Double-Ended Needle Suturing Device with Automatic Jaw Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suturing instruments are difficult to use, lack precision, and pose safety risks, particularly during abdominal closure procedures, leading to increased operating room time and potential needle injuries.
Innovation Solution
A suturing device with a built-in needle-transfer mechanism using rotatable wheels that alternately lock and release a double-ended needle, allowing for one-handed operation and synchronized needle transfer without additional switches, enhancing precision and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing suturing instruments are used, then the suturing function is provided, but the device is difficult to use and lacks precision
Solution Approach 1:
The needle transfer mechanism automatically transfers the needle between jaws using the closing motion itself, without requiring manual intervention or additional controls. The system serves itself by converting the jaw closing action into automatic needle transfer, eliminating the need for separate transfer operations and improving both ease of use and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the needle transfer function with the jaw closing function into a single integrated mechanism. The rotatable wheels and locking mechanisms are merged with the jaw structure, so that one action (closing jaws) performs dual functions (clamping tissue and transferring needle), simplifying operation while maintaining precision
2Productivity
If manual needle transfer is used, then the device structure is simple, but the suturing process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is pre-loaded into the first jaw before the suturing process begins. The automatic transfer mechanism is pre-configured with the rotatable wheels and locking devices in position, so that when the jaw closing motion occurs, the needle transfer happens automatically without requiring intermediate manual operations, thereby increasing suturing speed
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable wheels act as intermediary elements between the jaw closing motion and the needle transfer function. These wheels convert the linear closing motion into rotational motion that drives the needle from one jaw to the other, adding mechanical complexity but enabling automatic high-speed needle transfer without manual intervention
3Reliability
If conventional suturing techniques are used, then the procedure is completed, but the risk of needle injuries is high
Solution Approach 1:
The locking devices automatically secure the needle in the second jaw after transfer, and the system self-manages the needle containment throughout the transfer process. This automatic self-service mechanism ensures the needle remains securely contained without requiring additional safety interventions, improving safety while the integrated design keeps complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The needle transfer path is segmented into distinct zones: the first jaw holding zone, the transfer zone with rotatable wheels, and the second jaw receiving zone with locking devices. This segmentation allows the needle to be securely managed in each zone, reducing the risk of accidental injuries while distributing the mechanical complexity across separate functional modules
4Measurement precision
If additional switches are added for needle transfer control, then the transfer precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking devices provide mechanical feedback through the rotatable wheels, confirming when the needle has been successfully transferred and secured in the second jaw. This passive mechanical feedback system ensures precise transfer without requiring electronic switches or complex control systems, maintaining precision while minimizing added complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A suturing device with built-in needle-transfer of a double-ended needle has a first jaw element with a first needle lock device for retaining and releasing a first end of the needle; a second jaw element with a second needle lock device, wherein the jaw elements are movable between an open and closed position; and a needle-transferring mechanism for alternately transferring the needle from one of the jaw elements to the other when the jaws are moved from the open to the closed position. The needle-transferring mechanism includes a first rotatable wheel connected to the first needle lock device, the first wheel having a first wheel inner portion rigidly connected to a first wheel outer portion and a second rotatable wheel connected to the second needle lock device, said second rotatable wheel comprising a second wheel inner portion rigidly connected to a second wheel outer portion.