3D Printing Prosthetic Code Database
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is economically challenging for companies and consumers to store, produce, and procure anatomically designed prosthetics and prosthetic enhancements in a timely manner, as existing methods lack efficiency and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a code on a device that can be interpreted to identify a 3D design specification for printing a replacement on a 3D printer, where the code is read by a scanning device and transmitted to a processor, which then directs a 3D printer to produce the new prosthetic, allowing for remote and efficient production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional methods are used to store and produce prosthetics, then companies can maintain inventory, but it becomes economically challenging and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing 3D design specifications in a database before actual production is needed. When a prosthetic replacement is required, the system retrieves the pre-stored design data and transmits it to a 3D printer, eliminating the need for time-consuming design processes during procurement. This allows for rapid production while maintaining inventory efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If anatomically designed prosthetics are produced using traditional methods, then customization is achieved, but storage and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating and storing digital 3D design specifications as virtual copies of prosthetics in a database. Instead of physically storing multiple customized prosthetics in inventory, the system stores their digital representations and only produces physical units when needed. This maintains full customization capability while dramatically reducing storage requirements and inventory costs.
3Loss of time
If replacement prosthetics are produced on-demand, then procurement time is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a centralized database as a mediator between the order receipt and 3D printing processes. The database stores pre-prepared 3D design specifications and acts as an intermediary that receives order information, retrieves appropriate design data, validates it, and transmits it to the 3D printer. This simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing complexity in a manageable database rather than requiring complex real-time processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a code that is interpretable to identify a three-dimensional (3D) design specification by which a replacement for the device can be printed on a 3D printer.