Titanium Implant Surface Modification via Low-Density Electron Beam

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing metal surface modification techniques face challenges in uniformly radiating electron beams onto multiple titanium implants concurrently and efficiently, leading to potential deformation and non-uniform treatment due to high energy density and small beam diameter.

Innovation Solution

A metal surface modification apparatus featuring a vacuum chamber, transfer unit, electron gun with low-density energy, and tilting unit with curved holding jigs and a movable base, allowing for simultaneous and uniform irradiation of electron beams across multiple implants, ensuring efficient and uniform surface modification without deforming the implants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If electron beams with small diameter and high energy density are radiated onto implants, then surface modification effectiveness is improved, but implant deformation occurs due to excessive energy concentration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface modification qualityVSAvoidimplant shape

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the energy density parameter by using a large diameter electron beam with low energy density instead of small diameter high energy density beams. This parameter change allows effective surface modification while preventing implant deformation by distributing energy over a larger area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the dimension of beam diameter by using a large diameter electron beam. This dimensional change transforms the energy distribution from concentrated (small diameter) to distributed (large diameter), enabling simultaneous treatment of multiple implants without deformation while maintaining surface modification effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If electron beams are radiated onto multiple implants concurrently, then productivity is improved, but uniformity of energy radiation becomes difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment efficiencyVSAvoiduniformity of surface modification

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a large diameter electron beam that extends in the horizontal direction, adding a spatial dimension to the treatment process. This allows multiple implants arranged horizontally to be treated simultaneously and uniformly by a single broad beam, achieving both high productivity and uniform energy distribution across all implants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The large diameter electron beam serves multiple functions simultaneously: it treats multiple implants concurrently, provides uniform energy distribution across all implants, and eliminates the need for complex positioning systems. This multi-functionality achieves both high productivity and uniformity without requiring separate treatment zones for each implant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If chemical agents are used in aqueous solution treatment, then equipment complexity is reduced, but residual chemical agents remain on implants causing potential harm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment simplicityVSAvoidchemical agent residue

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical treatment system (aqueous solution with chemical agents) with a physical electron beam system. This substitution eliminates chemical agents entirely while providing effective surface modification through physical energy input, removing the harmful residue issue while maintaining treatment effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a vacuum environment for electron beam treatment, replacing the chemical-rich aqueous solution environment. This inert vacuum atmosphere eliminates the presence of harmful chemical agents while allowing the electron beam to effectively modify implant surfaces without contamination or residue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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-quality, efficient surface modification of titanium implants with reduced risk of deformation, achieving uniform treatment and improved corrosion and abrasion resistance without the need for chemical agents.

Implementation Method 1

modifying the surfaces of titanium implants made of a titanium alloy by radiating electron beams onto the titanium implant surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron beam radiation: Electron Beam

Implementation Method 2

a solenoid configured to generate a magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS10115560B2Apparatus for modifying surfaces of titanium implants made of titanium alloy

Publication Date: 2018.10.30 SODICK CO LTD

AI summary

A metal surface modification apparatus having a tilting unit includes holding jigs having respective lower parts having curved surfaces to hold the implants; a movable holding base provided with a plurality of receiving depressions to have curved surfaces corresponding to the curved surfaces of the lower parts; and a stationary pushing plate disposed on the movable holding base to cover the movable holding base, and configured to be moved relative to the movable holding base and to have a plurality of through holes positioned to face the receiving depressions.