Robotic system for forming features in orthodontic aligners
OwnerJack Keith Hilliardinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A robotic system for forming features in orthodontic aligners includes a control system, a platen for three-dimensional positioning of the aligner, a heating station for selectively heating a small region of the aligner, and a thermoforming station for manipulating the heated region to form a desired feature in the aligner. Optionally, a laser cutting and trimming station can also be included to trim excess material from the aligner or to cut features into the aligner. The control system can include a processor with CAD software to enable a user to design features for aligners.
Claims14
A robotic system for forming features in an orthodontic aligner having a thin polymeric shell, said robotic system comprising:
- a control system including a virtual model of the aligner;
- a platen controlled by the control system for three-dimensional positioning of the aligner;
- a heating station controlled by the control system selectively heating a small region of the aligner on the platen with a localized flow of heated air;
- and
- a thermoforming station controlled by the control system for manipulating the heated region of the aligner on the platen to form a desired feature in the aligner.
A robotic system for forming features in an orthodontic aligner having a thin polymeric shell, said robotic system comprising:
- a control system including a virtual model of the aligner and CAD software enabling a user to design a feature in the aligner;
- a platen controlled by the control system for three-dimensional positioning of the aligner;
- a heating station controlled by the control system selectively heating a small region of the aligner on the platen with a localized flow of heated air for a feature;
- and
- a thermoforming station controlled by the control system for manipulating the heated region of the aligner on the platen to form the feature in the aligner.
A robotic system for forming features in an orthodontic aligner having a thin polymeric shell, said robotic system comprising:
- a control system including a virtual model of the aligner;
- a platen controlled by the control system for three-dimensional positioning of the aligner;
- and
- a plurality of robotic stations arranged about the platen for performing actions to form a feature on the aligner on the platen under the control of the control system, said robotic stations including:
- (a) a heating station controlled by the control system selectively heating a small region of the aligner on the platen with a localized flow of heated air;
- and
- (b) a thermoforming station controlled by the control system for manipulating the heated region of the aligner on the platen to form a desired feature in the aligner.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.