Barbed Suture Packaging Segmentation and Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packaging barbed sutures is challenging due to entanglement and potential damage from excessive force, as the barbs can become tangled with each other or flattened, reducing their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A suture package with a suture retaining member and a cover that includes inwardly extending tabs and a needle retaining area with openings, preventing entanglement and damage by securely holding the suture without flattening the barbs, using a combination of polymer and paper materials with specific configurations for secure engagement and easy loading/unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If barbed sutures are packaged in conventional packages, then the package structure is simple, but the sutures become entangled and barbs are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The package is divided into distinct functional zones: a suture receiving area with spaced-apart walls to prevent entanglement, and a separate needle receiving area. The suture retaining member includes multiple structural elements (walls, tabs, protrusions) that segment the packaging space to accommodate different suture configurations without entanglement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is received within the outer wall of the suture retaining member, creating a nested structure. The suture is retained within the suture retaining area defined by the inner and outer walls, with the needle separately received in the needle retaining area, allowing compact packaging while maintaining suture integrity.
2Ease of operation
If force is applied to untangle barbed sutures, then the suture can be removed, but the barbs become damaged or flattened
Solution Approach 1:
The suture is pre-positioned in a specific configuration within the suture retaining area during packaging, with the body portion loosely coiled and barbs oriented in a specific direction. This preliminary arrangement allows the suture to be removed without entanglement and without requiring force that could damage the barbs.
Solution Approach 2:
The spaced-apart inner and outer walls act as intermediaries that maintain separation between different portions of the barbed suture, preventing the barbs from contacting and entangling with each other during storage and removal.
3Reliability
If the package securely retains the suture, then entanglement is prevented, but the barbs may be flattened by excessive constraint
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the package provide different levels of constraint: the suture receiving area has spaced-apart walls that prevent entanglement while allowing natural suture configuration, whereas the needle receiving area provides more secure retention. The protrusions with slots provide localized secure retention only where needed for the needle, not the entire suture length.
Solution Approach 2:
The package structure is designed to cushion and protect the barbed suture from damage during packaging and storage. The spaced-apart walls and specific retention features protect the barbs from flattening or damage while still securing the suture in place.
Data Source
AI summary
A suture package for retaining a barbed suture is provided. The suture package includes a suture retaining member including an outer wall and an inner wall. The inner wall is radially spaced from the outer wall and defines a suture retaining area therebetween. The inner wall defines a needle retaining area and includes at least one opening therein to permit reception of at least one suture therethrough. The outer wall includes a plurality of inwardly extending tabs configured to engage a cover. The suture package further includes a cover configured to be received within the outer wall of the suture retaining member and to selectively engage the inwardly extending tabs formed thereon.