Optical Allograft Layout and Laser Cutting for Irregular Tissue Blanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Allografts derived from irregularly shaped tissue blanks often result in excessive tissue wastage due to non-optimal cutting methods, as existing technologies lack efficient means to determine and utilize the optimal perimeter of these blanks for cutting.
Innovation Solution
An allograft optimization system utilizing an optical system to determine the outer perimeter of irregular tissue blanks, coupled with a computer program to generate an optimized allograft array pattern, and a cutting implement like a laser to cut allografts with minimal waste, using perimeter retainers to secure the tissue and a robotic or gantry system for precise cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If traditional cutting methods are used on irregularly shaped tissue blanks, then the cutting process is simple, but excessive tissue wastage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing an image of the tissue blank, determining its outer perimeter, and generating an optimized allograft array pattern before cutting begins. This pre-planning allows the system to calculate the most efficient cutting arrangement that minimizes tissue wastage while accounting for the irregular shape of the blank.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement and layout methods with an optical system that captures images and uses computer processing to determine the outer perimeter and generate cutting patterns. This substitution of mechanical systems with optical and computational systems enables precise optimization of tissue utilization.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual cutting methods are used, then the equipment is simple, but manufacturing precision of allograft patterns is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual measurement and cutting layout with an optical system that captures images, processes them computationally, and generates precise cutting patterns. The system determines the outer perimeter through image processing and uses computer algorithms to optimize allograft arrangement, achieving high manufacturing precision through optical and computational methods rather than mechanical measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the tissue blank's outer perimeter through optical imaging and computer processing. This digital representation is then used to generate the optimized cutting pattern, allowing precise planning of allograft positions before actual cutting begins, thereby ensuring high manufacturing precision.
3Productivity
If optimized cutting patterns are generated using computer programs, then tissue utilization is maximized, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual optimization processes with a computer program that automatically generates optimized allograft array patterns. The system uses optical imaging to capture the tissue blank's shape, processes the image computationally to determine the outer perimeter, and then uses algorithms to maximize tissue utilization. This substitution of manual optimization with automated computational methods achieves high productivity while managing system complexity through integration.
4Manufacturing precision
If the cutting implement is moved with respect to the tissue blank using robotic or gantry systems, then cutting precision is improved, but the complexity of the cutting system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs robotic or gantry systems to move the cutting implement with respect to the tissue blank, replacing manual positioning methods. These automated positioning systems provide precise control over the cutting implement's movement, ensuring accurate execution of the optimized cutting pattern while reducing human error and improving cutting precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively minimizes tissue wastage by optimizing the cutting pattern, allowing for the efficient use of irregularly shaped tissue blanks, ensuring precise cutting and prioritization of allografts based on order logs, while maintaining the integrity of the tissue and cutting tray.
Implementation Method 1
An optical system may be utilized to capture an image of the irregularly shaped tissue blank
Implementation Method 2
A cutting implement may be a laser and the laser may be configured for cutting through the specific type and thickness of tissue
Implementation Method 3
The power output may be configured to cut the allograft from the tissue blank without excess damage to the tissue
Implementation Method 4
A waterjet may be used and the tissue blank may be placed on a porous cutting tray, whereby the waterjet can pass through the tissue blank and the cutting tray
Data Source
AI summary
An allograft optimization system utilizes an optical system to determine the outer perimeter of a tissue blank for allograft cutting therefrom. The optical system determines an optimal allograft array pattern that can be derived from the irregular tissue blank and may include a plurality of various allograft shapes and sizes. A computer operates an allograft optimization computer program that receives input regarding the outer perimeter of the tissue blank. A cutting implement, such as a laser, is configured to cut the allografts from the irregularly shaped tissue blank according the allograft array pattern. The cutting implement is automatically actuated by an actuator with respect to the tissue blank to cut the allografts therefrom. The cutting implement may be a laser or a galvo laser that is directed by one or more mirrors. The tissue may be birth tissue including placental tissue and amnion.