Methods and apparatus for parametric fabrication
US11179878B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 2019 |
| Grant date | Nov 23, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 16, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC08L5/06
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Multiple colloids or hydrogels may each have a different chemical composition. A printer may extrude the colloids or hydrogels to form a physical object, in such a way that which hydrogel or colloid is deposited—or the amount of each hydrogel or colloid that is deposited—varies as a function of spatial position. Thus, the material composition and material properties of the physical object may vary at different locations. In some cases, physical properties of the structure being fabricated, such as surface roughness and hydrophilicity, are directly related to relative proportions of the materials being deposited and their fabrication processes. In some cases, cells, microorganisms, nutrients or other bioactive materials are embedded in or introduced to the fabricated structure. In some cases, the different materials in different spatial positions in the fabricated object may have different abilities to immobilize, localize, and stabilize specific nutrients and chemical signals.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.