Manufacturing method of bronchoscope simulator
The bronchoscope simulator, manufactured with a 3D printer and plastic dipping, addresses the rigidity and shape issues of conventional models by creating a flexible and elastic structure that mimics real bronchial tube movement, improving training and safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- KR · KR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PUSAN NAT UNIV IND UNIV COOPERATION FOUND
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
Conventional bronchoscopy simulators are rigid and lack flexibility, failing to replicate the movement of actual bronchial tubes, leading to an unfamiliar experience and potential breakage during use, and they do not accurately represent the shape of a patient's bronchi.
A bronchoscope simulator is manufactured using a 3D printer with a water-soluble PVA material, followed by plastic dipping and seam formation to create a flexible and elastic structure that mimics the movement of real bronchial tubes, incorporating a seam to allow expansion and contraction.
The simulator provides a realistic experience by replicating the movement and shape of actual bronchial tubes, enhancing user training and ensuring patient safety through a flexible and durable simulation.
Smart Images

Figure 112023085521909-PAT00001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technology Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a bronchoscope simulator, and more specifically, aims to manufacture a bronchoscope simulator having a movement function corresponding to respiratory exercise. Background Technology
[0002] Generally, bronchoscopy simulators are provided as models for mastering the use of a bronchoscopy, and the procedure involves inserting the bronchoscopy into the oral cavity, passing it through the vocal cords, and reaching the inside of the bronchus to observe the surroundings.
[0003] Conventionally, such bronchoscopy simulators are manufactured by dividing them into multiple parts and connecting them with seams. These individual parts were being produced using silicone molding.
[0004] When manufactured using such conventional methods, the bronchial tubes have a rigid nature unlike the actual ones, which causes a sense of unfamiliarity compared to when performing a bronchoscopy on the actual bronchial tubes and poses a problem where the bronchoscopy may break during use.
[0005] In addition, conventional bronchoscopy simulators are designed to be assembled after dividing the bronchi into shunts, which has the problem of differing from the actual shape of a patient's bronchi.
[0006] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology regarding “a method for 3D modeling of an organ and a 3D organ model,” and the invention aims to provide a 3D organ model in which the distinction between normal tissue and lesions is clear.
[0007] Although the 3D modeling method and 3D organ model according to the above invention have advantages in reducing manufacturing time and cost, they are merely manufacturing methods for producing organs using 3D modeling, and they have the problem that they cannot be produced similarly to actual bronchial endoscopic procedures because they have characteristics such as stretching like the actual patient's bronchi and parts of the bronchi moving according to the movement of the bronchoscope. Prior art literature
[0008] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2227735 The problem to be solved
[0009] Accordingly, the present invention was devised to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and aims to provide a method for manufacturing a bronchoscope simulator that can provide the user with a procedure experience closer to reality than conventional bronchoscope simulators by being manufactured to have a movement function corresponding to breathing exercises.
[0010] The problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems that the present invention aims to solve that are not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below. means of solving the problem
[0011] To achieve the above objective, the method for manufacturing a bronchoscopic simulator according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a base part outputting step in which a base part is output by a 3D printer; a plastic dipping step in which a plastic dipping is applied to the outer surface of the base part; a through-hole processing step in which a through-hole is formed on one side of the base part; a liquid passing step in which a liquid is passed through the through-hole so that only the base part is melted away while leaving the plastic dipping; and a seam forming step in which a seam is formed on one side of the base part.
[0012] In addition, the base output step of the present invention further includes a support removal step in which a support generated during the process of the base part being output by a 3D printer is removed.
[0013] In addition, the plastic dipping step of the present invention is characterized by including: a first spray application step in which a dipping spray is first sprayed onto the outer side of the base part; a first liquid application step in which a dipping liquid is first applied onto the outer side of the base part; a second liquid application step in which the dipping liquid is secondarily applied while gauze is attached to the outer side of the base part; a third liquid application step in which the dipping liquid is thirdly applied onto the outer side of the base part; and a second spray application step in which the dipping spray is secondarily applied onto the outer side of the base part.
[0014] In addition, the plastic dipping step of the present invention is characterized in that the dipping spray and dipping liquid are formed of a rubber material, thereby improving elasticity and flexibility.
[0015] In addition, in the base part output step of the present invention, the base part is printed using a 3D printer with a PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) material having water-soluble properties, and in the liquid passing step, water is passed through the through hole. Effects of the invention
[0016] As described above, according to the present invention, the method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator is formed from a flexible material and is capable of implementing movement according to breathing exercises, thereby providing the user with an experience close to reality when performing bronchoscopy procedures.
[0017] In addition, the method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator according to the present invention is formed to resemble actual bronchial material, thereby providing the user with a sufficient practice environment and having the effect of ensuring patient safety.
[0018] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the detailed description and claims. Brief explanation of the drawing
[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram sequentially illustrating the base part output step of the method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator according to the present invention. Figure 3 is a figure showing the step of removing a support member in the method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator according to the present invention. Figure 4 is a figure showing the base part joining step of the method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram sequentially illustrating the plastic dipping steps of the method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator according to the present invention. Figure 6 is a figure showing the first spraying step of the method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator according to the present invention. Figure 7 is a figure showing the second liquid application step of the method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator according to the present invention. Figure 8 is a figure showing the liquid passage step of the method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator according to the present invention. Figure 9 is a figure showing the joint manufacturing step of the method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram showing the joint manufacturing step of the method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention
[0020] The terms used in this specification will be briefly explained, and the invention will be described in detail.
[0021] The terms used in this invention have been selected based on currently widely used general terms while considering their functions within the invention; however, these terms may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Therefore, the terms used in this invention should be defined not merely by their names, but based on their meanings and the overall context of the invention.
[0022] When a part of a specification is described as “comprising” a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.
[0023] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.
[0024] Specific details regarding the problem to be solved by the present invention, the means for solving the problem, and the effects of the invention are included in the embodiments and drawings described below. The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram sequentially illustrating a base part output step of a method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator according to the present invention; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a support part removal step of a method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a base part joining step of a method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator according to the present invention; FIG. 5 is a block diagram sequentially illustrating a plastic dipping step of a method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator according to the present invention; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first spray injection step of a method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator according to the present invention; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second liquid coating step of a method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator according to the present invention; FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a liquid passage step of a method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator according to the present invention; FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a seam manufacturing step of a method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator according to the present invention; FIG. 10 is a method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator according to the present invention This is an example diagram showing the joint manufacturing steps.
[0026] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a bronchoscope simulator according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.
[0027] The method for manufacturing a bronchoscope simulator according to the present invention aims to provide a method for manufacturing a bronchoscope simulator that can provide a user with a procedure experience closer to reality than a conventional endoscope simulator by printing a base part (10) with a 3D printer (1) and melting and removing the base part (10) while the outer side of the base part (10) is in a plastic-dipped state.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, the method for manufacturing a bronchoscopic simulator according to the present invention includes a base part output step (S10) in which a base part (10) is output by a 3D printer (1), a plastic dipping step (S20) in which a plastic dipping is applied to the outer side of the base part (10), a through hole processing step (S30) in which a through hole (11-1) is formed in the base part (10), a liquid passing step (S40) in which a liquid (5-1) is passed through the through hole (11-1) so that only the base part (10) is melted away while leaving the plastic dipping, and a seam forming step (S50) in which a seam (15) is formed on one side of the base part (10).
[0029] First, in the base part output step (S10), the base part (10) is output by the 3D printer (1). More specifically, the 3D printer (1) is equipped to create a three-dimensional object based on an input drawing, just as one prints text or images. At this time, three-dimensional data based on actual patient CT data can be input into the 3D printer (10). Also, a water-soluble material is used in the 3D printer (1). At this time, the water-soluble material may be, for example, PVA (polyvinyl alcohol). In other words, the base part (10) is output by the 3D printer using a water-soluble PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) material.
[0030] Additionally, the base portion (10) includes a laryngeal portion (11) and a bronchial portion (12). The laryngeal portion (11) is formed in a shape similar to the laryngeal portion of the human body, and the bronchial portion (12) is connected to the laryngeal portion (11) and formed in a shape similar to the bronchial portion of the human body. In other words, the laryngeal portion (11) and the bronchial portion (12) are connected to form the base portion (10). The laryngeal portion (11) and the bronchial portion (12) are each printed by the 3D printer (1).
[0031] Additionally, the base part output step (S10) further includes a support part removal step (S11) in which a support part (13) generated during the process of the base part (10) being output by the 3D printer (1) is removed. More specifically, referring to FIG. 3, the support part (13) is formed as a part generated on one side of the bronchial part (12) during the process of the bronchial part (12) being output by the 3D printer (1). In the base part output step (S10), after the bronchial part (12) is output by the 3D printer (1), the support part (13) is removed from the bronchial part (12). At this time, the support part (13) can be removed by a cutting tool. The cutting tool may be equipped with, for example, nippers, and any tool that can remove the support part (13) may be used. In addition, the support portion (13) is formed from the same water-soluble material as the bronchial portion (12). Of course, the support portion (13) may also be formed in the larynx portion (11), and a process of removing the support portion (13) from the larynx portion (11) may be included.
[0032] In addition, the base part output step (S10) further includes a base part joining step (S12) in which the base part (10) is joined. More specifically, referring to FIG. 4, the base part (10) includes the larynx part (11) and the bronchus part (12), and the base part (10) is manufactured by joining the larynx part (11) and the bronchus part (12) after the support part (13) is removed. At this time, the larynx part (11) and the bronchus part (12) can be joined by a soldering iron. In addition, the soldering iron can also repair broken parts during the process of the base part (10) being printed by the 3D printer (1).
[0033] In the above plastic dipping step (S20), a plastic dipping is applied to the outer side of the base portion (10). More specifically, the base portion (10) is formed of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) material having water-soluble properties, and the plastic dipping is applied to the outer side of the base portion (10). At this time, the plastic dipping refers to a portion sequentially stacked on the outer side of the base portion (10) by the dipping spray (2) and dipping liquid (3) to be described later. In other words, the plastic dipping can be said to consist of the dipping spray (2) and dipping liquid (3).
[0034] In addition, the dipping spray (2) may spray the dipping liquid (3). The dipping liquid (3) may be formed by including VM&P naphtha, hexane, toluene, methyl ethyl ketone, and carbon black. Additionally, the dipping spray (2) preferably has a specific gravity of 0.79 to 0.83, a boiling point of 65 to 141°C, a vapor pressure of 125 mmHg at 20°C, a flash point of 23°C, an explosive limit of 0.9 to 11.5% based on volume in air, and a volatility of 72 to 75%.
[0035] In summary, the above dipping spray (2) and dipping liquid (3) can be formed from a solvent-based air-drying synthetic rubber.
[0036] More specifically, the plastic dipping step (S20) includes a first spray application step (S21) in which a dipping spray (2) is first sprayed onto the outer side of the base part (10), a first liquid application step (S22) in which a dipping liquid (3) is first applied onto the outer side of the base part (10), a second liquid application step (S23) in which the dipping liquid (3) is secondarily applied while gauze (4) is attached to the outer side of the base part (10), a third liquid application step (S24) in which the dipping liquid (3) is thirdly applied onto the outer side of the base part (10), and a second spray application step (S25) in which the dipping spray (2) is secondarily applied onto the outer side of the base part (10).
[0037] First, referring to FIG. 6, in the first spraying step (S21), a dipping spray (2) is first sprayed on the outer side of the base part (10). At this time, the dipping spray (2) may be composed of an orange spray to give a feeling similar to the human body.
[0038] In the first liquid application step (S22), the dipping liquid (3) is applied first to the outer side of the base part (10). More specifically, the dipping liquid (3) is applied secondarily to the outer side of the base part (10) so as to give the plastic dipping a sense of thickness. Of course, in the first liquid application step (S22), the base part (10) can also be applied by dipping it into the dipping liquid (3).
[0039] In the above second liquid application step (S23), the dipping liquid (3) is applied a second time while gauze (4) is attached to the outside of the base part (10). More specifically, referring to FIG. 7 (A), first, gauze (4) is provided to prevent the plastic dipping from tearing and to increase the strength of the plastic dipping. Next, referring to FIG. 7 (B), the dipping liquid (3) is applied a second time while gauze (4) is attached to the outside of the base part (10).
[0040] In the above second liquid application step (S24), the dipping liquid (3) is applied a third time to the outer side of the base part (10). More specifically, the dipping liquid (3) is applied a third time to the outer side of the base part (10) to prevent the gauze (4) from falling off the plastic dipping.
[0041] In the second spraying step (S25) above, the dipping spray (2) is applied a second time to the outer side of the base part (10). Of course, the dipping spray (2) is sprayed with the same color as the first spraying step (S21).
[0042] In addition, in the plastic dipping step (S20), the dipping spray (2) and the dipping liquid (3) are formed of a rubber material so that the elasticity and flexibility of the plastic dipping can be improved.
[0043] In the above through-hole processing step (S30), a through-hole (11-1) is formed in the base portion (10). More specifically, the through-hole (11-1) is formed on one side of the base portion (10) so that liquid can flow into the inside of the base portion (10), and preferably, it can be formed at one end of the larynx portion (11).
[0044] In the liquid passing step (S40), liquid (5) is passed through the through hole (11-1) so that only the base part (10) is melted away while leaving the plastic dipping. At this time, the liquid (5) is provided as a liquid capable of melting the base part (10), and for example, may be provided as water (5-1). In other words, in the liquid passing step (S40), the water (5-1) is passed through the through hole (11-1). Also, referring to FIG. 8, in the liquid passing step (S40), the base part (10) may be immersed in a container containing the water (5-1) so that the water (5-1) may flow into the through hole (110).
[0045] The above seam formation step (S50) is a process in which a seam (15) is formed on one side of the base part (10). That is, the seam (15) can be formed on the bronchial part (12) of the base part (10) so as to express movement identical to that of a real bronchial tube. In other words, the seam (15) is formed so that the bronchial part (12) can expand or contract to one side to express movement identical to that of a real bronchial tube.
[0046] More specifically, in the joint forming step (S50), a bronchial cutting step (S51) in which a portion of a plurality of bronchial parts (12) is cut; a frame insertion step (S52) in which a frame (14) is inserted into the inner side of the bronchial part (12); a joint insertion step (S53) in which a joint (15) is inserted between the frame (14) and the bronchial part (12); a first adhesive application step (S54) in which an adhesive (16) is applied between the bronchial part (12) and the joint (15); a bronchial connection step (S55) in which the cut bronchial part (12) is connected to the joint (15); a second adhesive application step (S56) in which the adhesive (16) is applied between the cut bronchial part (12) and the joint (15); and only the frame (14) while leaving the bronchial part (12) and the joint (15). It includes a liquid injection step (S57) in which a liquid (5) is injected into the interior of the organ part (12) so that it can be dissolved.
[0047] First, the bronchial cutting step (S51) is a process in which some of the plurality of bronchial sections (12) are cut. More specifically, the bronchial section (12) is formed in the shape of a cylinder. Then, the bronchial section (12) is cut from one side and separated into two bronchial sections (12).
[0048] Next, the frame insertion step (S52) is a process in which a frame (14) is inserted into the inner side of the bronchial portion (12). More specifically, referring to Figure 10, the frame (14) is formed in the shape of a cylinder. The frame (14) is inserted into the inner side of the bronchial portion (12). At this time, only half of the frame (14) in the longitudinal direction may be inserted into the inner side of the bronchial portion (12).
[0049] Next, the seam insertion step (S53) is a process in which a seam (15) is inserted on the outside of the frame (14) and the bronchial part (12). More specifically, referring to number 2 in FIG. 10, the seam (15) is formed in the shape of a cylinder. The seam (15) is formed from an elastic material. The seam (15) may be formed from, for example, latex rubber and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The seam (15) covers the frame (14) and the bronchial part (12). In other words, the seam (15) covers both the frame (14) exposed to the outside and the bronchial part (12) into which the frame (14) is inserted.
[0050] Next, the first adhesive application step (S54) is a process in which an adhesive (16) is applied between the bronchial portion (12) and the joint (15). More specifically, referring to number 3 in FIG. 10, the adhesive (16) is applied between the outer side of the bronchial portion (12) into which the frame (14) is inserted and the inner side of the joint (15). At this time, the adhesive (16) may be, for example, a cyanoacrylic adhesive.
[0051] Next, the bronchial connection step (S55) is a process in which the bronchial portion (12) that was cut is connected to the joint (15). More specifically, referring to number 4 in FIG. 10, the bronchial portion (12) that was cut in the bronchial cutting step (S51) is connected to the joint (15). At this time, the bronchial portion (12) can be connected to the inside of the joint (15).
[0052] Next, the second adhesive application step (S56) is a process in which the adhesive (16) is applied between the severed bronchial part (12) and the joint (15). More specifically, the adhesive (16) is applied between the outer side of the bronchial part (12) severed in the bronchial cutting step (S51) and the joint (15).
[0053] Additionally, referring to number 5 in FIG. 10, the second adhesive application step (S56) may include a joint pressing step (S561) in which the joint (15) is pressed so as to adhere to the outer surface of the frame (14). In the joint pressing step (S561), the frame (14) inserted into the inside of the joint (15) is made to maintain its shape even if it disappears.
[0054] Finally, the liquid injection step (S57) is a process in which a liquid (5) is injected into the interior of the bronchial section (12) so that only the frame (14) is dissolved and disappears, leaving the bronchial section (12) and the joint (15). More specifically, referring to number 6 in FIG. 10, the liquid (5) is injected into the interior of the bronchial section (12). At this time, the liquid (5) is provided as a liquid capable of dissolving the frame (14), and for example, it can be provided as water (5-1). Thus, the frame (14) disappears, and the two severed bronchial sections (12) can be connected to each other by the joint (15). And, as the joint (15) is formed of an elastic material, the bronchial section (12) can expand or contract like a real bronchial tube.
[0055] In summary, the method for manufacturing a bronchoscopic simulator according to the present invention is manufactured by printing the base part (10) using the 3D printer (1) using PVA material, applying the plastic dip to the outer side of the base part (10), and passing the water (5-1) through the through hole (11-1) on one side of the base part (10) so that only the base part (10) melts away while leaving the plastic dip, and a seam is formed on one side of the bronchial part (12).
[0056] Meanwhile, the endoscope simulator according to the present invention is configured to be inserted into the oral cavity, pass through the vocal cords, reach the inside of the bronchus, and observe the surroundings. In other words, the endoscope simulator according to the present invention can be used for the bronchus. In addition, through the joint (15), movements similar to those of an actual bronchus can be implemented.
[0057] Additionally, a wire (not shown in the drawing) connected to a motor (not shown in the drawing) can be connected to the bronchial section (12). Thus, as the joint (15) expands due to the rotational power of the motor, the bronchial section (12) can express movement similar to that of a real bronchus. Of course, the motor and wire may be provided in multiple numbers, and multiple wires may be connected to multiple bronchial sections (12).
[0058] Accordingly, the method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator according to the present invention enables the simulator to be manufactured in a manner similar to an actual bronchus, thereby performing the function of providing the user with a realistic experience when performing bronchial procedures.
[0059] In addition, the method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator according to the present invention is formed to resemble actual bronchial material, thereby providing the user with a sufficient practice environment and performing the function of ensuring patient safety.
[0060] As such, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the technical configuration of the present invention described above can be implemented in other specific forms without altering the technical concept or essential features of the present invention.
[0061] Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts thereof should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention. Explanation of the symbols
[0062] 1 : 3D printer 2 : Dipping spray 3: Dipping liquid 4 : Gauze 5 : Liquid 5-1 : Water 10 : Base part 11 : Back of the head 11-1 : Through hole 12: Bronchial Department 13 : Support 14 : Frame 15 : Seam 16: Glue S10: Base section output stage S11: Support removal step S12: Base part joining step S20: Plastic dipping step S21: 1st spraying stage S22: First liquid application step S23: Secondary liquid application step S24: Liquid 3rd application step S25: Secondary spraying stage S30: Through-hole machining step S40: Liquid passage stage S50: Joint formation step S51: Bronchial cutting stage S52: Frame insertion step S53: Joint insertion step S54: First adhesive application step S55: Bronchial junction stage S56: Second adhesive application step S561: Joint pressurization step S57: Liquid injection step
Claims
Claim 1 A method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator, comprising: a base part printing step in which a base part is printed by a 3D printer; a plastic dipping step in which a plastic dipping is applied to the outer side of the base part; a through-hole processing step in which a through-hole is formed on one side of the base part; a liquid passing step in which a liquid is passed through the through-hole so that only the base part is melted away while leaving the plastic dipping; and a seam forming step in which a seam is formed on one side of the base part, wherein the plastic dipping step comprises: a spray first spraying step in which a dipping spray is sprayed first on the outer side of the base part; a liquid first application step in which a dipping liquid is applied first on the outer side of the base part; a liquid second application step in which the dipping liquid is applied secondly while gauze is attached to the outer side of the base part; a liquid third application step in which the dipping liquid is applied thirdly on the outer side of the base part; and a spray second spraying step in which the dipping spray is applied secondly on the outer side of the base part. Claim 2 A method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator according to claim 1, further comprising, in the base part output step, a support part removal step in which a support part generated during the process of the base part being output by a 3D printer is removed. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A method for manufacturing a bronchoscopic simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the plastic dipping step, the dipping spray and dipping liquid are formed of a rubber material, thereby improving elasticity and stretchability. Claim 5 A method for manufacturing a bronchoscopy simulator according to claim 1, wherein in the base part output step, the base part is printed using a 3D printer with a PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) material having water-soluble properties, and in the liquid passing step, water passes through the through hole.