Releasable Elongated Assembly for Remote Suture Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing sutures require cutting unused lengths remotely, which can be costly and difficult, and there is a need for a releasable suture splice that can be remotely released.
Innovation Solution
A releasable elongated assembly with a release member and coupling members that allows for remote detachment of elongated elements by moving the release member along the longitudinal direction, preventing or enabling the coupling members to be captured or released.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote suture cutting is used to release unused suture ends, then the suture can be released remotely, but the procedure becomes more complex and costly due to requiring separate cutting instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the suture release function and the cutting function into a single integrated device. The release member incorporates both the capability to hold the coupling members together and the capability to cut the suture, eliminating the need for separate cutting instruments and simplifying the overall procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The release member is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple operations: holding the suture assembly, releasing the coupling members from each other, and cutting the suture. This universal device replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate instruments, reducing complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If traditional suture joining methods are used, then the suture can be securely attached, but unused suture must be trimmed or cut remotely which is difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the secure attachment function with the release and cutting functions in a single integrated system. The release member maintains secure holding of the coupling members during the procedure, then provides both release and cutting capabilities in one action, eliminating the difficulty of remote trimming.
Solution Approach 2:
The release member acts as an intermediary device that facilitates both the secure attachment and the subsequent release/cutting operations. It mediates between the need for secure suture joining and the need for easy remote release, providing a unified solution that addresses both requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A releasable elongated assembly includes a release member having a length and an opening that extends along the length. The releasable elongated assembly includes a first elongated element having a first coupling member disposed in the opening and a second elongated element having a second coupling member disposed in the opening opposite the first coupling member along the length. The first and second elongated elements are interlaced with each other in the opening at a location between the first coupling member and the second coupling member such that the first and second elongated elements are attached to each other. The release member is moveable from a first position where the first and second coupling members are captured in the opening to a second position where the first and second coupling members are released from the opening so as to detach the first and second elongated elements from each other.