Surgical Thread Feeding Device with Elastic Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for feeding surgical suture material to a needle face issues such as suture material escaping due to rigidity, requiring complex wrapping or large structural designs, and difficulty in advancing the suture through resistance during needle insertion.
Innovation Solution
The device employs elastic locking elements, such as O-rings or a spring clip, to prevent suture material from buckling and ensure reliable feeding by partially closing the guide channel, allowing for easy insertion and maintaining alignment with the needle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the guide channel is left open for simple structure, then the suture material can be easily inserted, but the suture material buckles up and escapes due to its inherent rigidity when resistance occurs during needle insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The guide channel is segmented into multiple sections: an open proximal section for easy suture insertion, and closed distal sections with locking elements that prevent buckling. This segmentation allows the channel to provide both easy access and reliable containment depending on the location.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the guide channel have different structural properties - the proximal end is open and accessible while the distal sections incorporate locking elements and elastic material. This local differentiation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally.
2Reliability
If elastic locking elements are added to prevent suture material escape, then transport reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic locking elements automatically engage with the guide channel structure to contain the suture material. The elastic material's inherent properties provide the locking function without requiring additional actuators, motors, or complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic locking elements change their physical state (compression/expansion) in response to the suture material's rigidity and the forces applied during insertion. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows reliable containment without fixed, complex mechanical structures.
3Productivity
If the suture material is pushed forward with force to overcome resistance, then needle insertion progresses, but the rigid suture material buckles and emerges upwards from the guide channel
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic locking elements are positioned in advance within the guide channel to counteract the buckling force before it can cause the suture to emerge. These elements provide preliminary resistance that prevents the harmful deformation from occurring.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic locking elements act as flexible containment structures that adapt to the suture material's shape while preventing buckling. The flexibility allows them to conform to the suture without rigid mechanical interference.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures reliable and efficient transport of suture material to the needle with a simple structural design, preventing escape and allowing continuous advancement even under resistance, while facilitating easy handling and alignment.
Implementation Method 1
each closure device has two abutting locking elements made of an elastic material, so that the suture material can be pressed from above between the abutting locking elements into the guide channel
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The device has a shaft, on whose distal end, a needle is fixable. A proximal end of the shaft is formed as a gripping portion provided with an open guide channel (4) for a suture material (5) that is to be supplied, where the channel is mechanically lockable in sections. A locking unit (8) that retains the material in the channel is arranged in the channel. The locking unit has a blocking device partially locking the channel above the material.