Bi-Directional Linear Fixation Structure for Low-Trauma Tension Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixation devices for linear elements, such as sutures, often cause tissue trauma and scarring due to their cumbersome nature and inefficient tension transfer, and struggle with easy deployment and removal in industrial and medical applications.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional fixation device with a first and second contact component and fixation component, featuring a deformable design that secures linear elements with a flat surface for tension transfer, allowing easy application and removal without increasing tension on the linear element, and includes adhesives and smooth surfaces for improved functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional suture methods with needles and loops are used, then the linear element can be secured to the workpiece, but tissue trauma and scarring increase due to the cumbersome nature and inefficient tension transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is divided into separate components: a flat contact component for tension transfer and a fixation component for securing the linear element. This segmentation allows the device to function effectively without requiring complex needle passage and loop tying procedures, thereby reducing tissue trauma while maintaining ease of deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The flat contact component serves as an intermediary between the linear element and the workpiece surface. It distributes tension across a broader area rather than concentrating it at a single point, which reduces tissue trauma and scarring while still providing effective fixation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If surgical buttons or suture clips are used to eliminate loops, then horizontal scarring is prevented, but the devices become cumbersome and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The contact component is designed as a thin, flat structure that can be easily applied to the workpiece surface. This thin-film approach eliminates the need for bulky surgical buttons or clips while preventing horizontal scarring through proper tension distribution, thereby improving usability without compromising the anti-scarring benefit
3Strength
If fixation devices apply tension to secure linear elements, then the linear element is held firmly, but the tension increases and causes additional tissue trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions the tension transfer from a point-contact mechanism to a surface-contact mechanism by using a flat contact component. This dimensional change allows the same fixation strength to be achieved with distributed, lower-magnitude forces across the tissue surface, reducing trauma while maintaining firm holding
Data Source
AI summary
A fixation device for securing a linear element to a workpiece includes a contact component and a fixation component. The contact component typically includes (i) a first contact surface for application to a workpiece and (ii) a first opening for receiving a linear element. The fixation component typically secures a portion of the linear element on a side of the first contact component opposite the first contact surface. The fixation component engages the contact component to prevent passage of the linear element's secured portion through the workpiece when a tension is applied to the linear element in a direction opposite the contact surface.