Arced Suturing Needle Loader With Cam-Guided Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suturing devices face challenges in efficiently loading suturing needles, particularly in space-limited applications such as minimally invasive surgery, requiring improved and reliable mechanisms for safe and secure needle insertion.
Innovation Solution
A needle loader device with a movable arm and needle mount is designed to releasably attach to an arced suturing needle, featuring an interference fit and locking mechanisms to ensure secure loading into a suturing device, utilizing springs and cam surfaces for precise alignment and indication of completion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a needle loader device is designed for space-limited applications, then the device size is reduced, but the reliability of needle loading becomes more difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The needle loader device is divided into distinct functional components: a needle holder that secures the needle, a movable arm that transfers the needle, and a locking mechanism that ensures secure placement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness, thereby ensuring reliable needle loading in a space-constrained environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle holder is positioned within the housing such that it can be loaded into the needle driver device in a nested manner. The movable arm operates within the confines of the housing, and the entire assembly is designed to fit within minimal spatial envelope. This nesting approach ensures that the compact device maintains all necessary functions for reliable needle loading.
2Extent of automation
If a movable arm mechanism is used for needle transfer, then the loading process becomes more automated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable arm is designed to transition between fixed positions (retracted and extended) to transfer the needle holder. This dynamic mechanism provides automated needle transfer through controlled movement, while the arm's ability to lock in specific positions simplifies the control requirements and reduces overall system complexity compared to continuous motion systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism automatically engages when the movable arm reaches its extended position, securing the needle holder in place without requiring additional actuation. This self-locking feature automates the securing process while minimizing the complexity of control systems, as the mechanism self-regulates based on its position.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a locking mechanism is implemented to secure the needle, then the safety is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates visual indicators that provide feedback to the operator about the loading status. When the needle holder is properly secured by the locking mechanism, the indicator displays a confirmed state. This feedback system ensures safety through reliable locking while maintaining ease of operation by clearly indicating when the loading is complete and correct, eliminating the need for complex manual verification procedures.
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
Facilitates safe and reliable loading of suturing needles into suturing devices, ensuring both ends of the needle are contained within the device, protecting against accidental contact and providing visual and tactile confirmation of successful loading.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to urge against motion of the movable arm as the movable arm moves from the first position to the second position
Implementation Method 2
the needle loader can include a cam surface configured to contact a distal end of the suturing device and cause rotation of the movable arm about the hub
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations of a needle loader and related methods are provided. The needle loader comprises a housing, a movable arm disposed within the housing, and a needle mount defined on the movable arm to releasably attach to an arced suturing needle. The needle loader further includes an arced needle releasably attached to the needle mount. The needle can be held in place on the needle mount by way of an interference fit. The needle mount can be defined on a surface of the movable arm that faces an arced needle track of a suturing device when loading an arced suturing needle in the needle track of the suturing device.