Modular Strap Tie for Even Wound Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wound closure methods often result in uneven forces across the wound, leading to ineffective healing and scar formation, particularly in situations 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 the forces are applied unevenly across the wound leading to ineffective healing and scar formation
Solution Approach 1:
The strap tie system divides the force application into multiple discrete points along the strap length, with movement restriction members spaced at intervals. This segmentation allows the force to be distributed evenly across multiple engagement points between the first and second strap ties, preventing concentration of force at a single location and thereby avoiding scar formation while maintaining effective wound closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement restriction members are strategically positioned at specific locations along the strap to create localized engagement points. These locally optimized engagement points ensure that force is applied uniformly across the wound area, with each segment of the strap contributing to even force distribution. This local quality approach directly addresses the uneven force distribution problem of traditional methods.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple strap without engagement mechanisms is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but it cannot securely prevent translation of the strap away from the body
Solution Approach 1:
The movement restriction members act as intermediary elements between the strap and the engagement members of the opposing strap tie. These intermediaries provide secure mechanical engagement while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The engagement members and movement restriction members work together as a coordinated system that prevents strap translation without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If multiple movement restriction members are added to the strap, then the force distribution becomes even, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves even force distribution by changing the spatial parameters of the movement restriction members - their spacing, positioning, and orientation along the strap. By optimizing these parameters, the design achieves uniform force distribution with a relatively small number of components. The engagement members and movement restriction members are positioned at specific intervals that maximize force distribution efficiency while minimizing component count.
4Reliability
If the strap tie system uses engagement members to prevent translation, then the wound closure reliability improves, but the ease of operation decreases due to the complexity of engagement and disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement members and movement restriction members are designed to engage automatically when the strap is properly positioned and tensioned. The mechanical geometry of these components creates self-engaging features that secure the wound closure without requiring complex manual manipulation. This self-service mechanism maintains high reliability while improving ease of operation compared to systems requiring multiple manual fastening steps.
Data Source
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AI summary
A strap tie includes a body including a receiving channel and a strap engagement member. The receiving channel extends through the body. The receiving channel is configured to receive a remote strap. The engagement member is configured to engage a movement restriction member of the remote strap to prevent translation of the remote strap away from the body. The strap extends from the body. The strap includes a proximal end attached to the body, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and a plurality of movement restriction members. The rotational element of the body is configured to removably couple to a base to allow the strap tie to rotate relative to the base.