Gradient Printing Reservoir for Tissue Engineering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing systems are unable to generate in situ gradients of mechanical properties or functions during dispensing pressure using a single filled cartridge without additional tools or equipment.
Innovation Solution
A reservoir or cartridge system that allows for the simultaneous extrusion of two individual material blocks, creating a material gradient through laminar flow and a U-profile, enabling gradient printing without the need for complex modifications to existing 3D printers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If co-printing approaches from separate cartridges are used, then multilayer constructs or concentration patterns can be achieved, but device complexity increases due to multiple cartridges and material flow control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is divided into separate material blocks (first material block and second material block) that can be independently filled and stored. This segmentation allows different materials to be kept separate until dispensing, where they then mix in a controlled manner to create gradients, thus achieving gradient printing capability without requiring complex external mixing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple material storage and dispensing functions into a single cartridge unit. The first and second material blocks are both contained within one cartridge, eliminating the need for separate cartridges and their associated flow control systems. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining gradient printing capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If combined cartridges with mixing unit are used, then gradient materials can be extruded, but installation requires financial investment and modifications to existing systems
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is designed to be self-contained with all necessary components for gradient material extrusion integrated within the cartridge itself. The mixing and gradient formation occur automatically during dispensing through the interaction of the two material blocks, eliminating the need for external mixing units or modifications to existing printer systems. The cartridge serves itself by containing both materials and the mechanism for their controlled mixing.
3Ease of operation
If Y-connector or T-mixer is installed, then material flow from multiple cartridges can be controlled, but financial investment and system modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The single cartridge design is universally compatible with existing 3D printing systems that can handle standard cartridges. By integrating multiple material blocks and gradient formation capability into one universal cartridge unit, the invention eliminates the need for specialized Y-connectors or T-mixers, allowing the system to work with existing printers without additional equipment or modifications.
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
Enables the creation of adjustable gradient features useful for tissue engineering applications, such as the tendon/bone interface, without requiring modifications to existing 3D printing systems, thus saving costs and simplifying handling.
Implementation Method 1
the reservoir is configured to dispense the content from the reservoir through the outlet by pressurising the content in the interior space of the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
The laminar flow during extrusion provided a U-profile and, thus, created a gradual mixing of the materials
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a reservoir for gradient printing. The present invention further relates to a method of dispensing a content from a reservoir. The present invention also relates to different uses of the reservoir.