Universal Dental Blank Holder With Movable Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD/CAM systems in dentistry face challenges with material selection, high operating costs due to expensive ceramic milling blanks, and material waste, as well as limitations in blank interchangeability, which restricts versatility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A dental blank holder system with a frame and movable arm that securely holds multiple dental blanks of various sizes and types, allowing for interchangeable use across different CAD/CAM systems, optimizing material utilization and reducing waste by using a customizable framework for hybrid blanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple CAD/CAM systems are operated to expand material selection, then material versatility is improved, but operating costs and device complexity increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The blank holder is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of dental blanks (zirconia, alumina, feldspathic, glass-ceramic, composite) and is compatible with different CAD/CAM systems. The adjustable clamping mechanism and modular design allow a single blank holder to perform multiple functions across various systems, eliminating the need for system-specific holders and reducing the number of CAD/CAM systems needed to achieve material versatility.
2Manufacturing precision
If ceramic milling blanks are used for CAD/CAM operations, then manufacturing precision is improved, but operating costs increase due to expensive material
Solution Approach 1:
The blank holder incorporates adjustable clamping forces and positioning parameters that can be optimized for different blank materials and sizes. This allows precise milling of various materials including ceramics and composites while minimizing material waste through optimized blank utilization and reduced setup requirements.
3Reliability
If bar-code protection is implemented on mill blanks, then system reliability is improved, but interchangeability between systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blank holder system separates the control function from the physical blank. Instead of encoding control information in the blank itself (bar-code on blank), the system uses an external database and software recognition that identifies blank types through physical characteristics. This segmentation allows blanks to be physically interchangeable across systems while maintaining reliable control through external verification.
4Productivity
If yield per blank is maximized, then productivity is improved, but material waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blank holder features pre-configured positioning elements and clamping arrangements that are optimized for different blank geometries before the milling process begins. This preliminary setup ensures maximum utilization of each blank's material volume, allowing multiple restorations to be milled from a single blank with minimal waste through optimized nesting and positioning strategies.
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
Enables maximum versatility and efficiency in material selection, reduces inventory costs, and enhances the ability to use a wide range of dental blanks across multiple systems, thereby improving the operational efficiency and reducing material waste.
Implementation Method 1
The movable arm can include at least one biasing member configured to apply an individual force toward each receiving space such that each of the dental blanks is held in the receiving spaces
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A dental blank holder for the manufacture of dental articles. The dental blank holder can include a frame configured to cooperate with a blank holder of a dental mill. The frame can includes an inner periphery and an outer periphery, the inner periphery including a plurality of receiving walls forming receiving spaces, each receiving space configured to receive a dental blank. The dental blank holder may also include a movable arm configured to form a plurality of locking walls, each locking wall configured to enclose a corresponding receiving space, the movable arm including at least one biasing member configured to apply an individual force toward each receiving space such that each of the dental blanks is held in the receiving spaces for a milling process.