Knotless Suture Routing With Crossover to Reduce Friction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suture routing methods for creating self-locking constructs generate friction at the suture's loose end, leading to loop formation that can trap between objects and weaken the construct.

Innovation Solution

A new routing method for suture that includes a crossover point where the suture portions travel in the same direction, reducing friction and preventing loop formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If typical suture routing methods are used to create self-locking constructs, then the suture can be routed through objects, but friction is generated at the suture's loose end causing loop formation that weakens the construct

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrity of suture constructVSAvoidfriction-induced loop formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional suture routing approach by having the suture cross over itself at a crossover point, causing suture portions to travel in the same direction rather than opposite directions. This inversion of the routing path eliminates the friction that causes loop formation while maintaining the self-locking construct's structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a crossover point that adds a dimensional element to the suture routing, creating a three-dimensional path configuration. This dimensional change allows suture portions to align and travel in the same direction, reducing friction and preventing loop formation that would otherwise occur in traditional two-dimensional routing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If typical suture routing methods are used, then the suture can join two objects, but loop formation occurs that can get trapped between objects and the surface, causing user frustration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of use for userVSAvoidsuture loop formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the routing methodology to include a crossover point where suture portions travel in the same direction, the patent eliminates loop formation that causes user frustration. This inverted approach makes the procedure easier to perform successfully without the complications of trapped loops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If suture portions travel in opposite directions, then traditional routing is simple, but friction is generated causing loop formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting complexityVSAvoidfriction and loop formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional routing approach by having suture portions travel in the same direction through a crossover point. While this adds a slight complexity to the routing path, it dramatically reduces friction and eliminates loop formation, providing a net benefit that justifies the increased routing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP4142614B1Reduced friction knotless suture routing

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 ACUMED

Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1F
Figure 1G~1H

AI summary

A new and innovative method of routing a strand of material for creating a self-locking construct that joins two objects is provided. More specifically, the provided routing method includes a crossover point at which the routed strand of material crosses over itself thereby enabling the strand portions routed through one of the objects to travel in a same direction when the self-locking construct is cinched. The strand portions traveling in the same direction generates less friction between the potions than if the portions traveled in opposite directions. Accordingly, the provided routing method helps enable a self-locking construct that generates less friction than typical self-locking constructs, which thereby helps reduce the occurrences of weaknesses in the final self-locking construct. The reduced friction generation also helps increase an ease of use for a user when cinching the self-locking construct.