Bioprinter Z-Axis Calibration via Automated Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bioprinters require manual measurement and input of spray head length and bio-ink adhesion surface height, leading to cumbersome operations with low accuracy and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A bioprinter equipped with a control device, signal receiving apparatus, height acquisition apparatus, and calibrating apparatus that automatically measures and calibrates the actual height values of the Z-axis movement assembly, spray device, and bio-ink adhesion surface, using detection devices like laser meters and inductive measuring heads to adjust preset values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual measurement and input methods are used for spray head length and bio-ink adhesion surface height, then the operation process is simple in structure, but the measurement accuracy and operational reliability are low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement operations with an automated detection system. A detection device automatically measures the spray head length and bio-ink adhesion surface height, substituting human manual measurement operations. This eliminates manual input errors and significantly improves measurement accuracy while the control device automatically processes the detected data, reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service calibration through automated detection and processing. The detection device automatically measures the parameters, the control device automatically calculates and adjusts the preset values, and the bioprinter automatically adapts to different spray heads and printing carriers without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism improves both accuracy and reliability while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual measurement and input methods are used for spray head length and bio-ink adhesion surface height, then the device structure remains simple, but the operational reliability and consistency are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual measurement operations with automated detection equipment. The detection device automatically measures spray head length and adhesion surface height, eliminating human error and improving operational reliability. The control device automatically processes detected data and adjusts preset values, ensuring consistent and reliable operations across different printing tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the detection device continuously monitors and measures parameters, and the control device uses this feedback information to automatically adjust preset values. This closed-loop feedback system ensures high operational reliability by continuously adapting to actual conditions and eliminating the inconsistency associated with manual measurement and input methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If automated detection devices are introduced to measure spray head length and adhesion surface height, then measurement accuracy and operational reliability improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces automated detection devices that use optical or electromagnetic fields to measure spray head length and adhesion surface height non-contactly. This substitution of mechanical measurement with field-based detection improves measurement accuracy while minimizing additional mechanical complexity. The detection devices integrate seamlessly with the existing bioprinter structure through electronic connections to the control device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device performs multiple functions: it receives detection data, calculates actual values, adjusts preset values, and controls the bioprinter operation. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional control device, the system achieves high measurement accuracy and operational reliability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity. The universal control device manages all automated processes centrally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution simplifies operations, improves measurement accuracy, ensures consistent results, and enhances operational reliability by eliminating the need for manual input, allowing for precise calibration of spray head and bio-ink adhesion surface heights.

Implementation Method 1

inductive measuring head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

laser meter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP3398775B1Bioprinter and calibration method thereof
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 SICHUAN REVOTEK CO LTD
  • EP3398775B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3398775B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3398775B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to the bioprinting technical field, and in particular relates to a bioprinter and a calibration method thereof. The bioprinter provided by the present invention comprises a control device, a first detection device, and a second detection device, wherein the first detection device is capable of sending a first signal to the control device when the spray device moves to a first position along the Z-axis direction such that the control device calibrates the preset length value of the spray device, and the second detection device is capable of sending a second signal to the control device when the second detection device moves to a second position along the Z-axis direction such that the control device calibrates the preset height value of the printing material initial adhesion surface. The present invention can automatically calibrate the preset length value of the spray device and the preset height value of the printing material initial adhesion surface, which can not only simplify the operation and reduce the labor intensity of the operator, but also effectively improve the measurement accuracy, ensure consistent accuracy between multiple measurements, and improve the operational reliability.