Reusable Injection Training Model with Inorganic Gel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current injection placement training systems are expensive, non-reusable, and lack realism, with organic ballistic gel materials prone to rotting and limited in simulating a range of anatomies and procedures, failing to provide proper mechanical feedback and varying body types.

Innovation Solution

The development of reusable injection training models using inorganic ballistic gel and 3D-printed anatomical components, allowing for simulation of various anatomical structures and procedures, with clear gel for initial instruction and translucent/opaque materials for a more lifelike experience, and incorporating realistic mechanical feedback through 3D-printed polymeric components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If organic ballistic gel materials are used to simulate human body density, then the model provides realistic tissue simulation, but the model becomes prone to rotting and mold growth within a short time span

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodel durabilityVSAvoidrotting and mold growth

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material composition from organic ballistic gel to inorganic materials (polymer gel, silicone rubber, thermoplastic elastomers). This parameter change in material chemistry eliminates the biological degradation pathways that cause rotting and mold growth while maintaining the desired mechanical properties for tissue simulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material systems combining polymer gel with silicone rubber or thermoplastic elastomers. These composite inorganic materials provide both the tissue-like mechanical properties and the resistance to biological degradation, resolving the contradiction between realism and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of information

If clear gel is used for initial instruction, then the student can view the needle tip position, but the model lacks a lifelike appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of needle tip positionVSAvoidlifelike appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different optical properties to different regions or uses of the same model. Clear gel is used when visualization is the priority (initial instruction), while translucent or opaque materials are used when anatomical realism is the priority (advanced training). This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between visibility and lifelike appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Shape

If poured silicone is used to simulate the epidural space, then the model provides structural simulation, but the model does not properly simulate the mechanical feedback of real-life conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveepidural space simulationVSAvoidmechanical feedback accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameters of the epidural space simulation from poured silicone to air-filled or fluid-filled structures within transparent tubing. This parameter change in material state (from solid-like silicone to compressible air/fluid) accurately replicates the mechanical feedback characteristics of the real epidural space, allowing proper simulation of needle insertion resistance and pressure feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If commercial trainers are used for injection training, then the training system is available, but the system is expensive and tailored to a narrow range of injection procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of injection proceduresVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs training models with interchangeable anatomical subassemblies that can be configured for different injection procedures (lumbar, cervical, pelvic, epidural, spinal). This universal design approach allows a single base model to serve multiple training purposes, increasing adaptability while reducing the need for multiple expensive specialized commercial trainers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the training model into modular segments: a base structure and interchangeable anatomical subassemblies. This segmentation allows flexible reconfiguration for different procedures and anatomies, providing versatility without requiring complete separate systems for each training scenario, thereby reducing overall cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11798433B2Systems and methods for injection placement training

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 A T STILL UNIV

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed for an injection training model that includes a base structure, an anatomical subassembly mechanically secured to the base, and a ballistic gel structure. The anatomical subassembly includes a first set of 3D-printed components manufactured from a first material, and a second set of 3D-printed components manufactured from a second material, wherein the first material has a greater stiffness than the second material. The ballistic gel structure encapsulates the anatomical subassembly and is transparent, repairable, and inorganic.