Hydrogel 3D Printing via Layered Curing for Tissue Models

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for forming three-dimensional objects, particularly organ models with complex internal structures like blood vessels and tumors, face challenges in reproducing fine details and maintaining structural integrity, making it difficult to produce accurate and durable models for medical training and other applications.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional object producing method using a hydrogel precursor liquid that includes a multifunctional monomer, water, an organic solvent, a layered mineral, and a polymerization initiator, which is cured in layers to form a hydrogel with varying elastic modulus regions, allowing for the creation of complex structures with improved durability and realism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional molding methods are used to produce organ models, then manufacturing process is simple, but manufacturing precision and ability to reproduce fine structures is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to reproduce fine structuresVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The organ model is constructed layer by layer through sequential deposition of liquid material that is cured between layers. This layered segmentation enables precise reproduction of fine structures while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through automated layer-by-layer processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conventional mechanical molding process is replaced with a photochemical curing process. Liquid material is deposited and then cured using light or other energy sources, eliminating the need for complex mechanical molds while achieving superior fine structure reproduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If single-material three-dimensional objects are produced, then manufacturing process is simple, but ability to mimic real tissue properties is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to mimic real tissue propertiesVSAvoidmaterial composition complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the organ model are assigned different materials with distinct elastic moduli to mimic the heterogeneous mechanical properties of real tissues. This local differentiation enables realistic tissue representation while using a systematic multi-material deposition approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses multiple materials with different mechanical properties (different elastic moduli) to construct the three-dimensional object. These composite materials are deposited in a controlled manner to create regions with varying tissue-like properties, enhancing realism without requiring overly complex material systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Manufacturing precision

If complex fine structures are produced using current methods, then structural detail is improved, but structural integrity and durability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefine structure reproductionVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Each layer is cured immediately after deposition to create a solidified foundation before the next layer is added. This preliminary curing action ensures that fine structures maintain their shape and structural integrity throughout the multi-layer construction process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The material transitions from a liquid state during deposition (allowing fine detail formation) to a solid cured state (providing structural strength). This parameter change through photochemical curing enables both fine structure reproduction and structural integrity to be achieved

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method enables the efficient and precise production of complex fine three-dimensional objects with regions of different elastic moduli, closely mimicking the properties of real tissues, enhancing the accuracy and realism of organ models for medical training and other applications.

Implementation Method 1

a first step of forming a film by delivering a first liquid as a hydrogel precursor including at least a multifunctional monomer; and a second step of curing the film formed in the first step

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolymerization: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS10557018B2Three-dimensional object forming liquid, three-dimensional object forming liquid set, three-dimensional object producing method, and three-dimensional object

Publication Date: 2020.02.11 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a three-dimensional object producing method, including: a first step of forming a film by delivering a first liquid as a hydrogel precursor including at least a multifunctional monomer; and a second step of curing the film formed in the first step, wherein the first step and the second step are repeated a plurality of times.