Enhanced Radiopaque Substance for Additive Manufacturing
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A curable radiopaque substance adapted for use in additive manufacturing processes, offering improved layer adhesion and enhanced material properties.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a curable radiopaque substance, but it had limitations in its application in additive manufacturing processes, specifically with regards to layer adhesion. This new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing adaptations that enable the substance to be used effectively in additive manufacturing.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced curable radiopaque substance comprises a polymerization monomer or a mixture of polymerization monomers, and one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of strontium compounds, zirconium compounds, lead compounds, barium compounds, bismuth compounds, and rare earth compounds. The substance is specifically adapted for use in additive manufacturing processes, featuring improved layer adhesion due to its modified composition. The substance can be used in various applications, including the production of materials with high density and Shore hardness, as well as in the fabrication of lenses and other optical components.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce the novel feature of adapting the curable radiopaque substance for use in additive manufacturing processes, which is not disclosed in the original patent. This adaptation, combined with the specific composition of the substance, provides an inventive step over the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include variations in the composition of the substance, such as using different types of polymerization monomers or radiopaque compounds. Additionally, the substance could be adapted for use in other manufacturing processes, such as injection molding or 3D printing.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced curable radiopaque substance has significant commercial potential in the additive manufacturing industry, particularly in the production of high-performance materials and optical components. The target market includes companies involved in the development of advanced materials and manufacturing technologies.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61K6/70 |
| A | A61 | A61K6/847 |
| A | A61 | A61K6/887 |
| C | C08 | C08F220/12 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Dental and medical materials engineering, specifically polymer chemistry and additive manufacturing technologies focused on radiopaque composite substances for medical and dental applications
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A materials scientist or chemical engineer with expertise in polymer chemistry, experience with radiation-curable compositions, knowledge of radiopaque additives, and familiarity with advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that adapting the source patent's radiopaque substance composition for additive manufacturing represents a predictable variation within the known design space of polymer materials. The core chemical composition remains substantially similar, with the primary modification being process-specific optimization for layer-by-layer fabrication techniques. The PTD's claims represent routine engineering adaptations that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner seeking to apply the radiopaque substance in advanced manufacturing contexts.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,649 |
|---|---|
| Title | Curable radiopaque substance |
| Assignee(s) | Merz Dental GmbH |