Dual Pawl Sternal Closure Locking for 3D Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wire-based and clamp-based sternal closure devices are inefficient, time-consuming, prone to failure under stress loads, and lack effective three-dimensional stabilization, leading to increased operating costs and potential life-threatening conditions.

Innovation Solution

A sternal closure device with a dual pawl and ratchet assembly that provides a robust locking mechanism, ensuring secure engagement and stability by intermeshing teeth configurations, allowing for quick deployment and easy release under controlled conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If wire-based closure devices are used, then the sternum can be closed, but the implementation time is excessive (15-20 minutes per wire closure)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation timeVSAvoidoperating room time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The closure device is divided into two separate clamp elements that can be independently positioned and then locked together, allowing parallel manipulation and reducing the sequential time required for wire-based closures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex wire manipulation system with a direct mechanical clamp system featuring ratchet and pawl mechanisms that provide immediate mechanical advantage and locking action, eliminating the time-consuming wire threading and tightening process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If prior art clamp closures are used, then three-dimensional stabilization is provided, but locking mechanisms fail under increased stress loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethree-dimensional stabilizationVSAvoidlocking mechanism reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ratchet teeth are designed with gradual engagement and distributed stress points that prevent sudden failure under load, providing a buffer zone that absorbs stress peaks before they can compromise the locking mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism combines multiple structural elements (ratchet arms, pawl arms, teeth, and engagement surfaces) made from complementary material properties that distribute and resist various types of stress loads simultaneously, enhancing overall reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If prior art clamp closures with multiple parts are used, then stabilization is achieved, but device complexity increases due to articulation and spot welding requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesternal stabilizationVSAvoidnumber of parts and assembly steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The two clamp elements are designed to mate and lock together as a unified structure through the ratchet-pawl mechanism, effectively combining multiple functional components into an integrated assembly that reduces the number of separate parts requiring manipulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3908202B1Sternal closure device with dual locking mechanism

Publication Date: 2026.03.25 MAVREK MEDICAL LLC

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AI summary

A sternal closure device includes an insertion member, a receiver member and a joint locking mechanism. The joint locking mechanism includes a dual pawl assembly and a dual ratchet assembly. The dual pawl assembly includes a pair of pawl arms that include heads with outward facing teeth. The dual ratchet assembly includes a pair of ratchet arms with inward facing teeth that are configured for an intermeshed engagement with the teeth on the corresponding pawl arms. Alignment tabs on the ratchet arms are captured within guide channels on the receiver member. The configuration and number of the teeth contribute to the strength of the device. The locking mechanism contributes to efficiency, speed, and strength of the closure.