Photon Upconversion Nanocapsules for True 3D Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing technologies are limited by their inability to truly print in three dimensions due to light absorption issues, leading to slow interfacial processes that restrict throughput, practicality, and cost efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of photon upconversion nanocapsules, which contain an upconversion material encapsulated in nanocapsules, allows for the upconversion of light to higher energy wavelengths, enabling precise polymerization within a print volume and facilitating true 3D printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional light-based 3D printing is used, then polymerization occurs at the liquid-solid interface, but light absorption prevents true 3D printing and limits throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy parameter of light by using upconversion nanoparticles that convert low-energy near-infrared light into high-energy visible light. This allows deep penetration of excitation light into the liquid resin while maintaining controlled polymerization only where upconversion occurs, resolving the contradiction between printing speed and controlled polymerization
Solution Approach 2:
The upconversion nanoparticles act as an intermediary that mediates between the low-energy excitation light and the polymerization process. They absorb near-infrared light, convert it to visible light, and then initiate polymerization, enabling true 3D printing without the limitations of direct light absorption by the resin
2Productivity
If upconversion nanocapsules are used for true 3D printing, then printing volume and speed improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the nanocapsule system: the upconversion nanoparticles provide light conversion, the nanocapsule structure provides stability and controlled release, and the polymerizable monomer provides the printing material. This integrated system achieves true 3D printing capability while managing complexity through functional integration
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional 3D printing methods are used, then equipment costs are lower, but printing resolution and precision are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for complex high-precision mechanical positioning systems with an optical solution. The upconversion nanoparticles enable precise polymerization through optical focusing and upconversion localization, substituting mechanical precision requirements with optical control mechanisms
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
This approach allows for controlled polymerization within a print volume, enabling true 3D printing without the need for expensive lasers, thus reducing costs and increasing print speed and volume.
Implementation Method 1
photon upconversion nanocapsules, which contain an upconversion material encapsulated in nanocapsules, allows for the upconversion of light to higher energy wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
enabling precise polymerization within a print volume
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to photon upconversion nanocapsules for 3D printing and other applications. For example, one aspect is generally related to nanocapsules that contain an upconversion material. Light, such as laser light, focused on a region of liquid containing nanocapsules may be upconverted by the upconversion material to produce wavelengths sufficient to cause polymerization of a polymerizable entity to occur. However, in contrast, although other regions may receive some light, that light may not be of sufficient focus or intensity to be upconverted, and thus, the polymerizable entity in those regions would generally not polymerize. In such a fashion, the extent of polymerization can be controlled, for example, by controlling where light is applied to the liquid. The light could be focused at arbitrary regions within the liquid, thus allowing true 3D-printing to occur. In addition, some embodiments of the invention generally relate to systems and methods for making or using such nanocapsules containing upconversion materials, products produced using such materials, kits including such materials, or the like.