Electrospun 3D Preform Submould Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrospinning methods are limited to producing substantially flat objects, and there is a demand for three-dimensional preforms that can be used as substrates for growing human or animal tissue or as artificial implants, such as heart valves or T-connections for blood vessels, with uniform fibre layers being difficult to achieve due to the presence of concave surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The method involves subdividing a mould into submoulds with predominantly convex surfaces, applying fibre layers to each submould, and then combining them to form a preform with additional fibre layers, allowing for the creation of three-dimensional objects with uniform fibre coverage, using biologically compatible materials with varying decomposition rates for enhanced strength and tissue integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a single mould with concave surfaces is used for electrospinning, then three-dimensional preforms can be produced, but uniform fibre layer formation is difficult due to extra fibres forming between concave edges
Solution Approach 1:
The mould is divided into multiple submoulds, each having substantially exclusively convex surfaces. By segmenting the original mould with concave surfaces into several convex submoulds, the patent eliminates the problem of extra fibres forming between concave edges while still achieving three-dimensional preform production with uniform fibre layers.
2Productivity
If conventional electrospinning is used on complex three-dimensional surfaces, then production capability is maintained, but fibre layer uniformity deteriorates on concave surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The mould is divided into multiple submoulds, each having substantially exclusively convex surfaces. By segmenting the original mould with concave surfaces into several convex submoulds, the patent eliminates the problem of extra fibres forming between concave edges while still achieving three-dimensional preform production with uniform fibre layers.
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 approach enables the production of complex three-dimensional preforms with uniform fibre layers, which can be used as substrates for tissue growth and as biodegradable implants that can integrate with natural tissue, reducing the need for subsequent surgeries and ensuring long-term natural tissue replacement.
Implementation Method 1
applying at least one fibre layer to the surface of at least one of the submoulds of step a) by electrospinning
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing a preform by means of an electrospinning process. The present invention also relates to the use of the present preform as a substrate for growing human or animal tissue thereon. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for growing human or animal tissue on a substrate, wherein the present preform is used as the substrate.