Multi-Ink 3D Printhead Extrusion for High Resolution Bio-Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bio-printing techniques struggle to achieve high precision and resolution for creating complex biological tissue structures due to limitations in nozzle diameter and increased shear stress, which affects cell viability and complicates the printing process.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional printing method and device using an ink extruding member with an ink receiving part and extruding part, applying pressure to extrude inks through a single passage, allowing for precise printing of complex structures with reduced shear stress by using a single nozzle for multiple inks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a nozzle with small diameter is used to increase printing resolution, then manufacturing precision is improved, but shear stress on cells increases and cell viability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting resolutionVSAvoidshear stress on cells

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the ink supply system into multiple independent channels, each with its own larger-diameter nozzle. Multiple nozzles work in parallel to achieve the resolution of a single small nozzle without the associated shear stress problems. This segmentation allows each nozzle to maintain larger diameter while collectively achieving fine printing resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple ink channels into a single printing head assembly, where multiple nozzles function together as one integrated system. This merging allows the system to leverage the advantages of multiple larger nozzles (reduced shear stress) while achieving the resolution equivalent of a single small nozzle through coordinated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple heads containing multiple materials are used to print with multiple inks, then printing capability is improved, but device complexity and printing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-ink printing capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a single printing head that can handle multiple ink channels, making the head universally capable of printing with different materials. This multi-functional head reduces the need for multiple specialized heads while maintaining the ability to print with multiple inks, thereby simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple ink supply channels into a single integrated printing head assembly. This combination allows the system to achieve multi-ink printing capability without requiring separate heads for each material, thus reducing device complexity and streamlining the printing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple heads containing multiple materials are used to print with multiple inks, then printing capability is improved, but printing process time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-ink printing capabilityVSAvoidprinting process time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple ink channels into a single printing head that operates in unison. This merging enables simultaneous or coordinated deposition of multiple materials in a single pass, eliminating the need for sequential printing with separate heads and thereby reducing overall printing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous printing action by having multiple ink channels operate simultaneously within a single head. This continuity eliminates idle time between material changes that would occur with multiple separate heads, maintaining productive action throughout the printing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 high-precision printing of biological tissues with complex cross-sectional structures while minimizing shear stress on cells, reducing printing time, and simplifying the system compared to multiple-head methods.

Implementation Method 1

applying pressure to extrude inks through a single passage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

minimizing shear stress on cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShear stress: Shear Stress

Data Source

PatentEP3453523B1Method for supplying inks for three-dimensional printing, and three-dimensional printing method using same

Publication Date: 2026.03.25 T&R BIOFAB CO LTD

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a method of filling different two-kinds of multiple inks into an ink extruding member for a three-dimensional print and a method of three-dimensional printing using the filled ink, and relates to a three-dimensional printing method using multiple inks comprising a step of applying pressure to the retained multiple inks and extruding it into a single extruding port of the extruding part to prepare an ink extruded product and printing the ink extruded product.