3D Bioprinter Dual Nozzle Segmentation for Biomaterial Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D bioprinters face challenges in printing both fluid and solid state biomaterials together due to temperature management issues, where heating and cooling cycles can cause nozzle overload and affect the integrity of temperature-sensitive biomaterials.
Innovation Solution
A 3D bioprinter design that includes separate nozzles for solid and fluid state biomaterials, with a controller to independently adjust the temperature of the nozzles and printing plate, allowing for the simultaneous printing of both states in a single structure, using a Peltier member for cooling and heating, and an insulation cover to manage temperature-sensitive materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single nozzle is used to discharge both fluid state and solid state biomaterials, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to nozzle overload from repeated heating and cooling cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The single nozzle is divided into two separate nozzles: a first nozzle for discharging solid state biomaterials and a second nozzle for discharging fluid state biomaterials. This segmentation allows each nozzle to be optimized for its specific material type, eliminating the reliability issues caused by repeated heating and cooling cycles in a single nozzle while maintaining manageable device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the nozzle is heated to high temperature to discharge solid state biomaterial, then the solid biomaterial can be discharged, but the biomaterial sensitivity deteriorates due to unsuitable temperature environment
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge system is segmented into two separate nozzles with different temperature characteristics. The first nozzle is designed for solid state biomaterials and can be heated to high temperatures for discharge. The second nozzle is designed for fluid state biomaterials and maintains a lower, more suitable temperature environment, preventing thermal damage to temperature-sensitive biomaterials.
Solution Approach 2:
Different temperature conditions are applied locally to different nozzles based on the specific requirements of the biomaterial being discharged. The first nozzle operates at high temperature for solid materials, while the second nozzle operates at lower temperature for fluid materials, ensuring each material receives the appropriate thermal environment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the nozzle temperature is repeatedly adjusted between heating and cooling, then both fluid and solid biomaterials can be used, but the productivity deteriorates due to repeated temperature adjustment cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The printing system is segmented into two independent nozzle systems, each maintained at its optimal temperature for its specific material type. This eliminates the need for repeated heating and cooling cycles of a single nozzle, as each nozzle can operate continuously at its designated temperature, significantly improving printing efficiency while maintaining the ability to print both fluid and solid biomaterials.
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
Enables the creation of structures with a solid exterior and fluid interior by precisely controlling the temperature of the nozzles and printing plate, allowing for the effective use of both fluid and solid biomaterials in a single print, enhancing the versatility and accuracy of bioprinting.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature adjusting part connected to the case to adjust a temperature of at least one of the printing plate and the second nozzle
Implementation Method 2
a heating member configured to increase the temperature of each of the printing plate and the second nozzle
Implementation Method 3
an insulation cover configured to surround an exterior of the second nozzle and insulate the second nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a 3D bioprinter. The 3D bioprinter, according to the present invention, comprises: a case inside of which a work space is provided; a printing plate installed inside of the case so as slide in the forward, backward, left, and right directions; a first nozzle installed inside the case for dispensing a biomaterial in a solid state on the printing plate; a second nozzle installed inside the case for dispensing a biomaterial in a liquid state on the printing plate; and a control unit for controlling the dispensing by the first nozzle and the second nozzle, wherein the first nozzle and the second nozzle are used to print a single structure by stacking the biomaterial in the solid state and the biomaterial in the liquid state.