Calcium phosphate artificial bone unit and forming device thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a calcium phosphate artificial bone unit and a forming device thereof in the technical field of bone repair materials, and the forming device comprises a printing assembly, a platform and a three-axis servo assembly used for driving the printing assembly and / or the platform to move, the platform is provided with a plurality of supporting mechanisms for supporting the bone units in an adhesion mode through melts, a suction device for recycling the melts and an adjusting device for adjusting the positions of the supporting mechanisms and the suction device, the bone units are supported in the mode of arranging the pipe body and heating the solid melts, the acting force dimensions are more, and the stability of the bone units is improved. Supporting force, pulling force and shearing force are achieved, and adhesion can be released through reheating, so that when the bone unit is printed to be higher, the bone unit can be replaced to other positions for adhesion supporting; and by arranging the suction device, redundant liquid melts can be recycled, and the problem that the liquid melts flow down along the bone unit is effectively relieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bone repair materials, specifically to a calcium phosphate artificial bone unit and its molding device. Background Technology

[0002] Calcium phosphate is commonly used as a bone repair material to fabricate artificial bone units. Various fabrication processes exist, among which artificial bone units produced using photopolymerization 3D printing offer a smooth surface and excellent controllable porosity. This process involves selectively curing a calcium phosphate / photosensitive resin composite slurry under ultraviolet light, forming a green body layer by layer, followed by degreasing (removal of the organic phase) and high-temperature sintering (1100–1300℃) to obtain a high-precision porous scaffold. This process allows for precise control of the pore structure (pore size 200–600 μm, porosity >60%), enabling complex biomimetic geometric constructions with excellent biocompatibility and mechanical adaptability (compressive strength 5–20 MPa).

[0003] Because artificial bone units are irregular in shape and lack flat surfaces, they need to be supported during the 3D printing process. A common support device is to print a support frame simultaneously with the bone unit. However, when the support frame is removed later, burrs will form on the surface of the bone unit. Subsequent grinding can easily change the shape of the bone unit. External clamping support devices will generate stress, which is not conducive to the shaping of the bone unit. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a calcium phosphate artificial bone unit and its molding device, which solves the support problem of existing artificial bone units in the photopolymerization 3D printing process.

[0005] The present invention achieves the above objectives through the following technical solutions: A molding apparatus for a calcium phosphate artificial bone unit includes a printing component, a platform, and a three-axis servo component for driving the printing component and / or the platform to move. The platform is provided with a plurality of support mechanisms for supporting the bone unit by means of molten material, a suction device for recovering the molten material, and an adjustment device for adjusting the position of the support mechanisms and the suction device. The support mechanism includes a tube body, micropores and a heating layer at the end of the tube body, solid melts inside the tube body, and a first elastic element for pushing the solid melts toward the micropores. The suction device includes a flexible suction head located below the end of the tube body and a negative pressure generating device.

[0006] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the three-axis servo assembly includes a base, a bracket mounted on the base, a Z-axis servo assembly mounted on the bracket, an X-axis servo assembly mounted on the Z-axis servo assembly, and a Y-axis servo assembly mounted on the base. The printing assembly is mounted on the X-axis servo assembly, and the platform is mounted on the Y-axis servo assembly. This solution is existing technology. The three-axis servo assembly controls the three-dimensional movement of the printing assembly and the platform to achieve a 3D printing effect. In existing technologies, a common servo connection method uses two axes for the movement of the printing assembly and one axis for the movement of the platform. It is understood that the servo assembly includes at least a servo motor, a controller, and a guide rail.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the printing component includes a printing needle and a photopolymerization component. This embodiment is a prior art of 3D printing and photopolymerization technology.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tube body is inclined, with the end with micropores being lower than the other end, and a flexible burr is provided below the end of the tube body with micropores to facilitate the adhesion and solidification of the molten material. By setting the tube body to be inclined, this embodiment can effectively prevent the molten material in the molten state from flowing back and sticking to the tube body after solidification. The flexible burr can effectively increase the adhesion of the flowing liquid molten material. The flexible burr can be made of high-temperature resistant silicone material.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment device includes a servo slider that slides horizontally along the platform and a drive device. The drive device is provided with a lifting drive component. The support mechanism and the suction device are provided on the lifting end of the lifting drive component. The adjustment device is connected to the servo system. According to the contour of the bone unit, the end of the tube is made to be close to the surface of the bone unit, so as to avoid contact pressure causing the bone unit to be stressed. The gap fit between the end and the bone unit is burr attached to the liquid melt. After solidification, it forms a fixation. This adhesion fixation can provide forces in multiple directions such as thrust, pull, and shear force, effectively preventing the bone unit from tipping over.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the suction device includes a telescopic cylinder, a sealing plate disposed at the output end of the telescopic cylinder, and a support arm. A sealing cavity is disposed inside the support arm, and the sealing plate slides into the sealing cavity. A one-way valve for one-way exhaust is disposed inside the sealing cavity. The sealing cavity is connected to a flexible suction head. A heating element is also disposed in the channel connecting the flexible suction head to the sealing cavity. A storage box is disposed near one end of the channel near the sealing cavity for storing the recovered molten material. When the solidified molten material is remelted, this embodiment uses a suction device to absorb the liquid molten material, which to a certain extent prevents the molten material from flowing down the bone unit and solidifying, thus facilitating subsequent cleaning of the bone unit.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a sliding seat is further provided inside the tube, the solid molten material is fixed on the sliding seat, one end of the first elastic element abuts against the sliding seat, and the other end is movably disposed. In this embodiment, by providing a sliding seat, the solid molten material can be moved. Its function is that, by being movably disposed by the first elastic element, the sliding seat can pull up the solid molten material when pulled, and prevent the solid molten material from continuing to melt and flow out when the support is removed and heating is carried out.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a sealing chamber is provided inside the tube, and a sealing slider is provided inside the sealing chamber. The other end of the first elastic element is connected to the sealing slider. The sealing chamber is connected to the sealing cavity. A rotary valve plate, a second elastic element for keeping the rotary valve plate normally closed, and a push rod provided on the rotary valve plate are provided at the connection between the sealing chamber and the sealing cavity. When the sealing plate slides to the end of the sealing cavity, it squeezes the push rod to open the rotary valve plate. In this embodiment, by providing a rotary valve plate, the sealing plate can also control the sealing slider, thereby controlling the retraction of the solid melt.

[0013] The present invention also proposes a calcium phosphate artificial bone unit, which is 3D printed using any of the above-mentioned molding devices, and then the residual molten material on the bone unit is removed by one or more of the following methods: melt removal, scraping, and solvent cleaning.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: the bone unit is supported by setting up a tube and heating the solid melt. After the solid melt is heated and melted, it flows out. After heating stops and cooling, the melt solidifies and adheres to the end of the tube and the bone unit to form a support. Compared with clamping, the adhesion and fixation has more force dimensions, including supporting force, tensile force, and shear force. Only one tube is needed for support, and the adhesion can be detached by reheating, so that when the bone unit is printed higher, it can be moved to another position for adhesion and support. In addition, by setting up a suction device, excess liquid melt can be recovered, effectively alleviating the problem of it flowing down the bone unit. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the platform and its components of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a main view of the platform and its components of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a top view of the platform and its components according to the present invention; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the support mechanism and suction device of the present invention; Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 2 Enlarged view of the structure of section A in the middle; Figure 7 For the present invention Figure 5 Enlarged view of the structure of section B; In the diagram: 1. Three-axis servo assembly; 11. Base; 12. Bracket; 13. Z-axis servo assembly; 14. X-axis servo assembly; 15. Y-axis servo assembly; 2. Printing assembly; 21. Printing needle; 22. Photocuring assembly; 3. Platform; 4. Adjustment device; 41. Servo slider; 42. Drive device; 43. Lifting drive component; 5. Support mechanism; 51. Tube body; 52. Solid melt; 53. Micropore; 54. Sliding seat; 55. First elastic element; 56. Flexible burr; 57. Heating layer; 58. Sealing chamber; 59. Sealing slider; 6. Suction device; 61. Telescopic cylinder; 62. Support arm; 63. Sealing plate; 64. Extension rod; 65. Flexible suction head; 66. Storage box; 67. Rotary valve plate; 68. Second elastic element; 69. Push rod; 610. One-way valve. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following specific embodiments are only used to further illustrate the present application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present application. Those skilled in the art can make some non-essential improvements and adjustments to the present application based on the above application content.

[0017] Example 1 like Figure 1-7 As shown, a molding device for a calcium phosphate artificial bone unit includes a printing component 2, a platform 3, and a three-axis servo component 1 for driving the printing component 2 and / or the platform 3 to move. The platform 3 is provided with a plurality of support mechanisms 5 for supporting the bone unit by means of molten material, a suction device 6 for recovering the molten material, and an adjustment device 4 for adjusting the position of the support mechanism 5 and the suction device 6. In this embodiment, the molten material is medical bone wax, which is commonly used in orthopedic surgery. Even if it is not completely removed, a small amount of residue on the surface of the bone unit will not affect its use. The support mechanism 5 includes a tube body 51, a micropore 53 and a heating layer 57 located at the end of the tube body 51, a solid melt 52 located inside the tube body 51, and a first elastic member 55 for pushing the solid melt 52 toward the micropore 53. The suction device 6 includes a flexible suction head 65 located below the end of the tube body 51 and a negative pressure generating device.

[0018] This solution supports the bone unit by setting up a tube 51 and heating a solid molten material 52. After the solid molten material 52 is heated and melted, it flows out. After heating stops and cooling, the molten material solidifies and adheres to the end of the tube 51 and the bone unit to form a support. Compared with compression clamping, the adhesion fixation has more force dimensions, including support force, tensile force, and shear force. Only 1-2 tubes 51 are needed for support, and the adhesion can be detached by reheating, so that when the bone unit is printed higher, the adhesion support can be moved to another position. In addition, by setting up a suction device 6, excess liquid molten material can be recovered, effectively alleviating the problem of it flowing down the bone unit.

[0019] The three-axis servo assembly 1 includes a base 11, a bracket 12 mounted on the base 11, a Z-axis servo assembly 13 mounted on the bracket 12, an X-axis servo assembly 14 mounted on the Z-axis servo assembly 13, and a Y-axis servo assembly 15 mounted on the base 11. The printing assembly 2 is mounted on the X-axis servo assembly 14, and the platform 3 is mounted on the Y-axis servo assembly 15. The printing assembly 2 includes a printing needle 21 and a photopolymerization assembly 22. This solution is existing technology. The three-axis servo assembly 1 controls the three-dimensional movement of the printing assembly 2 and the platform 3 to achieve a 3D printing effect. In existing technologies, a common servo connection method uses two axes for the movement of the printing assembly 2 and one axis for the movement of the platform 3. It is understood that the servo assembly includes at least a servo motor, a controller, and a guide rail.

[0020] Furthermore, in order to effectively prevent the molten material in the molten state from flowing back into the tube body 51, the tube body 51 is inclined, and the end with the micropores 53 is lower than the other end. A flexible burr 56 is provided below the end of the tube body 51 with the micropores 53 to facilitate the adhesion and solidification of the molten material. This embodiment can prevent the molten material from flowing back into the tube body 51, away from the heating layer 57, and sticking to the tube body 51 after solidification. In addition, the flexible burr 56 in this embodiment can effectively increase the adhesion of the flowing liquid molten material. The flexible burr 56 can be made of high-temperature resistant silicone material to prevent a large amount of molten liquid molten material from falling.

[0021] During implementation, the adjustment device 4 includes a servo slider 41 that slides horizontally along the platform 3 and a drive device 42. The drive device 42 is equipped with a lifting drive component 43. The support mechanism 5 and the suction device 6 are installed on the lifting end of the lifting drive component 43. The adjustment device 4 is connected to the servo system. According to the contour of the bone unit, the end of the tube 51 is made to be close to the surface of the bone unit to avoid contact pressure causing the bone unit to be stressed. The gap between the end and the bone unit is fitted with burrs that adhere to the liquid melt. After solidification, it forms a fixation. This adhesion fixation can provide forces in multiple directions such as thrust, pull, and shear force, effectively preventing the bone unit from tipping over.

[0022] Please see Figure 7 The suction device 6 includes a telescopic cylinder 61, a sealing plate 63 disposed at the output end of the telescopic cylinder 61, and a support arm 62. A sealing cavity is provided inside the support arm 62. The sealing plate 63 extends into the sealing cavity and slides. A one-way valve 610 for one-way exhaust is provided inside the sealing cavity. The sealing cavity is connected to the flexible suction head 65. An extension rod 64 can also be provided between the sealing cavity and the flexible suction head 65 to support the flexible suction head 65. A heating element is also provided in the channel connecting the flexible suction head 65 to the sealing cavity. A storage box 66 is provided at one end of the channel near the sealing cavity for storing the recovered molten material.

[0023] When remelting the solidified molten material, this solution uses a suction device 6 to absorb the liquid molten material, which to some extent prevents the molten material from flowing down the bone unit and solidifying, facilitating subsequent cleaning of the bone unit. Specifically, the telescopic cylinder 61 retracts to generate suction force, drawing the molten material back to prevent it from solidifying and clogging the channel. A heating element is installed inside the channel. It should be noted that the connection between the channel and the sealing cavity is bent upwards and the cross-sectional area is increased. This is to prevent the molten material from entering the sealing cavity and flowing into the storage box 66 to solidify. This element can be discarded or used for other purposes.

[0024] The tube body 51 is also provided with a sliding seat 54, the solid melt 52 is fixed on the sliding seat 54, and one end of the first elastic member 55 abuts against the sliding seat 54, while the other end is movably disposed. A sealing chamber 58 is provided inside the tube body 51, and a sealing slider 59 is provided inside the sealing chamber 58. The other end of the first elastic element 55 is connected to the sealing slider 59. The sealing chamber 58 is connected to the sealing cavity. A rotary valve plate 67, a second elastic element 68 for keeping the rotary valve plate 67 normally closed, and a push rod 69 provided on the rotary valve plate 67 are provided at the connection between the sealing chamber 58 and the sealing cavity. When the sealing plate 63 slides to the end of the sealing cavity, it squeezes the push rod 69 to open the rotary valve plate 67. This solution provides a sliding seat 54, which can drive the solid melt 52 to move. Its function is that it can be moved by the first elastic element 55 so that the sliding seat 54 can pull up the solid melt 52 when it is pulled by the sealing slider 59. A pull rope can be provided between the sealing slider 59 and the sliding seat 54 to prevent the solid melt 52 from continuing to melt and flow out when the support is removed and heating is carried out.

[0025] The present invention also proposes a calcium phosphate artificial bone unit, which is 3D printed using any of the above-mentioned molding devices, and then the residual molten material on the bone unit is removed by one or more of the following methods: melt removal, scraping, and solvent cleaning.

[0026] In the initial printing stage, the bone unit is low in height and can be fixed by the bottom bonding platform 3 alone. After reaching the required height, the adjustment device 4 makes the end of the tube 51 just abut against the side surface of the bone unit. Then the heating layer 57 heats up, and the sealing slider 59 slides down under its own weight, pushing the first elastic element 55 and the solid melt 52 to move towards the micropore 53. The molten medical bone wax is connected between the end of the tube 51 and the bone unit with the flexible burr 56 as support. Heating stops, and at this time the sealing plate 63 retracts, generating negative pressure, which draws the melt falling onto the flexible suction head 65 into the channel. The channel is not heated at this time. After the melt solidifies, it adheres to the bone unit, and the melt in the channel also blocks the channel after solidification, thus completing the connection and fixation. When the bone unit is high enough, it is necessary to raise the adhesion site. Then, other adjustment devices 4 are used to move the corresponding support mechanism 5 to a suitable position, and the end of the tube 51 is just against the side surface of the bone unit. Repeat the above steps to perform adhesion. If you need to remove the adhesions, please refer to [the relevant documentation]. Figure 7 The sealing plate 63 moves to the right to discharge gas through the one-way valve 610 (at this time, the channel is blocked and the rotary valve plate 67 is closed). Then, the sealing plate 63 moves to the left to draw in gas, and the rotary valve plate 67 opens. The negative pressure causes the sealing slider 59 to pull back the sliding seat 54 and the solid melt 52 via the pull rope. It should be noted that the end of the solid melt 52 near the micropore 53 may be stuck due to melting. Therefore, the sliding seat 54 needs to be tightly connected to the solid melt 52 to pull it back and prevent it from continuing to melt and flow out. At this time, the negative pressure chamber generates negative pressure. After the heating layer 57 and the channel heating plate are heated, the solidified and blocked melt in the channel is removed. The melt melts between the tube body 51 and the bone unit and is drawn into the storage box 66. At this time, the sealing chamber 58 remains closed due to the rotary valve plate 67. Then the adjusting device 4 leaves, and the support mechanism 5 and the suction device 6 are freed, which is convenient for the next adhesion support. When resetting, the sealing plate 63 moves to the right, first pushing out the gas sucked in from the flexible suction head 65. Then, after the sealing plate 63 passes the one-way valve 610, it continues to move to the right to squeeze the push rod 69, so that the remaining gas enters the sealing chamber 58. The sealing slider 59 slides down and resets by its own weight, and the remaining solid melt 52 is pressed against the inside of the micropore 53 again, which is convenient for the next adhesion use.

[0027] The embodiments described above are merely examples of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A molding device for a calcium phosphate artificial bone unit, characterized in that, It includes a printing component (2), a platform (3) and a three-axis servo component (1) for driving the printing component (2) and / or the platform (3) to move, wherein the platform (3) is provided with a plurality of support mechanisms (5) for supporting bone units by means of molten material, a suction device (6) for recovering molten material, and an adjustment device (4) for adjusting the position of the support mechanism (5) and the suction device (6). The support mechanism (5) includes a tube (51), a micropore (53) and a heating layer (57) at the end of the tube (51), a solid melt (52) inside the tube (51), and a first elastic member (55) for pushing the solid melt (52) toward the micropore (53). The suction device (6) includes a flexible suction head (65) located below the end of the tube (51) and a negative pressure generating device.

2. The molding device for a calcium phosphate artificial bone unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The three-axis servo assembly (1) includes a base (11), a bracket (12) mounted on the base (11), a Z-axis servo assembly (13) mounted on the bracket (12), an X-axis servo assembly (14) mounted on the Z-axis servo assembly (13), and a Y-axis servo assembly (15) mounted on the base (11). The printing assembly (2) is mounted on the X-axis servo assembly (14), and the platform (3) is mounted on the Y-axis servo assembly (15).

3. The molding device for a calcium phosphate artificial bone unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The printing component (2) includes a printing needle (21) and a photocuring component (22).

4. The molding device for a calcium phosphate artificial bone unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tube (51) is inclined, with the end with micropores (53) being lower than the other end, and a flexible burr (56) is provided below the end of the tube (51) with micropores (53) to facilitate the adhesion and solidification of the molten material.

5. The molding apparatus for a calcium phosphate artificial bone unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment device (4) includes a servo slider (41) that slides horizontally along the platform (3) and a drive device (42). The drive device (42) is provided with a lifting drive component (43). The support mechanism (5) and the suction device (6) are provided on the lifting end of the lifting drive component (43).

6. The molding apparatus for a calcium phosphate artificial bone unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The suction device (6) includes a telescopic cylinder (61), a sealing plate (63) disposed at the output end of the telescopic cylinder (61), and a support arm (62). A sealing cavity is provided inside the support arm (62), and the sealing plate (63) slides into the sealing cavity. A one-way valve (610) for one-way exhaust is provided inside the sealing cavity. The sealing cavity is connected to a flexible suction head (65). A heating element is also provided in the channel connecting the flexible suction head (65) to the sealing cavity. A storage box (66) is provided at one end of the channel near the sealing cavity for storing the recovered molten material.

7. The molding apparatus for a calcium phosphate artificial bone unit according to claim 6, characterized in that, The tube body (51) is also provided with a sliding seat (54), the solid melt (52) is fixed on the sliding seat (54), one end of the first elastic element (55) abuts against the sliding seat (54), and the other end is movably disposed.

8. The molding apparatus for a calcium phosphate artificial bone unit according to claim 7, characterized in that, The tube body (51) has a sealing chamber (58) inside, and a sealing slider (59) is provided inside the sealing chamber (58). The other end of the first elastic element (55) is connected to the sealing slider (59). The sealing chamber (58) is connected to the sealing cavity. A rotary valve plate (67), a second elastic element (68) for keeping the rotary valve plate (67) normally closed, and a push rod (69) provided on the rotary valve plate (67) are provided at the connection between the sealing chamber (58) and the sealing cavity. When the sealing plate (63) slides to the end of the sealing cavity, it squeezes the push rod (69) to open the rotary valve plate (67).

9. A calcium phosphate artificial bone unit, characterized in that, 3D printing is performed using the molding apparatus described in any one of claims 1-8.

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