Bio 3D Printer Nozzle Shutter Prevents Biomaterial Photocuring
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Solution Overview
Problem
In bio 3D printing, the discharge nozzle and residual biomaterial near the nozzle are prone to photocuring due to UV light emission, leading to nozzle clogging and material degradation.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a shutter member driven by a motor unit, which moves between open and closed positions to control exposure of the discharge nozzle to light sources, preventing unwanted photocuring of biomaterial during discharge and maintaining the nozzle's functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV light is emitted to photocure the discharged biomaterial, then the biomaterial is cured to avoid collapse, but the residual biomaterial in the discharge nozzle or syringe may be cured causing cogging
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the light emission process into distinct phases: light is emitted only after biomaterial discharge is complete, separating the curing function from the discharge function. This temporal segmentation prevents residual biomaterial in the nozzle from being exposed to UV light during the discharge phase, eliminating cogging while maintaining structural stability of the printed biomaterial.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary discharge of biomaterial before initiating light emission. By completing the discharge action first and then activating the light source, the system ensures that no residual biomaterial remains in the discharge path when UV light is emitted, preventing unwanted photocuring while ensuring the discharged biomaterial is properly cured for structural integrity.
2Manufacturing precision
If light sources are positioned near the discharge nozzle for efficient photocuring, then curing effectiveness is improved, but the risk of photocuring residual biomaterial in the nozzle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by controlling light emission to occur only during specific time intervals - specifically, only after biomaterial discharge is complete and only when the nozzle is clear. This periodic activation pattern maintains high curing effectiveness for discharged biomaterial while preventing harmful photocuring of residual material in the nozzle, resolving the contradiction between curing efficiency and nozzle protection.
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
Effectively prevents photocuring of biomaterial in the discharge nozzle and syringe, reducing the risk of clogging and maintaining the integrity of the biomaterial, ensuring consistent printing performance.
Implementation Method 1
the biomaterial is cured with an emission of ultraviolet (UV) light after being discharged
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for preventing photocuring of biomaterial in a discharge nozzle and in a dispenser of a bio 3D printer includes a driving unit for providing a driving force, a shutter member that receives the driving force from the driving unit and to move between a first position not covering the discharge nozzle and a second position covering at least the discharge nozzle in a reciprocating manner, and a control unit for controlling the discharge nozzle. The driving unit, the shutter member, the discharge nozzle, and the plurality of light sources constitute a head unit in an integrated manner. The head unit includes an end plane. The shutter member and a distal end of the discharge nozzle are positioned near a center of the end plane. The plurality of light sources are positioned on the end plane with the shutter member and the discharge nozzle therebetween.