BioPen HMI Wireless Control and Disposable Nozzle Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handheld 3D printing devices for biocompatible materials face issues with cost-effective production, reliability, and user interface complexity, including sensitivity to temperature and mixing ratios, limited freedom of movement due to cables, and expensive titanium nozzles unsuitable for volume manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

A Human Machine Interface (HMI) with a touch display or push buttons for easy setting adjustments, independent control of reagent extrusion rates, and a user-friendly design allowing intuitive operation, including a light source for curing and acoustic signals for battery and loading state notifications, enabling precise control and versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a foot pedal and electronic control interface are used to control extrusion rates, then precise control of reagent flow rates is achieved, but freedom of movement is limited due to cable connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextrusion rate control precisionVSAvoidfreedom of movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical foot pedal and cable-based electronic control system with a wireless control interface integrated into the handheld device. This substitution eliminates cable connections while maintaining precise extrusion rate control through electronic sensors and wireless communication, resolving the contradiction between control precision and freedom of movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If a 3D printed titanium nozzle is used for extrusion, then precise material deposition is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and volume production becomes unsuitable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial deposition precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and scalability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the expensive, custom 3D printed titanium nozzle with a disposable plastic nozzle that can be easily manufactured through injection molding. This allows for cost-effective volume production while maintaining adequate extrusion precision for the application, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional user interfaces with multiple controls are used, then comprehensive control functions are available, but operational complexity increases and ease of use decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol function versatilityVSAvoiduser interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple control functions (power control, activation control, flow rate control) into a single integrated touchscreen display. This consolidation provides comprehensive control versatility while simplifying the user interface to an intuitive touch-based system, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Stability of the object's composition

If reagent viscosity and flow rate are controlled through mechanical means, then material flow stability is achieved, but sensitivity to temperature variations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial flow stabilityVSAvoidtemperature sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical flow control mechanisms with an electronically controlled pump system that uses sensors and feedback control to regulate reagent flow. This electronic control system compensates for temperature-induced viscosity changes through active feedback, maintaining flow stability while reducing sensitivity to temperature variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The HMI enhances the usability and reliability of the BioPen by providing intuitive control over extrusion rates and curing settings, reducing operational complexity and enabling cost-effective manufacturing with improved freedom of movement and consistent material flow.

Implementation Method 1

a UV light source is used to cross-link the hydrogels immediately after extrusion to form a stable structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerisation: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP3710225B1Human machine interface (HMI) for a biopen

Publication Date: 2023.06.28 SMR PATENTS S A R L

Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1J
Figure 1K~2

AI summary

A Human Machine Interface (HMI) (51) for a handheld 3 dimensional (3D) printing device ("BioPen") is used for manufacturing of biocompatible materials and includes an on/off power button (53), a speed indicator (55), a setting control button (56), and purge indicator lamps (57,58).