Interlocking Two-Part Sewing Needle for Ligament Grafts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ligament replacement surgeries face challenges in achieving a secure connection between graft ends, which can lead to instability and increased surgical time due to the limitations of traditional sewing needles.
Innovation Solution
An interlocking two-part sewing needle system is introduced, featuring a first needle portion with a needle receiver that includes non-resistance and resistance sections to securely connect with a second needle portion, providing a friction and compressive force for stable engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional single-part sewing needle is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the connection security and stability during ligament replacement surgery is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is divided into two separate portions (first needle portion and second needle portion) that can be assembled together. The first needle portion includes a needle receiver that receives the second needle portion, creating a segmented structure that enhances connection security while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The second needle portion is inserted into and nested within the first needle portion's needle receiver. This nesting arrangement allows the two needle portions to be securely connected while maintaining a compact overall structure, resolving the contradiction between connection security and structural simplicity.
2Productivity
If traditional sewing needles are used, then the device is simple to operate, but surgical time increases due to instability and repeated adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The two needle portions are designed to be pre-assembled or pre-connected before surgery. The needle receiver and interlocking mechanism are prepared in advance, allowing the surgeon to use the stable, pre-assembled needle without needing to make adjustments during the procedure, thereby reducing surgical time while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle design allows for dynamic adjustment during assembly but provides static stability during use. The interlocking mechanism enables easy assembly and disassembly when needed, while maintaining firm, stable connection during the surgical procedure, thus improving both productivity and stability.
3Reliability
If a secure interlocking mechanism is implemented, then connection stability improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking mechanism is implemented locally at specific critical points (the needle receiver and corresponding engagement features) rather than throughout the entire needle structure. This localized approach provides secure connection reliability where needed while keeping the rest of the needle manufacturing simple and straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking features are integrated into the needle portions themselves during manufacturing, combining the needle function with the connection function in a single component. This merging eliminates the need for separate attachment mechanisms, improving connection reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture.
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 interlocking mechanism enhances the security and stability of the graft connection, reduces surgical time, and allows for easy removal and reconnection of the needle portions, improving the efficiency of ligament replacement surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
The non-resistance section is configured to exert only a friction force on the second needle portion when the second needle portion is inserted into the needle receiver
Implementation Method 2
The resistance section is configured to exert a compressive force on the second needle portion when the second needle portion is inserted into the needle receiver
Data Source
AI summary
An interlocking two-part sewing needle includes a first needle portion having a needle tip and a second needle portion configured to be inserted into the first needle portion for removably connecting the first needle portion and the second needle portion together. A needle receiver is formed in the first needle portion and is configured to receive the second needle portion when the second needle portion is inserted into the first needle portion. The needle receiver includes one or more non-resistance sections. Each non-resistance section is configured to exert only a friction force on the second needle portion when the second needle portion is inserted into the needle receiver. Additionally, the needle receiver includes one or more resistance sections. Each resistance section is configured to exert a compressive force on the second needle portion when the second needle portion is inserted into the needle receiver.