3D Printed Anatomical Models with Temporary Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printed anatomical models face challenges in accurately maintaining the spatial positioning of individually printed components, leading to errors in joint articulation and overall anatomical accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The use of temporary printed connectors or flexible fill material between separately printed parts allows for precise anatomical alignment and articulation, enabling the creation of complex, accurately positioned 3D printed models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are printed separately and assembled, then manufacturing flexibility and customization are improved, but spatial positioning accuracy and joint articulation precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by printing temporary connectors and positioning features as integral parts of the individual components before assembly. These temporary structures pre-establish the correct spatial relationships and joint articulations, ensuring that when components are assembled, they automatically achieve accurate positioning without requiring post-assembly adjustment or calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses temporary connectors as intermediary elements between separately printed components. These connectors act as mediators that bridge the gap between individual parts, maintaining proper spatial relationships and joint articulations during assembly. After serving their positioning function, the temporary connectors are removed, leaving the final assembled structure with accurate spatial positioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If components are printed with tight tolerances, then anatomical accuracy is improved, but assembly flexibility and joint movement capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the model into separate printable components with intentional gaps between them. These gaps accommodate flexible materials that enable joint movement. The segmentation allows each component to be printed with high precision while the gaps provide the necessary freedom for articulation and movement, resolving the conflict between tight tolerances and joint flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible materials (such as elastomers or flexible filaments) to create flexible joints between rigid anatomical components. These flexible elements act as thin films or shells that connect the precisely printed components while allowing controlled movement and articulation. This approach maintains anatomical accuracy of the rigid bones and structures while enabling realistic joint movement through the flexible connectors.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention in some embodiments thereof, discloses methods for maintaining accurate spatial positioning of 3D printed anatomical components by utilizing temporary printed connectors between objects or flexible fill material between gaps. This enables proper anatomical alignment when printing parts independently on a structure or support, then assembling into complete models. After applying a sealer/paste/glue/sticky substance/flexible substrate that will maintain the position of the printed anatomical components, the printed connections may be broken to create movable joints while retaining accurate anatomy. This allows 3D printing of multi-part medical replicas like bone and joint structures with natural articulation. The disclosed teaching is useful for surgical simulation models in medical education and pre-surgical planning. It improves anatomical accuracy of customizable 3D printed body part models compared to conventional methods and provides training experience superior to current rigid anatomical replicas.