Suture Anchor Driver Clutch Mechanism for Tension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suture anchor procedures face challenges in maintaining suture tension during arthroscopic implantation, particularly in narrow cannulas, which complicates the management of sutures and requires additional surgical assistance.
Innovation Solution
A suture anchor driver with a clutch mechanism that includes a slot for frictional engagement of the suture, allowing for torque application to release tension and facilitate the implantation of suture anchors into bone holes while maintaining desired tension on the suture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If suture anchor implantation is performed arthroscopically through a narrow cannula, then patient trauma is reduced, but suture management becomes more difficult and requires additional surgical assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The driver system performs suture tensioning and anchoring functions autonomously without requiring a second hand to manage the suture. The clutch mechanism automatically maintains tension on the suture during the anchoring process, allowing the surgeon to work single-handedly through the narrow cannula while reducing patient trauma.
2Reliability
If additional surgical assistance is used to manage suture during implantation, then suture tension can be maintained, but procedural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism integrates multiple functions into a single device: it maintains suture tension, allows torque application for anchor deployment, and controls suture release automatically. This merging of functions eliminates the need for additional surgical assistance while maintaining reliable suture tension throughout the implantation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism dynamically transitions between different states: initially gripping the suture to maintain tension, then releasing when torque is applied to allow anchor deployment. This dynamic behavior automatically adapts to the procedural needs without increasing complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the clutch slot remains closed to maintain suture tension, then suture stability is improved, but torque application for anchor deployment is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism is designed with a slot that is preliminarily closed to grip and stabilize the suture. However, the design anticipates the need for torque application and incorporates a release mechanism that automatically opens the slot when torque is applied, allowing smooth transition from stability to deployability without hindering either function.
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
Enables efficient and single-handed suture anchor implantation, maintaining tension on the suture without additional surgical assistance, thereby simplifying the procedure and reducing trauma to the patient.
Implementation Method 1
The clutch comprises a slot for frictionally engaging a suture
Implementation Method 2
a resilient surface in the slot engages the suture therein
Data Source
AI summary
A suture anchor driver has an elongated shaft, a handle at a proximal end of the shaft an anchor engagement at a distal end of the shaft and a clutch between the handle and the shaft. The clutch includes a slot for frictionally engaging a suture an engagement with the shaft and an engagement with the handle. The engagement with the shaft and the engagement with the handle are located with respect to one another such that driving torque applied to the handle urges open the slot to release its frictional engagement of the suture.