A method for preparing a simulated thoracic rib using 3D printing technology

Abstract

The application provides a method and system for preparing a simulated rib bone by using a 3D printing technology, and the method comprises the following steps: constructing a rib bone structure model, wherein the rib bone structure model comprises a simulated cancellous bone model, a simulated cortical bone model covering the simulated cancellous bone model, and simulated cartilage models capable of being connected with two ends of the simulated cancellous bone model respectively; and using the 3D printing technology to prepare the rib bone structure model to generate a simulated rib bone structure; wherein the simulated cancellous bone model is prepared by using a high porosity material or a porous complex structure to form cancellous bone in the simulated rib bone structure; the simulated cortical bone model is prepared by using a low porosity material or an equidistant through-hole structure to form cortical bone in the simulated rib bone structure; the simulated cartilage model is prepared by using a polyurethane polymer to form cartilage in the simulated rib bone structure; and the two ends of the cancellous bone are connected with the cartilage by means of bolt connection or embedding. By using the method and system, the stability of the integrated forming and preparation process of the simulated rib bone structure can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of collision testing technology, and in particular relates to a method and system for preparing simulated rib cages using 3D printing technology. Background Technology

[0002] Collision dummies are used to simulate the real human body, and the injuries sustained by the dummies can reflect the injuries sustained by the real human body. Currently, the main methods for evaluating collision damage include cadaver experiments, animal experiments, and simulated target experiments. Cadaver experiments and animal experiments not only have small sample sizes but also face ethical constraints; therefore, simulated target experiments are usually used. Currently, dummies for low-speed collisions include Hybrid I-III dummies and THOR dummies, while simulated targets for high-speed collisions include clay, gelatin, and modified car dummies. Common materials for preparing ribs include aluminum alloys, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyphenylene sulfide. However, these studies have weakened the composite properties of cortical and cancellous bone, as well as the interface characteristics between the ribs and intercostal cartilage, resulting in poor consistency between the blunt impact effect of the ribs and biological experiments. Therefore, it is necessary to study rib targets with better similarity. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention proposes a method and system for preparing simulated rib cages using 3D printing technology; aiming to overcome existing technical issues.

[0004] The first aspect of this invention provides a method for preparing a simulated sternal rib using 3D printing technology, the method comprising: A rib structure model is constructed, which includes a simulated cancellous bone model, a simulated cortical bone model covering the simulated cancellous bone model, and a simulated cartilage model that can be connected to both ends of the simulated cancellous bone model. 3D printing technology was used to print and prepare rib structure models to generate simulated rib structures. Among them, a high-porosity material was used to prepare a simulated cancellous bone model to form the cancellous bone in the simulated rib structure; a low-porosity material was used to prepare a simulated cortical bone model to form the cortical bone in the simulated rib structure; and a polyurethane polymer was used to print a simulated cartilage model to form the cartilage in the simulated rib structure. The two ends of the cancellous bone are connected to the cartilage by bolts or fitting.

[0005] A second aspect of the present invention provides a system for fabricating a simulated sternal rib using 3D printing technology, the system comprising: at least one processor; and a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein the memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor, the instructions being executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the method as described in the first aspect of the present invention.

[0006] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention achieves integrated molding of simulated rib structure, ensuring the stability of the simulated sternal rib preparation process; The chest rib structure of the present invention distinguishes between the cortical bone and cancellous bone structures, ensuring the connection performance and smooth transition of the two structures, and can more accurately reflect the composite performance of the cortical bone and cancellous bone of the rib. This invention simulates the connection between the rib end and the intercostal cartilage by using a rotatable screw or an interference fit through a sealing strip. This provides a new approach to simulating the connection between the rib and the intercostal cartilage, ensuring the strength of the connection and reducing the assembly difficulty and the risk of abnormal breakage at the connection. Attached Figure Description

[0007] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0008] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the method for preparing a simulated sternal rib using 3D printing technology according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a system for fabricating a simulated sternum and ribs using 3D printing technology according to the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a simulated rib and connector structure with an internal lattice structure. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a simulated rib with a porous internal structure; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the bolted and interlocking connection interface between the ribs and cartilage.

[0009] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Simulated rib with an internal lattice structure; 2. Simulated rib with an internal porous structure; 3. Bolted simulated rib joint; 4. Fitted simulated rib joint; 5. Simulated cartilage; 11. Simulated cortical bone in the simulated rib with an internal lattice structure; 12. Simulated cancellous bone in the simulated rib with an internal lattice structure; 21. Simulated cortical bone in the simulated rib with an internal porous structure; 22. Simulated cancellous bone in the simulated rib with an internal porous structure; 31. Rotatable screw; 32. Fixed connecting screw; 33. Nut; 34. Through-hole interface; 51. Sealing tape. Detailed Implementation

[0010] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0011] Appendix Figure 1 The first aspect of this invention discloses a method 100 for preparing simulated rib cages using 3D printing technology, the method comprising: Step 101: Construct a rib structure model, which includes a simulated cancellous bone model, a simulated cortical bone model covering the simulated cancellous bone model, and a simulated cartilage model that can be connected to both ends of the simulated cancellous bone model. Step 102: Use 3D printing technology to prepare a rib structure model and generate a simulated rib structure; wherein, a simulated cancellous bone model is prepared using a high-porosity material to form the cancellous bone in the simulated rib structure; a simulated cortical bone model is prepared using a low-porosity material to form the cortical bone in the simulated rib structure; and a simulated cartilage model is printed using polyurethane polymer to form the cartilage in the simulated rib structure. Step 103: Connect the two ends of the cancellous bone to the cartilage by means of bolts or fitting.

[0012] In one alternative embodiment, the end connecting the simulated cancellous bone model to the simulated cartilage model is designed as a solid structure.

[0013] In one alternative embodiment, the high-porosity material is an aluminum alloy material with a porosity of ≥5% printed by 3D printing; the low-porosity material is an aluminum alloy material with a porosity of <5% printed by 3D printing.

[0014] In one alternative embodiment, the bolted connection is achieved by rotating a screw; the fitting method is achieved by using a sealing strip.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment, cancellous bone can also be made of a porous composite material; wherein the porous composite material is an aluminum alloy material with a repeating mesh structure, which is 3D printed.

[0016] In one alternative embodiment, the repeating mesh structure is a lattice structure.

[0017] In one optional embodiment, the porous composite structure is a body-centered cubic lattice structure. The mechanical properties of the body-centered cubic lattice structure are directly proportional to the diameter of the structural rods constituting the body-centered cubic lattice structure, and inversely proportional to the length of the structural rods.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the cortical bone may also be made of a material with an equidistant perforated structure; wherein the equidistant perforated structure is prepared by 3D printing technology, the perforations of the equidistant perforated structure are located on the surface of the simulated cortical bone, the perforations have an array feature, and the diameter and spacing of the perforations are selected by the properties of the selected material.

[0019] Appendix Figure 2 This invention relates to a second aspect of a system 200 for fabricating simulated rib cages using 3D printing technology. The system includes: at least one processor 201; and a memory 202 communicatively connected to the at least one processor. The memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the following method: A rib structure model was constructed, which included a long strip of simulated cancellous bone model, a long strip of simulated cortical bone model covering the simulated cancellous bone model, and a simulated cartilage model that could be connected to both ends of the simulated cancellous bone model. A 3D integrated printing technology is used to print a rib structure model to generate a simulated rib structure. Specifically, a high-porosity material is used to print a simulated cancellous bone model to form the cancellous bone in the simulated rib structure; a low-porosity material is used to print a simulated cortical bone model to form the cortical bone in the simulated rib structure; and a polyurethane polymer is used to print a simulated cartilage model to form the cartilage in the simulated rib structure. The two ends of the cancellous bone are connected to the cartilage by bolts or fitting.

[0020] In one alternative embodiment, the end connecting the simulated cancellous bone model to the simulated cartilage model is designed as a solid structure.

[0021] In one alternative embodiment, the high-porosity material is an aluminum alloy material with a porosity of ≥5% printed by 3D printing; the low-porosity material is an aluminum alloy material with a porosity of <5% printed by 3D printing.

[0022] In one alternative embodiment, the bolted connection is achieved by rotating a screw; the fitting method is achieved by using a sealing strip.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment, cancellous bone can also be made of a porous composite material; wherein the porous composite material is an aluminum alloy material with a repeating mesh structure, which is 3D printed.

[0024] In one alternative embodiment, the repeating mesh structure is a lattice structure.

[0025] In one optional embodiment, the porous composite structure is a body-centered cubic lattice structure. The mechanical properties of the body-centered cubic lattice structure are directly proportional to the diameter of the structural rods constituting the body-centered cubic lattice structure, and inversely proportional to the length of the structural rods.

[0026] In an alternative embodiment, the cortical bone may also be made of a material with an equidistant through-hole structure; wherein the equidistant through-hole structure is prepared by 3D printing technology, the through-holes of the equidistant through-hole structure are located on the surface of the simulated cortical bone, and the through-holes have an array feature.

[0027] In this invention, dense, low-porosity, and high-porosity aluminum alloys are obtained by using preset empirical 3D printing process parameters to obtain samples with different porosities; the porous complex structure can be selected from structures with regular structures such as lattice structures and topological structures, and its structural dimensions can be set based on empirical data of biomechanical properties.

[0028] To further illustrate the present invention, specific embodiments of a method for preparing simulated rib cages using 3D printing technology are provided below to further explain the technical solution of the present invention.

[0029] Example 1 (1) Using 3D modeling software to draw, for example Figure 3 The simulated rib structure model shown has equidistant through holes added to the simulated cortical bone, and a body-centered cubic lattice structure is used to simulate cancellous bone. The lattice structure is removed at the end that contacts the sternum in order to connect with the simulated cartilage. (2) Gas-atomized 6061 powder was selected as the raw material, with a particle size distribution of 15~63μm and good sphericity; (3) Selective laser melting technology in 3D printing is used. The laser power is 200~450 W, the scanning speed is 500~2000 mm / s, and the scanning distance is 0.05~0.20 mm. The cortical bone of the simulated rib is prepared using these process parameters. The cancellous bone of the simulated rib has a porous and complex structure, and its preparation process is the same as that of the simulated cortical bone. The printed simulated rib is then cut and sandblasted.

[0030] Example 2 (1) Using 3D modeling software to draw, for example Figure 4 The simulated rib structure model shown is made of a high-porosity aluminum alloy with through holes to simulate cancellous bone. (2) Gas-atomized 6061 aluminum alloy powder was selected as the raw material, with a particle size distribution of 15~63 μm and good sphericity; (3) Selective laser melting technology in 3D printing was chosen to prepare simulated cortical bone. The laser power was 100~350 W, the scanning speed was 300~1800 mm / s, and the scanning interval was 0.05~0.20 mm. The cancellous bone of the simulated rib is a high-porosity structure. Its preparation process is as follows: laser power 100~300 W, scanning speed 500~2000 mm / s, and scanning interval 0.05~0.20 mm. The printed simulated rib was then cut and sandblasted.

[0031] In this invention, the dense, low-porosity, and high-porosity aluminum alloys are obtained by using empirically set 3D printing process parameters to achieve different porosities in the samples. To ensure similarity in mechanical properties, array-like through-holes are added to the "cortical bone" of the simulated rib. To ensure stability of mechanical properties, the porous complex structure uses structures with regular patterns, such as lattice structures or topological structures, and its dimensions are set based on empirical data of biomechanical properties. The ends of the simulated ribs can be bolted together by rotating screws or fitted together using sealing strips, such as... Figure 5 As shown.

[0032] Please note that the technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments have been described. However, as long as the combination of these technical features does not contradict each other, it should be considered within the scope of this specification. The above embodiments only illustrate several implementations of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be pointed out that for those skilled in the art, several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for preparing simulated rib cages using 3D printing technology, characterized in that, The method includes: A rib structure model is constructed, which includes a simulated cancellous bone model, a simulated cortical bone model covering the simulated cancellous bone model, and a simulated cartilage model that can be connected to both ends of the simulated cancellous bone model. The rib structure model is prepared using 3D printing technology to generate a simulated rib structure; wherein, the simulated cancellous bone model is printed using a high-porosity material to form the cancellous bone in the simulated rib structure; the simulated cortical bone model is printed using a low-porosity material to form the cortical bone in the simulated rib structure; and the simulated cartilage model is printed using a polyurethane polymer to form the cartilage in the simulated rib structure. The two ends of the cancellous bone are connected to the cartilage by bolting or fitting.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The high-porosity material is an aluminum alloy material with a porosity of 5% or greater, produced by 3D printing; the low-porosity material is an aluminum alloy material with a porosity of less than 5%, produced by 3D printing.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bolted connection is achieved by rotating the screw; the fitting method is achieved by using a sealing strip.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cancellous bone can also be made of a porous composite material; wherein, the porous composite material is an aluminum alloy material with a repeating mesh structure printed by 3D.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The porous composite structure is a body-centered cubic lattice structure; the mechanical properties of the body-centered cubic lattice structure are directly proportional to the diameter of the structural rods constituting the body-centered cubic lattice structure, and the mechanical properties of the body-centered cubic lattice structure are inversely proportional to the length of the structural rods.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cortical bone can also be made of a material with an equidistant through-hole structure; wherein the material with the equidistant through-hole structure is prepared by 3D printing technology, the through-holes of the equidistant through-hole structure are located on the surface of the simulated cortical bone, and the through-holes are arranged in an array.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the simulated cancellous bone model is designed as a solid structure, and the simulated cancellous bone model is connected to the simulated cartilage model through the end.

8. A system for fabricating simulated sternal ribs using 3D printing technology, the system comprising: At least one processor; And a memory communicatively connected to at least one processor; wherein the memory stores instructions executable by at least one processor, which, when executed by at least one processor, enable the at least one processor to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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