Strap Tie Assembly for Even Wound Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wound closure methods often result in uneven forces across the wound, limiting effective healing and leading to scar formation, especially in scenarios where clinical facilities are not readily accessible.
Innovation Solution
A strap tie assembly comprising two strap ties with engagement members and movement restriction members that securely attach to the skin on either side of a wound, ensuring an even distribution of force across the wound by engaging with each other's movement restriction members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wound closure methods (sutures, staples, clips) are used, then the wound edges can be approximated, but uneven forces are applied across the wound leading to poor healing and scar formation
Solution Approach 1:
The wound closure system is divided into multiple strap ties (at least two) that are distributed across different portions of the wound. Each strap tie independently applies force to a specific segment, ensuring uniform force distribution across the entire wound area rather than concentrating force at single points.
Solution Approach 2:
Each strap tie is designed with specific local features including engagement members with teeth that engage with corresponding straps, movement restriction members (ridges) that prevent over-tightening, and bases that distribute pressure locally. These localized structural qualities ensure even force application while preventing damage to surrounding tissue.
2Reliability
If strap ties are made adjustable and interengaging, then even force distribution is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strap tie system is self-adjusting through its interengaging mechanism. The engagement member with teeth automatically engages with the strap from the opposing strap tie, and the movement restriction members (ridges) self-limit the tightening process. This self-service mechanism achieves uniform force distribution without requiring complex external control systems or multiple adjustment components.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements are merged into integrated components. The engagement member combines teeth for interlocking with ridges for movement restriction into a single structure. The strap itself serves dual purposes as both the fastening element and the force-transmission element. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the self-adjusting capability for even force distribution.
3Reliability
If movement restriction members are added to control strap tension, then even force application is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movement restriction members are designed with specific geometric parameters (ridge height, spacing, and angle) that control the tension characteristics. By optimizing these parameters during design, the ridges provide effective movement restriction while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing processes. The parameter optimization ensures precise force control without requiring complex or specialized manufacturing steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A strap tie assembly includes a first strap tie and a second strap tie. The first strap tie includes a first base, a first body including a first opening and a first engagement member disposed within the first opening, and a first strap extending from the first body. The first strap includes a plurality of movement restriction members disposed along a surface of the first strap. The second strap tie includes a second base, a second body including a second opening and a second engagement member disposed within the second opening, and a second strap extending from the second body. The first strap tie is configured to receive the second strap and prevent translation of the second strap away from the first body. The second strap tie is configured to receive the first strap and prevent translation of the first strap away from the second body.