Braiding Program Feedback Control for Precise Implant Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for creating braids, particularly for medical implants like stents, are time-consuming and costly due to the need for manual adjustment and laborious testing to achieve precise braiding patterns, especially for custom-made products or small series, and are influenced by the condition of the braiding mandrel which can change between processes.
Innovation Solution
A computer-aided method for creating a braiding program that includes automated detection and comparison of braid characteristics with target parameters, allowing for automatic adjustment of the braiding process using machine-readable commands, and the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize the configuration of commands based on various parameters such as bobbin movement, tension, and mandrel geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment and laborious testing are used to achieve precise braiding patterns, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated feedback control by recording actual braid characteristics during manufacturing, comparing them with target characteristics, and automatically adjusting braiding parameters. This closed-loop system maintains high precision while eliminating manual intervention, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated computer-controlled systems. The braiding machine is controlled by a computer that automatically adjusts parameters based on recorded characteristics, substituting human labor and manual testing with automated mechanical and computational systems, thus improving productivity while maintaining precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex coordination of bobbin movements and mandrel displacement is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control system that manages multiple functions including bobbin movement coordination, mandrel displacement control, and real-time parameter adjustment through a single integrated computer system. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to achieve complex braiding patterns with high precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If extensive testing series are carried out to adjust braiding machine controls, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary recording of braid characteristics during the manufacturing process itself, rather than requiring separate extensive testing series. By integrating measurement and recording into the production process, the system achieves the necessary precision data collection without additional time loss, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and time consumption.
4Productivity
If automated recording and comparison of braid characteristics is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service automated system where the braiding machine automatically records its own characteristics, compares them with target values, and adjusts its own parameters without external intervention. This self-regulating capability improves productivity while the automation complexity is managed through integrated control that becomes part of the standard machine operation.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3Bc
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A computer-aided method for creating a braiding program, wherein the braiding program comprises machine-readable instructions which, when executed, cause a braiding machine to produce a braid, in particular an implant that is at least partially braided, the method comprising: a) creating a braid by braiding, in particular by braiding around at least one braiding mandrel, with a braiding material according to a predetermined configuration of instructions; b) acquiring at least one characteristic of the braid; c) comparing the acquired characteristic of the braid with at least one associated target characteristic; if the acquired characteristic does not correspond to the associated target characteristic: c1-a) unbraiding at least one area of the braid; and c1-b) modifying at least one part of the configuration of instructions for creating a braid and repeating steps a) to c) based on the modified configuration of instructions;provided that the recorded parameter corresponds to the associated target parameter: c2) Creating a braiding program according to the configuration of commands where the recorded parameter corresponds to the associated target parameter.;