Frustoconical Knot Support Element for Confined Space Tying
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Tying knots, especially those requiring strength and durability, is challenging in confined spaces such as model building and minimally invasive surgery, where traditional knot-tying methods are time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A knotting device comprising a base section, a thread storage section, and a knot support element with a frustoconical shape made from folded flat material, which holds open a non-tightened knot, allowing for easier formation and tightening of the knot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional knot-tying methods are used in confined spaces, then the knot strength and durability can be achieved, but the time required and operational difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The knot is pre-formed in a loose, non-tightened state on the knot support element before being transferred to the confined space. This preliminary formation of the knot structure eliminates the time-consuming process of tying the knot after reaching the restricted area, while maintaining the option to achieve proper tightness and security once positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The knot support element acts as an intermediary device that temporarily holds and shapes the thread in a pre-formed knot configuration. This mediator allows the knot to be prepared externally in an accessible area, then transferred as a complete structure to the confined surgical site, reducing operational time and difficulty.
2Ease of operation
If traditional knot-tying methods are used in confined spaces, then proper knot formation is possible, but the operational complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The knot support element serves as a mediator that externalizes the complex knot-tying process. By providing a pre-formed knot structure on an accessible device, it eliminates the need to perform intricate manipulation within the confined space, thereby simplifying the actual surgical operation while the device itself bears the structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex task of forming the knot is performed in advance on the knot support element in an accessible area. This preliminary action transfers the operational complexity from the confined surgical site to the preparation phase, making the actual surgical operation simpler and more straightforward.
3Ease of operation
If mechanically complex suture assisting devices are used, then knotting ease is improved, but the cost per patient use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of knot formation from requiring complex mechanical actuation to requiring simple manual manipulation. The knot is pre-formed in a static configuration on the support element, and tightening is achieved through simple pulling motions, eliminating the need for complex mechanical systems while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The knot support element is designed as a simple, disposable component that provides the knotting function without requiring expensive mechanical systems. By using a basic structural element rather than a complex reusable device, the cost per patient use is reduced while still providing improved ease of knotting compared to traditional methods.
Data Source
AI summary
An article and method for supporting a user in providing and tightening a knot is provided. The article includes a knotting device and thread, including a base section, a thread storage section, and a knot support element including at least one flap folded into a frustoconical shape, being hollow and open on a base end of the frustoconical shape and on a tip end of the frustoconical shape the thread includes a first and a second end opposite the first end along the length of the thread. The first end of the thread is arranged in the thread storage section and the second end of the thread forms a plurality of windings of a non-tightened knot, one of which is arranged on and around an outer surface of the frustoconical shape of the knot support element, the knot support element thereby supporting and holding open the non-tightened knot.