Vacuum Stabilized Particle Impression Device for Orthotics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for taking impressions of anatomical features, such as feet, are inefficient and often require extensive manual shaping and lengthy processing times, limiting the ability to quickly and accurately capture detailed contours for orthotic manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
An impression device with a base and recess containing circular glass beads, sealed by a flexible membrane, uses varying vacuum pressures to stabilize the beads, allowing for precise capture of anatomical features and subsequent 3D scanning and manufacturing of orthotics within a short timeframe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional impression materials and methods are used, then detailed anatomical contours can be captured, but the process requires extensive manual shaping and lengthy processing times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical impression-taking methods with a vacuum-based system. A vacuum source creates negative pressure to draw the flexible membrane with embedded particles conformally against the anatomical feature, eliminating the need for manual shaping and reducing processing time while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses vacuum pressure (pneumatics) to control the formation and stabilization of the particle-membrane assembly. By applying and releasing vacuum pressure, the system能够快速 capture anatomical impressions without extensive manual intervention, directly addressing the time efficiency problem
2Ease of operation
If particles are allowed to move freely in the recess, then they can be easily positioned initially, but they cannot maintain stable impressions under vacuum pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic system where particles can move freely when vacuum pressure is not applied, allowing easy positioning. When vacuum pressure is applied, the flexible membrane constrains the particles, providing stability. This dynamic transition between free movement and constrained stability resolves the contradiction between ease of positioning and stability under vacuum
3Manufacturing precision
If vacuum pressure is applied to stabilize particles, then accurate impressions are captured, but the particles may clump or shift if not properly controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane that encapsulates the particles and conformally contacts the anatomical feature. This flexible shell distributes vacuum pressure uniformly across the particle assembly, preventing clumping and maintaining shape uniformity while enabling accurate impression capture
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 rapid and accurate capture of anatomical feature impressions, facilitating quick orthotic production, including 3D printing or CNC machining, with the ability to adjust consistency for different applications, reducing manual shaping and increasing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source configured to temporarily apply a vacuum pressure to the recess
Implementation Method 2
The first plurality of particles has a first coefficient of friction between each other, the first coefficient of friction selected to allow the particles to move relative to each other in the absence of the vacuum pressure and to prevent the particles from moving relative to each other in the presence of the vacuum pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An impression device has a base having a recess and a conduit for fluidly coupling the recess to a vacuum source configured to temporarily apply a vacuum pressure to the recess. The device has a first plurality of particles positioned in the recess, the first plurality of particles sealed from an external environment and consisting essentially of a plurality of circular glass beads. The device has a flexible membrane coupled to the base adjacent to the first plurality of particles and holding the first plurality of particles in the base. The first plurality of particles has a first coefficient of friction between each other selected to allow the particles to move relative to each other in the absence of the vacuum pressure and to prevent the particles from moving relative to each other in the presence of the vacuum pressure.