Enhanced Curable Radiopaque Substances for 3D Printing
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This invention introduces a series of direct improvements and enhancements to curable radiopaque substances, enabling faster, safer, and more efficient production of materials with improved optical properties for various applications.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a curable radiopaque substance with limitations in terms of print speed, shelf life, and radiopacity. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing novel compositions, methods, and systems that enhance the performance of the curable substance in 3D printing applications.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept comprises four key aspects: (1) a system for producing curable and radiopaque materials using 3D printing devices, (2) a method for enhancing radiopacity by mixing with rare earth compounds and exposing to radiation, (3) a curable substance with improved shelf life due to the addition of a UV stabilizer, and (4) a system for optimizing print speed by adjusting viscosity and printing parameters. These innovations enable the production of materials with improved optical properties, faster print speeds, and enhanced radiopacity.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel combinations of compounds, methods, and systems that improve upon the original patent's limitations. Specifically, the use of rare earth compounds, UV stabilizers, and optimized print speed parameters constitutes a non-obvious and innovative step forward in the field of curable radiopaque substances.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include the use of different rare earth compounds, varying the concentration of UV stabilizers, or incorporating additional additives to further enhance the performance of the curable substance. Variations may also involve adapting the system and method for use in different 3D printing technologies or applications.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced curable radiopaque substances and related systems and methods have significant commercial potential in the dental, medical, and industrial 3D printing markets, where the demand for high-performance materials with improved optical properties is growing.
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 science, specifically polymer chemistry focused on curable radiopaque substances for medical and dental applications, involving expertise in monomer chemistry, radiation curing, and additive manufacturing technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A materials scientist or chemical engineer with advanced degree, specialized knowledge in polymer chemistry, experience with radiation-curable compositions, familiar with 3D printing technologies and medical material formulation techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core technology, involving standard optimization techniques such as adding stabilizers, exploring compound variations, and adapting manufacturing processes that are well-known in polymer and medical materials engineering.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,649 |
|---|---|
| Title | Curable radiopaque substance |
| Assignee(s) | Merz Dental GmbH |