Optical Allograft Layout and Laser Cutting for Irregular Tissue Blanks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Allografts derived from irregularly shaped tissue blanks often result in excessive waste due to non-optimal cutting methods, as existing technologies fail to efficiently determine and utilize the optimal perimeter of these tissues for cutting.
Innovation Solution
An allograft optimization system utilizing an optical system and computer program to determine the outer perimeter of irregularly shaped tissue blanks, which guides a cutting implement, such as a laser, to cut allografts in an optimized array pattern, minimizing waste and prioritizing high-priority orders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If traditional cutting methods are used on irregularly shaped tissue blanks, then the cutting process is simple, but excessive tissue waste occurs due to non-optimal utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing an image of the tissue blank, determining its outer perimeter, and calculating an optimized cutting pattern before actual cutting occurs. This pre-planning allows the system to maximize tissue utilization by arranging allografts in an optimal pattern that fits the irregular shape, thereby minimizing waste while maintaining cutting accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical measurement and layout methods with an optical system and computer processing. Instead of manually measuring and marking the tissue blank, the system uses image capture, digital perimeter detection, and algorithmic pattern optimization to determine the cutting path, substituting mechanical operations with optical and computational processes
2Productivity
If an optimized cutting pattern is implemented, then tissue utilization is maximized, but the cutting process requires complex optical and computational systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into a unified platform: the optical system serves both for imaging and perimeter detection, the computer performs both pattern optimization and cutting path generation, and the cutting implement follows digitally defined paths. This multi-functionality achieves high tissue utilization efficiency while consolidating complexity into an integrated system rather than separate components
3Manufacturing precision
If manual cutting methods are used, then the equipment is simple, but the cutting precision and pattern optimization are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual measurement and marking with optical image capture and digital perimeter detection, eliminating human error in identifying the tissue boundaries. The computer calculates the precise optimized pattern based on the actual measured perimeter, ensuring cutting precision that matches the true outer boundary of the irregular tissue blank
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the tissue blank's outer perimeter through image capture and processing. This digital representation is then used to plan and execute the cutting pattern with high precision, allowing the physical cutting implement to follow an exact digital blueprint that maximizes tissue utilization while maintaining accuracy
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
The system effectively reduces tissue waste by optimizing the cutting of allografts from irregularly shaped tissue blanks, ensuring efficient utilization and minimizing excess material loss while maintaining the integrity of the tissue.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system to determine the outer perimeter of a tissue blank for allograft cutting therefrom
Implementation Method 2
A cutting implement may be a laser
Implementation Method 3
A cutting implement may be a laser and the laser may be configured for cutting through the specific type and thickness of tissue
Implementation Method 4
An exemplary cutting implement may produce a jet of water
Data Source
AI summary
An allograft optimization system utilizes an optical system to determine the outer perimeter of a tissue blank for allograft cutting therefrom. The optical system determines an optimal allograft array pattern that can be derived from the irregular tissue blank and may include a plurality of various allograft shapes and sizes. A computer operates an allograft optimization computer program that receives input regarding the outer perimeter of the tissue blank. A cutting implement, such as a laser, is configured to cut the allografts from the irregularly shaped tissue blank according the allograft array pattern. The cutting implement is automatically actuated by an actuator with respect to the tissue blank to cut the allografts therefrom. The cutting implement may be a laser or a galvo laser that is directed by one or more mirrors. The tissue may be birth tissue including placental tissue and amnion.