Automated Cog-Forming Knife for Surgical Thread Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for forming cogs on surgical threads are inefficient and low in quality due to manual processing, which decreases productivity and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a bobbin, tension rolls, friction rolls, a push lever, and a cog-forming knife that automatically forms cogs on surgical threads with adjustable settings for angle and depth, allowing for precise and efficient production of cogs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual cutting method is used to form cogs on surgical thread, then device complexity is low, but productivity is extremely decreased and manufacturing precision is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical cutting system with an automated apparatus that uses a rotating knife blade mechanism. The surgical thread is fed through a guide, and the knife blade rotates to automatically cut cogs at predetermined intervals, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining mechanical simplicity in the automated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus enables self-service automation where the system feeds itself through the surgical thread and automatically performs the cutting operation without human intervention. The rotating knife blade self-adjusts to cut cogs at the correct positions and angles, making the process autonomous and repeatable.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual cutting method is used to form cogs on surgical thread, then manufacturing cost is high, but manufacturing precision is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces imprecise manual cutting with a mechanical rotating knife system that ensures consistent cut depth, angle, and positioning. The guided rotation of the knife blade against the surgical thread produces uniform cogs with precise dimensions and consistent spacing, significantly improving manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus allows for controlled parameter changes in the cutting process, including adjustment of the rotation speed, feed rate, and knife blade angle. These controllable parameters enable precise control over the cog dimensions and spacing, ensuring high manufacturing precision that varies minimally between production batches.
3Productivity
If automated apparatus is used to form cogs on surgical thread, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential functions needed for automated cog formation: a thread guide system, a rotating knife blade mechanism, and a feed mechanism. By removing unnecessary components and focusing on these core functions, the apparatus achieves automation and improved productivity without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed with multi-functionality, where the rotating knife blade serves both as the cutting element and as a guide for the surgical thread. The same mechanism that feeds the thread also positions it for cutting, reducing the number of separate components needed and simplifying the overall device structure.
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 apparatus significantly improves productivity and quality by enabling automated cog formation, reducing production costs and enabling mass production of high-quality surgical threads with varied cog shapes.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of friction rolls (300) through which the suture thread (100) passes to be discharged toward an output side by being pulled
Implementation Method 2
a push lever (330) which temporally fixes the suture thread (100) moved toward the output side by the friction rolls (300)
Implementation Method 3
a cog-forming knife (400) which simultaneously rotates and moves forward toward the suture thread (100) fixed by the push lever (330), obliquely moves to the left or right, and forms a cut in an inclined shape on a surface of the suture thread (100)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an an apparatus for forming cogs on a surgical thread, comprising: a bobbin having a suture thread wound thereonto; first and second tension rolls for maintaining, at regular tensions, the suture thread unwound from the bobbin; a pair of friction rolls for drawing the suture thread and allowing the suture thread to pass through so as to be discharged through an outgoing side; a tension plate operating up and down, for temporarily fixing the suture thread being discharged through the outgoing side by the friction roll; and a cog-forming knife for forming cogs by rotating and simultaneously moving forward toward the suture thread fixed by the tension plate and also obliquely moving to the left or the right so as to make oblique cuts on the surface of the suture thread.