Magnetic Suture Ferrule Assembly for Stable Magnet Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic sutures suffer from magnet detachment under tension, manufacturing difficulties, and alignment issues, leading to assembly challenges and increased waste.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic suture design featuring a ferrule with a tapered region and a shoulder to prevent magnet insertion, along with a method involving vacuum threading and adhesive application to secure the magnet and suture, ensuring proper alignment and adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a magnet is attached to the end of a suture using adhesive and a ferrule, then the magnetic suture can be inserted through a hypodermic needle, but the magnet may detach under tension during use
Solution Approach 1:
The suture is knotted before insertion, and the knot is positioned within the ferrule to pre-secure the magnet in place before tension is applied during use
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrule is divided into distinct functional regions: a tapered region for suture passage and knot securing, and a straight region for magnet containment with a shoulder providing a mechanical stop
2Manufacturing precision
If manufacturing tolerances are reduced to improve alignment precision, then magnet alignment relative to the suture improves, but assembly and production become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The suture is knotted and positioned within the ferrule before magnet insertion, establishing proper alignment before the magnet is placed
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrule serves as an intermediary component that guides and centers the suture and magnet, ensuring proper alignment without requiring tight tolerances on the magnet or suture themselves
3Ease of manufacture
If an off-center or angled magnet is used, then manufacturing may be simpler, but the magnet may not fit within the hypodermic needle or advance through it
Solution Approach 1:
The suture is knotted and positioned within the ferrule before magnet insertion, establishing proper alignment before the magnet is placed
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrule acts as a guiding intermediary that centers the magnet and ensures it is properly aligned for needle insertion, regardless of how the magnet was manufactured
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
Enhances assembly reliability, reduces waste, and increases production efficiency by minimizing component failure and alignment errors.
Implementation Method 1
room-temperature curing adhesive 110 for holding the suture 106/knot 108, magnet 102, and ferrule 104 together
Implementation Method 2
a suture having a magnetic tip is inserted into a body cavity of a patient (to be withdrawn by a magnetic probe of opposite polarity)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A magnetic suture has a ferrule with a tapered region in which a knotted suture is provided and secured with an adhesive, and a straight region in which a magnet is provided. The magnetic suture can be manufactured and assembled by knotting a suture, threading it through the tapered portion, and applying adhesive. The structure and method provide a magnetic suture provide increased manufacturing tolerances and decreased failure rates, thereby reducing waste of components and time while increasing the manufacturing/assembly speed and reliability of magnetic suture assembly.