Alpha-Shape Suture Locking Member Friction Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suture locking devices face challenges in securely locking sutures due to insufficient frictional forces, leading to potential disconnection and instability, especially when used in delicate biological tissues.
Innovation Solution
A suture locking device featuring a pressing tube with a hollow portion and an elastic locking member in an α-shape configuration, where a loop portion is inserted into the tube, generating increased friction by deforming and pressing against the tube's inner surface, effectively locking the suture in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional suture locking device is used, then the structure is simple, but the frictional force is insufficient leading to potential disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is inserted into the pressing tube, with the loop portion containing the suture thread. This nested configuration allows the pressing tube to compress the locking member against the suture, generating sufficient frictional force for secure locking while maintaining a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed with elastic material that can dynamically adjust its shape. When the pressing tube compresses the locking member, it deforms to increase contact area and friction with the suture. The elastic properties allow the locking member to maintain constant pressing force on the suture throughout the locking process.
2Reliability
If dimension tolerances are not controlled, then manufacturing is easier, but the frictional force becomes inconsistent leading to unreliable fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is made from elastic material that can change its physical state through deformation. This allows the system to compensate for dimension tolerances in the pressing tube and locking member manufacturing, as the elastic deformation adjusts the contact pressure to maintain consistent frictional force on the suture regardless of minor dimensional variations.
3Reliability
If the locking member is made rigid, then the structure is stable, but it cannot generate sufficient frictional force on the suture
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is constructed from elastic material that can flex and deform under compression from the pressing tube. This flexibility allows the locking member to conform to the suture and increase contact area, generating sufficient frictional force for secure locking while maintaining adequate structural strength through the elastic properties of the material.
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
The device provides a stable and secure locking mechanism that maintains the suture in place with a consistent frictional force, preventing disconnection and deformation, regardless of dimension tolerances, ensuring reliable fixation during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the pressing tube being configured to press the loop portion to an inner peripheral side of the pressing tube towards the longitudinal axis, so that the thread is pulled from the proximal side towards the intersection portion in the inner space of the loop portion and the thread is locked to the loop portion
Implementation Method 2
a locking member having elasticity, the locking member including: a loop portion forming a proximal end of the locking member, and formed in an α-shape when viewed from a width direction
Data Source
AI summary
A locking member of a suture locking device includes a loop portion formed in an α-shape when viewed from a width direction, and a pair of extensions extending from the loop portion towards a distal side, and an intersection portion in which the pair of extensions intersect is formed at a distal end of the loop portion. The loop portion is inserted into the hollow portion from the distal side with the thread being inserted through an inner space of loop portion, and the thread is pulled from a proximal side towards the intersection portion in the inner space of the loop portion so that the thread is locked to the loop portion.