Surgical Braid Color Alternation via Bobbin Track Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical braids made of a single color are difficult for medical professionals to track and identify due to their uniform appearance, which can lead to improper stitching and inadequate tissue securing during wound closure or repair.
Innovation Solution
A method of making surgical braids using a braiding machine that alternates the color of strands by moving bobbins along active and passive tracks, creating patterns that enhance visibility, allowing for better tracking and positioning of the braid during surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If surgical braids are made of a single color, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the visibility and tracking of the braid during surgery is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by incorporating multiple colored strands (e.g., colored core strands surrounded by neutral strands, or alternating colored segments) into the surgical braid structure. This allows the braid to maintain visual distinguishability during surgery while being manufactured through standard braiding processes that handle multiple strand colors.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If multiple colored strands are used to improve visibility, then the tracking and identification of the braid is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the braid into distinct functional segments: colored core strands that provide visibility and neutral outer strands that provide structural integrity. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall manufacturing process through modular strand preparation and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a braiding system where the same braiding mechanism can handle both single-color and multi-color strand configurations. The braiding apparatus is configured to universally process different strand types and color combinations without requiring fundamental redesign, thus managing complexity while maintaining manufacturing flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making a surgical braid. The method comprises moving a plurality of bobbins along an active track, the active track being an endless track; and selectively moving a bobbin to a passive track while continuing to move the remaining bobbins along the active track.