3D Heart Valve Coating With Multi-Axis Precision Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques are inadequate for producing biocompatible three-dimensional objects with complex shapes, such as concave or convex heart patches, ellipsoidal cardiac chambers, and patches for calcaneal ulcers, due to limitations in achieving high dimensional precision and handling surfaces with varying radii of curvature.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a delivery unit and handling unit allowing movement in multiple degrees of freedom, enabling precise deposition and removal of biocompatible fluid substances on a support body to create three-dimensional objects with complex shapes, including surfaces with different radii of curvature, and incorporating a suction and blowing unit for uniform coating thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional spraying techniques are used with a rotating cylindrical support element, then membranes with simple axisymmetric shape can be produced, but complex three-dimensional shapes with varying radii of curvature cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the static rotating cylindrical support into a dynamic system where both the support body and delivery unit can move independently along multiple degrees of freedom. This allows the system to adapt to complex three-dimensional shapes by dynamically adjusting positions and angles, enabling precise deposition on surfaces with varying radii of curvature while maintaining manufacturing precision through coordinated motion control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds multiple spatial dimensions to the deposition system by enabling movement along three independent degrees of freedom for the support body and three for the delivery unit. This six-degree-of-freedom system allows navigation in three-dimensional space, transforming the conventional two-dimensional rotating surface approach into a full three-dimensional positioning system capable of handling complex anatomical shapes
2Manufacturing precision
If the support body rotates about a fixed axis, then constant spraying flow can be maintained for axisymmetric shapes, but complex shapes with non-uniform surfaces cannot be coated uniformly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the fixed-axis rotation with a dynamic positioning system where the support body can move along three degrees of freedom and the delivery unit can independently position itself along three additional degrees of freedom. This allows the system to maintain optimal deposition angles and distances for any surface geometry, ensuring coating uniformity across complex non-axisymmetric shapes through real-time dynamic adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal deposition system that can handle both simple axisymmetric shapes and complex three-dimensional geometries using the same apparatus. The multi-degree-of-freedom positioning system provides multi-functionality, allowing the equipment to adapt to various surface geometries while maintaining consistent coating quality through programmable motion sequences
3Manufacturing precision
If manual or simple automated processes are used, then production of complex three-dimensional objects can be attempted, but high dimensional precision and accurate replication of pre-designed models cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates feedback control through programmable motion sequences that coordinate the six-degree-of-freedom positioning system. The system can replicate pre-designed models with high accuracy by executing predetermined motion paths and deposition parameters, allowing automated production while maintaining dimensional precision through controlled feedback mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables preliminary programming of the deposition process based on pre-designed three-dimensional models. By pre-planning the motion sequences and deposition parameters before production, the system can achieve high model replication accuracy in automated operation, as the complex coordination of multiple degrees of freedom is predetermined and executed automatically
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 production of biocompatible three-dimensional objects with high precision and complex shapes, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by allowing for accurate replication of pre-designed models and automated production processes.
Implementation Method 1
a suction and blowing unit is also provided configured to provide a suction and blowing current arranged to remove from the support body any surplus particles of the biocompatible fluid substance supplied by the or each delivery unit
Implementation Method 2
at least one delivery unit arranged to deliver at least one biocompatible fluid substance towards a support body, also called core, that has a matrix surface, to obtain a coating layer of a predetermined thickness configured for coating the matrix surface
Data Source
AI summary
A method for making a biocompatible three-dimensional heart valve includes delivering, using at least one delivery unit, a biocompatible fluid substance towards a mold having a mold surface to obtain a coating layer of predetermined thickness that coats the mold surface, where the biocompatible fluid substance includes a plurality of particles; handling the mold and the delivery unit to provide a relative movement with at least three degrees of freedom between the mold and the delivery unit, the mold coated with the biocompatible fluid substance that is delivered to obtain a three-dimensional heart valve having a surface corresponding to the mold surface; removing, using a suction and blowing device, from the mold any surplus particles of the biocompatible fluid substance dispensed to make uniform the predetermined thickness of the coating layer; and pressing a counter mold on the coating layer deposited on the mold after delivering the biocompatible fluid substance.