Downward-Spraying Nebulizer Vacuum Control for Biomaterial Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downward spraying-type nebulizers in bio-3D printers experience unexpected biomaterial leakage due to gravity, leading to economic loss and potential fatal errors during prolonged output processes.
Innovation Solution
A leakage prevention system for downward spraying-type nebulizers in bio-3D printers, comprising a nebulizer with a vibrating membrane, vacuum cap, distributor, vacuum generating module, compressor, controller, and moisture removal filter, which applies an air pressure below atmospheric pressure to prevent biomaterial leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a downward spraying-type nebulizer is used to spray biomaterial onto a substrate, then the biomaterial can be effectively deposited, but the biomaterial leaks downwards due to gravity when output is stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a vacuum force counteracting the gravitational force acting on the biomaterial. A vacuum generator creates negative pressure in the vacuum chamber, generating an upward vacuum force that balances the downward gravitational force on the biomaterial, preventing leakage when the nebulizer is not in operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a vacuum generation system with a vacuum generator, vacuum chamber, and pressure control unit to create and maintain negative pressure. This pneumatic system controls the pressure differential to prevent biomaterial leakage while allowing normal spraying operation when needed.
2Productivity
If the nebulizer operates for prolonged periods with multiple output and incubation cycles, then complete biomaterial stacking is achieved, but unexpected leakage occurs during extended non-operational periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent activates the vacuum generation system before biomaterial loading and maintains vacuum pressure during non-operational periods. The pressure control unit continuously monitors and adjusts pressure to ensure the biomaterial remains secured in the nebulizer chamber throughout extended idle periods between printing cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure control unit continuously monitors the pressure in the vacuum chamber and adjusts the vacuum generator operation to maintain the required pressure differential. This feedback control ensures stable prevention of biomaterial leakage throughout the entire duration of non-operational periods.
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
Prevents biomaterial leakage by maintaining an air pressure below atmospheric pressure, ensuring reliable operation during non-operational periods of the nebulizer.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum generating module that is connected to the distributor with a hose
Implementation Method 2
applies an air pressure below atmospheric pressure to the nebulizer
Implementation Method 3
the vibrating membrane of the nebulizer vibrates at a high frequency so that the biomaterial accommodated in the nebulizer is divided into a mist form
Implementation Method 4
downwardly sprays the biomaterial into the form of mist
Implementation Method 5
a moisture removal filter installed between the vacuum cap and the distributor or between the distributor and the vacuum generating module for preventing the vacuum generating module from being damaged by back flowed biomaterial
Data Source
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AI summary
A leakage prevention system for a downward spraying-type nebulizer for stacking a biomaterial of a bio-3D printer according to the present disclosure is provided, wherein the system constituting an output unit of the bio-3D printer includes: a nebulizer that downwardly sprays a biomaterial into a form of mist toward a substrate; a vacuum cap that is detachably installed on a upper portion of the nebulizer; a distributor that is connected to the vacuum cap with a hose; a vacuum generating module that is connected to the distributor with a hose; a compressor that generates an air pressure in the vacuum generating module; and a controller that is electrically connected to the vacuum generating module and the nebulizer, controlling an output pressure of the vacuum generating module and an action of the nebulizer.