Offset Thread Holder in Surgical Suture Pulling Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical suture pulling devices complicate handling and hinder access to the bone or counterpart during suture tensioning, making it difficult to set and maintain precise tension.

Innovation Solution

A surgical suture pulling device with an axial handle and a tubular shaft featuring a clamping element with a thread holder offset from the handle, allowing for easier grip and tensioning, and a distal end with a polygonal contour for secure fixation, along with a ratchet mechanism for maintaining tension without displacing the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the thread holder is arranged directly inside the handle or on its side, then the device structure is compact, but handling becomes more difficult and access to the bone or counterpart is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling easeVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thread holder is offset from the longitudinal axis of the handle into the radial direction, creating a lateral arrangement that provides better access to the bone or counterpart while maintaining compact overall device dimensions. This dimensional repositioning resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the thread holder is arranged inside the handle, then the device is compact, but access to the bone or counterpart is covered or limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to bone or counterpartVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thread holder is positioned laterally offset from the handle's longitudinal axis, extending into the radial dimension. This allows the thread holder to access the bone or counterpart directly without being constrained by the handle's longitudinal positioning, improving access while keeping the device structure compact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the thread holder is arranged on the side of the handle, then handling is simplified, but the device requires more space and may be less stable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling simplicityVSAvoiddevice stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The thread holder is integrated with the handle through a unified structural design where the thread holder forms an integral part of the handle assembly. This merging provides lateral accessibility for improved handling while maintaining structural stability through the combined design, preventing the device from becoming top-heavy or unstable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 user convenience by simplifying handling and ensuring precise tensioning with minimal disruption, allowing secure fixation and easy verification of thread tension without altering the device's position.

Implementation Method 1

a ratchet mechanism for maintaining tension without displacing the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRatchet mechanism: Ratchet

Implementation Method 2

a distal end with a polygonal contour for secure fixation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolygonal contour interference fit: Geometry

Data Source

PatentEP2944267B1Surgical suturing device
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 MATHYS AG BETTLACH
  • EP2944267B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2944267B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2944267B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention describes a surgical suture pulling device comprising an axial handle (12), a shaft (11) connected to the axial handle, a through-opening (18) extending axially through the handle (12) and the shaft (11), and a tensioning element (14) with a suture holder (15) for fixing the suture. The suture holder (15) is arranged axially offset from the handle (12).