Hydrogel Composition Shear Thinning for Tissue Model Manufacturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manufacturing of tissue models using high concentration polyvinyl alcohol solutions requires excessive energy and increases the risk of nozzle clogging, leading to higher maintenance times and costs due to increased viscosity and elasticity, which complicates maintaining a constant discharge amount.

Innovation Solution

A hydrogel composition comprising polyvinyl alcohol and a pseudoplastic compound, such as xanthan gum, is used, allowing for a shear rate of 0.01 to 300 sec−1 during the discharge process to reduce viscosity and prevent clogging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If high concentration polyvinyl alcohol solution is used to increase viscosity and elasticity similar to actual tissue, then the tissue model can achieve suitable mechanical properties, but the energy required to discharge the solution increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviscosity and elasticity of hydrogel compositionVSAvoidenergy required to discharge polyvinyl alcohol solution

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a pseudoplastic compound that alters the viscosity characteristics of the polyvinyl alcohol solution. The solution exhibits shear-thinning behavior where viscosity decreases at higher shear rates during discharge, allowing easy flow through the dispenser while maintaining high viscosity and elasticity in the static tissue model state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining polyvinyl alcohol with a pseudoplastic compound (such as xanthan gum, carrageenan, or guar gum). This composite hydrogel composition achieves both the desired mechanical properties (viscosity and elasticity similar to actual tissue) and improved discharge characteristics due to the synergistic effects of the two materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If high concentration polyvinyl alcohol solution is used to increase viscosity and elasticity, then the tissue model can achieve suitable mechanical properties, but the possibility of nozzle clogging increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviscosity and elasticity of hydrogel compositionVSAvoidclogging of nozzles or needles

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the pseudoplastic properties of the compound to create shear-thinning behavior. During discharge through the nozzle, the high shear rate reduces the solution viscosity, preventing clogging. Once discharged and stationary, the solution recovers its high viscosity and elasticity, achieving the desired tissue-like mechanical properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If high concentration polyvinyl alcohol solution is used to maintain suitable viscosity, then the tissue model can achieve appropriate mechanical properties, but maintenance time and costs increase due to constant discharge amount control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviscosity of hydrogel compositionVSAvoidmaintenance time for constant discharge amount

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a pseudoplastic compound that provides shear-thinning behavior. The solution viscosity dynamically adjusts based on shear rate, allowing consistent discharge through the dispenser without requiring frequent maintenance adjustments. This reduces the time and cost associated with maintaining constant discharge amounts.

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 approach reduces the time and cost of manufacturing tissue models while maintaining suitable viscosity, preventing nozzle clogging, and improving the solubility of polyvinyl alcohol, thus enhancing the manufacturing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a pseudoplastic compound, such as xanthan gum, is used, allowing for a shear rate of 0.01 to 300 sec−1 during the discharge process to reduce viscosity and prevent clogging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPseudoplasticity: Shear Thinning

Implementation Method 2

the viscosity and elasticity of the hydrogel composition similar to the viscosity and elasticity of the actual tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11814511B2Hydrogel composition, tissue model, and manufacturing method for tissue model

Publication Date: 2023.11.14 TOHOKU UNIV

AI summary

A hydrogel composition, a tissue model, and a method of manufacturing the tissue model by which time and cost for manufacturing the tissue model can be reduced while the viscosity of the tissue model can be suitably maintained is provided. A hydrogel composition is used for a tissue model and comprises a polyvinyl alcohol and a pseudoplastic compound. A tissue model comprises the hydrogel composition. A manufacturing method for a tissue model comprises a step of preparing a solution including a polyvinyl alcohol and a pseudoplastic compound, and a step of discharging the solution into a mold of the tissue model at a shear rate of 0.01 to 300 sec−1.