Sterile 3D Printer Housing for Biochemical Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional printing technologies face challenges in maintaining sterile conditions during the formation or coating of objects with biochemical materials, making it difficult to assemble and operate the required apparatuses reliably and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A disposable three-dimensional printing device with a sterilizable printer housing, capable of single-use applications, equipped with multiple printing heads and a precise positioning system, including pneumatic and magnetic actuators, and aseptic connectors for sterile fluid transfer, allowing for reliable and easy formation or coating of materials under sterile conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reusable three-dimensional printing device is used, then the device can be reused multiple times, but it requires complex sterilization procedures and assembly under sterile conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by making the entire printer assembly single-use. The printer is packaged in a sterile state and intended to be used once then discarded, eliminating the need for repeated sterilization procedures and complex assembly under sterile conditions. This resolves the contradiction by sacrificing reusability to achieve simpler sterilization (none needed after initial sterile packaging) and easier operation.
2Reliability
If sterilization procedures are implemented for the printer, then sterile conditions are maintained, but the assembly and operation become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-sterilizing the printer assembly before use and packaging it in a sterile state. The printer is sterilized using methods such as gamma irradiation, autoclaving, or chemical sterilants, and then sealed in sterile packaging. This allows the printer to be ready for immediate use under sterile conditions without requiring complex assembly procedures at the time of operation, thus maintaining sterility while simplifying ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple printing heads are used for different materials, then printing versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing the printer to accommodate multiple printing heads that can be configured based on the specific application needs. The printer can be equipped with one or more printing heads suitable for different materials and techniques (extrusion, spray deposition, granular material binding, photopolymerization, etc.). This allows the device to perform multiple functions and handle various materials while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as the printing heads are modular and can be selected or combined as needed.
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 reliable and efficient formation or coating of three-dimensional objects under sterile conditions, ensuring the maintenance of sterility and precision in the printing process, which is crucial for biochemical applications.
Implementation Method 1
The interior of the printer housing enclosing the printer assembly can be filled with a homogenous or heterogeneous gas mixture such as compressed air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or other mixtures and can be vented to the exterior utilizing a venting filter, preferably a sterilizing grade vent filter
Implementation Method 2
The printing heads are adapted for the deposition of the materials onto a printing platform or printing tray or any object located thereon. Other appropriate printing material may be used for coat two dimensional or three dimensional objects
Implementation Method 3
The aseptic connector can additionally comprise a thermoplastic tubing, which can be heat-connected in a sterile manner to a complementary aseptic connector. The heat-connection can be performed by at least one of welding, ultrasonic welding, partial melting and gluing with a thermoplastic glue
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3F
AI summary
One aspect relates to a three dimensional printing device (10) comprising a sterilizable printer assembly (3) including at least one printing head (36, 38, 40), a printing platform (32), and a driving mechanism adapted to perform a movement of the at least one printing head relative to the printing platform along three degrees of freedom; a printer housing (5) enclosing the printer assembly in a sterile manner, at least one aseptic connector fluidly connected to a corresponding one of the at least one printing head. Another aspect relates to a printing system comprising the three dimensional printing device. Another aspect relates to a printing method.