3D Print Portal Workflow for Reviewing Patient-Specific Print Files

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of creating and obtaining 3D printable files for patient-specific tools in healthcare is time-consuming and expensive due to errors in the files leading to print failures, and lack of optimization, which wastes time and computing resources.

Innovation Solution

A 3D print portal that facilitates revision, review, and approval of 3D printable files through a networked system involving requester, reviewer, and manager computers, allowing healthcare professionals and application engineers to collaborate and optimize the files for accurate printing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If 3D printable files are created without review and optimization, then the file creation process is faster and simpler, but print failures occur due to errors and the files are not optimized for printing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint success rateVSAvoidfile creation and review time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a review and approval workflow where files are examined, modified, and approved before printing. This preliminary action identifies and corrects errors in advance, ensuring print success while maintaining efficient throughput through structured collaboration between requesters and reviewers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If 3D printable files are not optimized before printing, then the file preparation process is quicker, but printing efficiency is reduced and resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting efficiencyVSAvoidfile optimization time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs file optimization as a preliminary step before printing through the review and approval process. Reviewers optimize file parameters, geometry, and print settings in advance, ensuring that printing operations proceed at maximum efficiency without resource waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple versions of 3D printable files are created during review and revision, then file accuracy and optimization improve, but file management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefile accuracyVSAvoidfile management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the file development process into distinct versions with clear identification. Each version represents a specific state of the file during review and revision, allowing systematic tracking and management of multiple iterations without confusion or loss of control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The review and approval workflow provides continuous feedback loops where reviewers examine file versions, identify issues, and request modifications. This feedback mechanism drives progressive improvement of file accuracy while maintaining organized version control through structured communication between requesters and reviewers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20260086531A13D print portal to assist in revising, reviewing, and approving 3D printable files

Publication Date: 2026.03.26 RICOH 3D FOR HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

A 3D portal facilitates revision, review, and approval of 3D printable files prior to printing. A collection of one or more 3D printable files of an object to be printed is revised and reviewed until a version of the collection that is not only accurate but optimized for printing, is finalized. Healthcare professional users and application engineer users are able to communicate, collaborate, and plan requirements for the print.