Interchangeable Inserts for Composite Suture Molds

The patent applies universality by designing a single injection molding die that can produce multiple different suture package types. The die includes a reusable base structure and interchangeable inserts that can be swapped to accommodate different suture types, gauges, and configurations. This allows one master die to perform the function of multiple specialized dies, reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision through the use of precision-engineered interchangeable components.

The injection molding die is segmented into distinct modular components: a permanent base die structure and removable interchangeable inserts. Each insert is designed for a specific suture type or package configuration. This segmentation allows the complex die to be broken into manageable parts that can be independently manufactured, stored, and swapped, thereby reducing the overall complexity of managing multiple complete dies while maintaining the ability to produce various suture packages with high precision.

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-manufacturing and storing multiple interchangeable inserts that are ready for quick swap-in. Each insert is pre-configured for a specific suture type or package variation. When production needs to switch between different suture types, the appropriate pre-prepared insert is simply swapped into the master die, eliminating the need for time-consuming die reconfiguration or new die fabrication. This maintains high product adaptability while significantly reducing the time loss associated with mold changes.

The universal master die with interchangeable inserts allows a single die to produce multiple suture package types, maintaining adaptability while reducing the total number of dies needed. The interchangeable inserts are designed with standardized mounting interfaces that allow quick swapping, enabling rapid transition between different product configurations without requiring extensive retooling time.

The universal master die structure is designed to be reused across multiple suture package types, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple complete dies from expensive mold materials. Only the interchangeable inserts need to be manufactured with high precision, while the majority of the die structure (the base) is shared across all product types. This significantly reduces material consumption while maintaining manufacturing precision through the use of precision-engineered inserts that fit into the standardized base structure.

By segmenting the die into a reusable base and disposable/interchangeable inserts, the patent reduces the total amount of expensive mold material required. Instead of creating multiple complete dies, only the variable portions (inserts) are manufactured as separate precision components. This segmentation strategy maintains manufacturing precision for each suture type while minimizing overall material consumption and associated energy costs.