Biodegradable Suturing Thread with Radial Protrusions for Facelift Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Suturing threads used for face and body lifts face issues such as degradation of barbs or protrusions before skin fixation, leading to loss of lifting effect, breakage during muscle movement, and uneven tension due to small surface area and weak anchoring capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A suturing thread with radially symmetric protrusions of various stereo structures, including cones and cylinders, that maintain thickness and provide enhanced surface area for longer-lasting lifting and anchoring effects, produced through methods like injection molding and variable cross-section extrusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If barbs or protrusions are formed on biodegradable polymer suturing thread, then lifting effect is achieved, but protrusions degrade before main body of thread, causing loosening of lifted skin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting effectVSAvoidduration of protrusion integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating protrusions with different structural properties than the main thread body. The protrusions are designed with specific geometries (conical, cylindrical, or polyhedral shapes) that provide enhanced surface area and mechanical interlocking capability with tissue, while the main thread body maintains standard biodegradable properties. This local differentiation allows the protrusions to fulfill their anchoring function longer than conventional uniform structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional linear/barbed structures to three-dimensional protrusions with radial symmetry. These protrusions extend in multiple dimensions from the thread axis, creating conical, cylindrical, or polyhedral geometries that increase surface area contact with tissue in radial directions. This dimensional expansion enhances anchoring strength and delays degradation compared to simple linear barbs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If suturing thread is inserted under skin for face lift, then skin can be pulled and stretched, but thread breaks inside tissue due to muscle movement, losing lifting tension

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin manipulationVSAvoidthread strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing protrusions with increased surface area and radial symmetry that anticipate and prepare for muscle movement forces. These protrusions create mechanical interlocking with surrounding tissue before adverse forces act on the thread, providing a buffer against breakage. The enhanced geometric configuration of protrusions distributes stress more effectively, cushioning the thread against the harmful effects of muscle contraction and movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If conventional barbs or knots are used to fix skin, then production can be partially automated, but high production cost remains due to handwork requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction automationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the geometric parameters of the suturing thread from simple linear forms to complex three-dimensional protrusions with radial symmetry. These parameter changes (conical angles, cylindrical dimensions, polyhedral configurations) are designed to be compatible with injection molding and extrusion processes, enabling automated manufacturing. The standardized geometric parameters allow for tooling and process optimization, reducing the need for costly handwork while maintaining effective anchoring functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If cogs are formed in two directions on suturing thread, then anchoring capability is improved, but cogs become unidirectional and push away from tissue when thread breaks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring capabilityVSAvoiddirectional flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry in a controlled manner by creating protrusions with radial symmetry around the thread axis rather than simple bilateral symmetry. Each protrusion has an asymmetric geometry (conical, cylindrical, or polyhedral) that provides directional anchoring, but the radial arrangement of multiple protrusions creates overall symmetry that allows the thread to function effectively in multiple directions. This hierarchical asymmetry-symmetry approach maintains anchoring capability while adapting to multidirectional tissue forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS11523819B2Suturing thread for facelift and body lift

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 JETEMA CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a suturing thread for providing a more efficient lift procedure, and provides a suturing thread for a facelift and a body lift, wherein the suturing thread is made of a polymer material and has a plurality of conical protrusions or a plurality of funneled protrusions formed on an outer circumferential surface of a main thread of the suturing thread.