity without the need for larger diameter rings, minimizing material usage and production time while maintaining mold integrity during the casting process.
Implementation Method 1
A separable ring apparatus formed of soft, flexible, high-temperature resistant semi-cylindrical segments
Implementation Method 2
soft, flexible, high-temperature resistant semi-cylindrical segments
Implementation Method 3
with mating joint elements, allowing for assembly into a cylindrical ring
Data Source
AI summary
A separable ring apparatus for producing an investment mold is formed of a pair of semi-cylindrical half segments of flexible resilient high temperature resistant material; each having laterally opposed longitudinal sides, an interior with a longitudinal concave semicircular surface of a first smaller radius at opposed ends, and a longitudinal concave semicircular recess of a second larger radius intermediate the opposed ends. Each of the segments has a respective mating joint element extending longitudinally along the opposed longitudinal sides, respectively, for releasably joining the segments together in opposed facing relation to form an elongated generally cylindrical ring having opposed top and bottom ends defining a central circular bore of a smaller diameter at upper and lower ends, and a larger diameter recessed cavity intermediate the upper and lower ends.