Machinable Bone Embedding Blank with Phase-Change Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for storing and processing prosthetic elements, such as autogenic, isogenic, xenogenic, or allogeneic bones, lack efficiency in terms of storage, transport, and precise processing within the human or animal body.
Innovation Solution
A substrate-based arrangement where prosthetic elements are connected to form a formal body, with the substrate material changing from a fluid to a solid state upon temperature change, allowing for easy storage, transport, and precise processing of the prosthetic elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If prosthetic elements are stored and processed individually, then handling and processing of each element is straightforward, but storage efficiency and transport convenience are poor
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple prosthetic elements are combined into a single molded body through a substrate that integrates them together. This merging approach improves storage efficiency and transport convenience by consolidating multiple elements into one unit, while the substrate enables easy separation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The molded body is designed as a separable structure where individual prosthetic elements can be easily separated from the substrate when needed. This segmentation allows the system to function as both an integrated storage unit and as individually accessible components.
2Strength
If natural bone material is used, then ductility and handling are improved, but brittleness of ceramic materials prevents complex geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite substrate made of temperature-responsive material that combines the advantages of different materials: the substrate provides structural integrity and ease of machining, while embedded natural bone elements provide ductility and biocompatibility. This composite structure enables complex geometries that would be difficult to achieve with brittle ceramics alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate material undergoes parameter changes through temperature-responsive phase transition, changing from a flowable state during manufacturing to a solid state for structural support. This allows the substrate to be easily shaped into complex geometries in its flowable state, then maintains structural integrity in its solid state.
3Ease of operation
If substrate material is in flowable state, then connection to prosthetic elements is easy, but structural integrity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate dynamically changes its physical state based on temperature: in the flowable state, it easily conforms to and connects with prosthetic elements; when cooled to the second temperature value, it transitions to a solid state providing structural integrity. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between ease of connection and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate utilizes phase transition between flowable and solid states through temperature control. During manufacturing and connection operations, the substrate is maintained in a flowable state for ease of operation. After connection, cooling transitions it to a solid state that provides the necessary structural integrity for the molded body.
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 enables simple and optimal storage and transport of prosthetic elements while allowing for easy separation and precise processing of individual elements, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of prosthetic element use in medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the material of the substrate can be converted from a flowable state, in which the substrate can be connected to the prosthetic elements or the prosthetic elements can be introduced into the substrate, into a solid state
Implementation Method 2
the material of the substrate is in the flowable state when the temperature acting on the material has a first temperature value and assumes a solid state, if the temperature acting on the material of the substrate has a second temperature value which is below the first temperature value
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
To store a plurality of natural and/or artificial prosthetic elements (2, 12) insertable into a human or animal body, for example autogenic, isogenic, xenogenic or allogenic bone pieces, a shaped body or embedding blank (4) is provided that has a substrate, wherein the substrate contains the prosthetic elements in part or substantially entirely and consists of a material that can be machined with a tool. To place the prosthetic elements into the embedding blank, the material of the substrate is preferably first in a free-flowing state and is then converted to a solid state in order to fix the prosthetic elements inside the embedding blank. Alternatively, the embedding blank can be produced with the aid of a three-dimensional printing process with inclusion of the prosthetic elements. For further processing, the shaped body (4) is clamped into the fixing device (6) of a machining device, and the desired product is machined out.