Radiopaque 3D Printing Materials with Customizable Optical Properties
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The invention relates to a novel system of curable radiopaque substances tailored for 3D printing, allowing for the production of customized optical components with tunable radiopacity, mechanical strength, and thermal stability.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a curable radiopaque substance for producing materials. However, these substances have limitations in terms of their optical properties, mechanical strength, and thermal stability. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a system of customizable radiopaque substances for 3D printing, enabling the creation of complex internal structures and tailored optical performance.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept comprises a system of curable radiopaque substances, methods for generating these substances with tunable radiopacity, and a digital data model for designing and printing customized radiopaque optical components. The substances can be formulated to produce a gradient of radiopacity within a single printed object, allowing for complex internal structures. The system integrates real-time simulation of radiopacity and optical performance, enabling the creation of customized optical components with tailored properties.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in the field of radiopaque materials by enabling customization of optical properties, mechanical strength, and thermal stability through the use of novel combinations of strontium and zirconium compounds, and digital data models for design and printing. These advancements provide a significant improvement over the original patent, which did not disclose such customization capabilities.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different rare earth compounds, varying concentrations of strontium and zirconium compounds, or the integration of additional materials to further enhance the optical and mechanical properties of the radiopaque substances.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the fields of additive manufacturing, medical devices, and optical components. The ability to create customized radiopaque optical components with tailored properties could revolutionize the production of medical implants, diagnostic tools, and optical instruments, opening up new market opportunities and revenue streams.
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 for radiopaque substances used in additive manufacturing and medical applications, requiring expertise in organic chemistry, materials engineering, and 3D printing technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A materials scientist or chemical engineer with advanced degree, experience in polymer formulation, knowledge of radiopaque compounds, and familiarity with 3D printing techniques for medical and dental applications
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD represents a predictable extension of the source patent's teachings by applying known techniques of material customization to the existing radiopaque substance framework. The combination of strontium and zirconium compounds with 3D printing methodology represents an obvious variation that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize radiopaque materials for specific applications.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,649 |
|---|---|
| Title | Curable radiopaque substance |
| Assignee(s) | Merz Dental GmbH |