Handheld 3D Bioprinter Plastic Nozzle and Wireless Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld 3D printing devices for surgical biofabrication face reliability and consistency issues due to temperature sensitivity of reagent viscosity, limited freedom of movement, and high costs associated with titanium nozzles, which are not suitable for volume manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A handheld 3D printing apparatus with a housing, reagent container support arrangements, an electric drive train, and an electronic control circuit to control extrusion of radiation curable reagents, featuring a nozzle with a co-extrusion tip and an integrated UV light source for curing, allowing for improved control and cost-effective production using plastic injection molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a 3D printed titanium nozzle is used, then the device achieves reliable extrusion, but the manufacturing cost increases and volume manufacturing becomes unsuitable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive 3D printed titanium nozzle with a disposable plastic nozzle that can be inexpensive mass-produced through injection molding. The nozzle is designed as a single-use component that is discarded after one procedure, eliminating the need for costly manufacturing processes while maintaining functional reliability during its service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from titanium to plastic, and the manufacturing method from 3D printing to injection molding. This parameter change enables volume manufacturing through standardized molds while keeping individual nozzle costs low, resolving the contradiction between reliability and manufacturing cost.
2Ease of operation
If cable connections are used for foot pedal and control interface, then the device achieves controlled operation, but the surgeon's freedom of movement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cable connections with wireless communication technology. The foot pedal and control interface communicate with the handheld device through wireless signals (such as Bluetooth or other wireless protocols), eliminating physical cables and enabling the surgeon to move freely while maintaining precise control over the extrusion process.
3Device complexity
If temperature control is not implemented, then the device structure is simplified, but the viscosity and flow rate of reagents become inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature control to maintain reagent viscosity and flow rate consistency. By actively controlling the temperature of the reagents or the extrusion system, the patent ensures that material properties remain stable throughout the procedure, resolving the reliability issue while accepting the necessary increase in system complexity.
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 apparatus provides reliable and consistent extrusion of biocompatible materials, enhancing freedom of movement and reducing costs through the use of plastic nozzles, while ensuring precise control over reagent flow and curing, facilitating efficient surgical biofabrication.
Implementation Method 1
a UV light source is used to cross-link the hydrogels immediately after extrusion to form a stable structure that encapsulates and supports the stem cells
Implementation Method 2
an electric drive train arrangement configured to drive a reagent piston into a distal end of the reagent container
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D~1E
AI summary
A handheld 3D printing apparatus for printing biocompatible materials including stem cells for performing in-situ surgical repairs and comprises one UV curable reagent container and one cell supporting reagent container which are co-axially extruded from a tip and cured to perform in-situ repairs. The extruded material comprises a core material protected by a shell material. The reagents are driven from the containers using an electronic drive train at a constant rate.