Heart Valve Suturing Fixture for Precise Single-Hand Manufacturing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing prosthetic heart valves and other human prosthetic implant devices require accurate and efficient suturing operations, which can cause operator strain due to complex hand movements and potential for errors, especially when precise stitching is needed.
Innovation Solution
An automated suture fixture system that positions and rotates the prosthetic implant device, allowing single-hand operation by the operator, assisted by a visualization system and pre-programmed procedure scripts, reducing physical strain and improving precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual suturing operations are performed by operator, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but operator strain increases and precision may be compromised due to complex hand movements
Solution Approach 1:
An automated fixture system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the heart valve device. The fixture includes a holder that secures the device and automated positioning mechanisms that move the device to precise locations, eliminating the need for the operator to perform complex manual positioning while maintaining surgical precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation by the operator with an automated mechanical system. The automated fixture uses motorized actuators and robotic mechanisms to position and manipulate the heart valve device, substituting the operator's hands and reducing physical strain while improving precision.
2Ease of operation
If automated positioning and rotation of the prosthetic implant device is implemented, then single-hand operation is enabled and operator strain is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated fixture system is designed as a multi-functional platform that can perform multiple operations: positioning the device in three-dimensional space, rotating it around multiple axes, securing it with a holder, and coordinating with visualization systems. This universal system replaces multiple separate manual operations, justifying its complexity through the consolidation of functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated fixture system is divided into modular components: a holder component for securing the device, positioning mechanisms with multiple degrees of freedom, rotation mechanisms, and control systems. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier operation despite the overall system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise positioning and rotation mechanisms are added to the automated fixture, then suturing accuracy is enhanced, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated fixture employs dynamic positioning mechanisms that can adjust the device's position and orientation in real-time during the suturing process. The system includes multiple actuators that can independently control different degrees of freedom, allowing precise positioning while adapting to the specific requirements of each suturing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the position and orientation of the heart valve device during manipulation. Sensors and visualization systems provide real-time information to the control system, which adjusts the positioning and rotation mechanisms to maintain precise alignment, thereby achieving high accuracy without requiring overly complex mechanical structures.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated system that can be used for prosthetic heart valve manufacturing or suturing procedures. The system includes automated fixtures that maneuver a needle and a target device. The automated fixtures can be suturing arms, target device holders, needle transfer fixtures, and/or needle holders. The automated fixtures can rotate a target device held by the holder to allow one or more additional automated fixtures to perform operations such as form sutures on the target device without intervention of a human operator. The system can include a display system configured to display status information of a suturing procedure.