Leak prevention system for downward injection nebulizer for biomaterial deposition in bio 3D printers

Abstract

The leak prevention system for a downward injection type nebulizer for biomaterial deposition in a bio3D printer according to the present invention is a system that constitutes the output section of a bio3D printer, and is characterized by including: a nebulizer that sprays a biomaterial in a mist downward toward a substrate; a vacuum cap that is detachably attached to the top of the nebulizer; a distributor connected to the vacuum cap through a hose; a vacuum generation module connected to the distributor through a hose; a compressor that generates air pressure in the vacuum generation module; and a controller that is electrically connected to the vacuum generation module and the nebulizer, and controls the output pressure of the vacuum generation module and the operation of the nebulizer.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bio 3D printer, and more particularly to a technique for preventing the leakage of a biological material from the nebulizer due to gravity in a 3D printer device that includes a nebulizer that sprays a biological material downward in the form of a mist. [Background technology]

[0002] A 3D printer includes a frame having XYZ axes and a nozzle that ejects liquid or powdery material capable of layering a three-dimensional shape onto a flat shape. 3D printers are classified into Cartesian, Mendel, Delta, and Core XY types according to the type. The Cartesian type is a type in which a bed moves in the X and Y axes and a nozzle moves in the Z axis to realize a 3D print. The Mendel type is a type in which a bed moves in the Z axis and a nozzle moves in the X and Y axes to realize a 3D print. The Delta type is a type in which a nozzle moves in the X, Y, and Z axes to realize a 3D print. The Core XY type is a type in which a nozzle moves in the X and Y axes by a belt connected by two motors and a bed moves in the Z direction. Recently, the Core XY type, which can control the position of the nozzle most precisely, has been widely used.

[0003] A bio-three-dimensional (3D) printer is a structurally modified device that can eject biological materials through a nozzle of a 3D printer to generate three-dimensional biological tissues and organs.

[0004] Such a bio 3D printer includes a nozzle in the form of a dispenser for discharging a biomaterial. The bio 3D printer fills a nozzle with a viscous biomaterial such as collagen, gelatin, etc. A pneumatic system is connected to the nozzle filled with the viscous biomaterial to extrude and discharge the biomaterial.

[0005] An example of such a bio 3D printer is disclosed in Korean Patent No. 1828345.

[0006] Meanwhile, when the viscosity of the biomaterial used in the bio 3D printer is low, the above-mentioned dispenser-type nozzle cannot be used. When the viscosity of the biomaterial is low and the fluidity is too high, a nozzle-type dispenser using a squeezing method that squeezes the material cannot be used because of the difficulty in fluid control. In such a case, a valve-type dispenser that controls and sprays a small amount of the biomaterial in the form of small droplets must be used. When outputting a biomaterial with high fluidity, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011-0212501, a nebulizer is used to spray the biomaterial on the substrate in a mist form, and layer crosslinking or mixed crosslinking is performed.

[0007] However, when such a nebulizer is used, the nebulizer must be designed to spray the biological material downward toward the substrate. The biological material used in the bio 3D printer is expensive. However, in the case of a downward spray nebulizer, there is a problem that the biological material contained in the nebulizer leaks unexpectedly below the nebulizer due to gravity when the output is stopped. Normally, it takes about 30 to 60 minutes to output a biological material from a bio 3D printer. In this case, if the research is conducted in the order of output, culture, output, culture, and observation, it will take more than two weeks. In this process, if the biological material contained in the nebulizer leaks unexpectedly, there is a problem that a fatal error occurs in addition to economic losses. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a leakage prevention system for a downward injection type nebulizer for deposition of biological material in a bio 3D printer, which prevents leakage of biological material by improving the structure of the bio 3D printer system including a nebulizer configured to eject biological material downward. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the leakage prevention system for a downward injection type nebulizer for biological material deposition in a bio 3D printer according to the present invention is a system that constitutes the output part of a bio 3D printer, and is characterized in that it includes a nebulizer that sprays biological material in a mist downward toward a substrate, a vacuum cap that is detachably attached to the top of the nebulizer, a distributor connected to the vacuum cap through a hose, a vacuum generation module connected to the distributor through a hose, a compressor that generates air pressure in the vacuum generation module, and a controller that is electrically connected to the vacuum generation module and the nebulizer, and controls the output pressure of the vacuum generation module and controls the operation of the nebulizer.

[0010] The air pressure output from the vacuum generating module is between -1.5KPa and 0KPa.

[0011] The vacuum cap is provided with an O-ring at a portion that comes into contact with the nebulizer.

[0012] A drying fan is disposed around the nebulizer and blows air to promote drying of the biological material sprayed onto the substrate. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, a subatmospheric air pressure within a preset range is applied to the nebulizer during times when the nebulizer is not in operation, thereby preventing leakage of biological material due to gravity. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the configuration around the nebulizer in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the configuration around the nebulizer in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of a system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the configuration around the nebulizer in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the configuration around the nebulizer in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 3.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the downward injection type nebulizer leak prevention system for biological material deposition in a bio 3D printer according to the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as the nebulizer leak prevention system) includes a nebulizer cartridge 10, a nebulizer 20, a vacuum cap 30, a distributor 40, a vacuum generation module 50, a compressor 60, a controller 70, and a drying fan 80.

[0018] The nebulizer leak prevention system is a system that constitutes the output part of the bio 3D printer.

[0019] The nebulizer cartridge 10 is fixed to a housing 1 of a bio 3D printer. The nebulizer cartridge 10 is a rod-shaped structure, and has a plurality of mounting holes 25 that penetrate in a direction perpendicular to the ground so that a plurality of nebulizers 20 can be detachably mounted. A drying fan 80 that blows air is provided on the side of the nebulizer cartridge 10 to promote drying of the biomaterial 100 sprayed by the nebulizer 20.

[0020] The nebulizer 20 is a device that sprays the biological material 100 downward in the form of a mist toward a substrate. The nebulizer 20 is provided in a state in which it is partially accommodated in the mounting hole 25. The nebulizer 20 is firmly fixed to the nebulizer cartridge 10 by a fixing member 27 that is screwed to the side of the mounting hole 25. The nebulizer 20 has a space for accommodating the biological material 100 at the upper part. The nebulizer 20 has a vibrating membrane 22 at the lower part. The nebulizer 20 of the present invention is a vibrating membrane type. The vibrating membrane 22 vibrates at a high frequency in response to a signal from a controller 70 described later, so that the biological material 100 accommodated in the nebulizer 20 is sprayed in the form of a mist below the vibrating membrane 22. The principle of the nebulizer 20 of the present invention is the same as that of a known vibrating membrane type nebulizer. The particle size of the biological material 100 sprayed by the nebulizer 20 is desirably 5 μm or less. Moreover, a plurality of nebulizers 20 can be provided.

[0021] The vacuum cap 30 is detachably attached to the upper part of the nebulizer 20. The vacuum cap 30 is attached to the nebulizer 20 with a sufficient attachment force to allow manual attachment and detachment. More specifically, the force applied to attach or detach the vacuum cap 30 and the nebulizer 20 is preferably 20N to 100N.

[0022] The vacuum cap 30 is connected to a distributor 40 (described later) via a hose. An O-ring 35 is attached to the vacuum cap 30. The O-ring 35 is installed at a contact portion between the vacuum cap 30 and the nebulizer 20 to prevent a gap from being generated between the vacuum cap 30 and the nebulizer 20.

[0023] The distributor 40 is connected to the vacuum cap 30 through a hose. The distributor 40 distributes the negative air pressure generated in the vacuum generating module 50 (described later) evenly to each nebulizer 20. The distributor 40 may have a known structure. The air pressure output from the vacuum generating module 50 is preferably -1.5 KPa to 0 KPa. If the output air pressure of the vacuum generating module 50 is less than -1.5 KPa, there is a problem that the biological material 100 contained in the nebulizer 20 flows back toward the distributor 40. If the output air pressure of the vacuum generating module 50 is more than 0 KPa, there is a problem that the biological material 100 contained in the nebulizer 20 cannot be prevented from leaking downward.

[0024] The vacuum generating module 50 is connected to the distributor 40 through a hose. The vacuum generating module 50 is a device that generates an air pressure lower than atmospheric pressure in a specific branch pipe using the principle of a sprayer. The vacuum generating module 50 is configured by adopting a known vacuum generating module. The vacuum generating module 50 is electrically connected to a controller 70, which will be described later, so that the generated pressure can be variably adjusted according to a signal from the controller 70.

[0025] The compressor 60 is a device that applies air pressure to the vacuum generating module 50. The air pressure generated by the compressor 60 is discharged to the outside through the vacuum generating module 50, so that an air pressure lower than atmospheric pressure is generated in a specific portion of the vacuum generating module 50.

[0026] A moisture removal filter (not shown) is installed between the vacuum cap 30 and the distributor 40, or between the distributor 40 and the vacuum generating module 50. When the pressure generated in the vacuum generating module 50 is out of the appropriate range and generates a negative pressure larger than necessary for the biological material 100, the biological material 100 may flow back from the nebulizer 20 to the vacuum generating module 50. In this case, the moisture removal filter prevents the vacuum generating module 50 from being damaged by the biological material 100 that flows back.

[0027] The controller 70 is electrically connected to the vacuum generating module 50 and the nebulizer 20. The controller 70 controls the output pressure of the vacuum generating module 50. The controller 70 also controls the operation of the nebulizer 20.

[0028] The drying fan 80 is disposed near the nebulizer 20. The drying fan 80 is a device that blows air to promote drying of the biological material 100 sprayed on the substrate. The drying fan 80 is controlled by the controller 70. The drying fan 80 is preferably provided in the nebulizer cartridge 10. The drying fan 80 is an axial fan or a sirocco fan. The drying fan 80 is configured to suck air from the side of the nebulizer 20 and discharge it below the nebulizer 20.

[0029] The function and effect of the leak prevention system of the downward injection type nebulizer for biological material deposition in the bio 3D printer including the components described above will be described in detail in the order of operation of the nebulizer.

[0030] First, the nebulizer 20 is filled with the biomaterial 100, and then the top is sealed with the vacuum cap 30. The vacuum cap 30 is connected to the distributor 40 through a hose. The distributor 40 is connected to the vacuum generation module 50 through another hose. The compressor 60 and the vacuum generation module 50 are connected to each other through a hose.

[0031] In this state, the nebulizer 20 is operated by a signal from the controller 70. The vibrating membrane 22 of the nebulizer 20 vibrates at a high frequency, and the biological material 100 is sprayed below the nebulizer 20. After maintaining this spray for a certain period of time, the nebulizer 20 stops. The compressor 60 always operates when the power of the bio 3D printer is turned on, regardless of the operation of the nebulizer 20. As a result, an air pressure lower than atmospheric pressure is generated in the vacuum generating module 50, and a certain range of pressure below atmospheric pressure is applied to each nebulizer 20 through the distributor 40. The biological material 100 contained in the nebulizer 20 leaks below the nebulizer 20 through the pores of the vibrating membrane 22 due to gravity, even when the vibrating membrane 22 does not vibrate. However, the biological material 100 contained in the nebulizer 20 does not leak from the nebulizer 20 due to the pressure below atmospheric pressure generated by the vacuum generating module 50.

[0032] When the nebulizer 20 is again activated by the controller 70, the vibration of the vibrating membrane 22 causes the nebulizer 20 to perform the normal output function of the biological material 100.

[0033] In this way, the leakage prevention system of the downward injection type nebulizer for biological material deposition in the bio 3D printer according to the present invention prevents leakage of biological materials due to gravity while the nebulizer is not in operation by applying air pressure below atmospheric pressure within a preset range to the nebulizer.

[0034] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these examples, and various embodiments can be embodied without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A system constituting an output unit of a bio 3D printer, a nebulizer that sprays the biomaterial downward in a mist toward the substrate; A vacuum cap removably provided on the top of the nebulizer; a distributor connected to the vacuum cap through a hose; a vacuum generating module connected to the distributor through a hose; a compressor for generating air pressure in the vacuum generating module; a controller electrically connected to the vacuum generating module and the nebulizer, the controller controlling an output pressure of the vacuum generating module and an operation of the nebulizer; the controller controls the vacuum generation module to apply negative pressure to the nebulizer both when the biological material is being nebulized and when the biological material is not being nebulized; Leak prevention system for downward injection nebulizer for biological material deposition in bio 3D printers.

2. 2. The leakage prevention system of a downward injection type nebulizer for biological material deposition of a bio 3D printer according to claim 1, wherein the air pressure output from the vacuum generation module is -1.5 KPa to 0 KPa.

3. The leakage prevention system of a downward injection type nebulizer for deposition of biological material in a bio 3D printer according to claim 1 , wherein the vacuum cap is provided with an O-ring at a portion that contacts the nebulizer.

4. The leakage prevention system of a downward injection type nebulizer for biological material deposition in a bio 3D printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that it includes a drying fan arranged around the nebulizer and blowing air to promote drying of the biological material sprayed onto the substrate.

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