Suture Barb Formation via Compression Molding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming barbs on sutures, such as partial cutting or conventional molds, face challenges like reduced suture cross-section, stress concentration, and limited control over barb direction, number, and spacing.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing device using compression molding with modular molds and a presser system allows for arbitrary control over barb intervals, directions, and number without partially cutting the suture, enabling flexible and cost-effective barb formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If barbs are formed by partially cutting out the suture surface using a blade, then barbs can be formed on the suture, but the suture cross-section is reduced and stress is concentrated on cut-out portions making the suture prone to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the formation method from mechanical cutting to thermal compression molding. The suture is heated to its melting point or glass transition temperature and then compressed between molds to form barbs. This parameter change (from cutting to melting/softening and compression) allows barb formation without reducing cross-section or creating stress concentrations, thereby maintaining suture strength while achieving the desired barb shape.
2Shape
If conventional molds are used to form barbs, then barbs can be formed along a boundary surface between two molds, but it is difficult to form barbs along the entire circumference of the suture and control barb directions in various orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the mold into multiple independent mold parts, each capable of forming barbs in different directions. Instead of using a single conventional mold with a fixed boundary surface, multiple mold parts are arranged around the suture, allowing barbs to be formed at various orientations along the suture circumference. This segmentation enables versatile barb direction control while maintaining simple mold structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple molds are combined to form barbs in various directions, then barb direction control is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates universal mold parts that can form barbs in multiple directions through rotational positioning. Each mold part is designed with a standardized structure that can be rotated to different angular positions around the suture. This multi-functionality allows a single mold part design to create barbs in various orientations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized molds and significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
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
The solution enables the formation of barbs with precise control over their direction, number, and spacing on sutures, enhancing the versatility and effectiveness of suture-based medical and cosmetic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a presser coupled to the presser passage hole of the first mold part to press the suture toward the first barb formation groove
Implementation Method 2
forming barbs on a surface of a suture by inserting the suture into a mold and heating and pressing the suture
Implementation Method 3
heating and pressing the suture have been proposed
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a manufacturing device for forming barbs on a suture, the manufacturing device including: a suture supply configured to supply a suture; a distal end mover configured to grip a distal end of the supplied suture and move the suture; a first mold part positioned between the suture supply and the distal end mover and having a first barb formation groove for forming a barb, a suture accommodation groove for accommodating the suture, and a presser passage hole configured to press the suture which are each formed in a symmetric shape in first molds at both sides; a presser coupled to the presser passage hole of the first mold part to press the suture toward the first barb formation groove; a cutter configured to cut a tip of the suture on which formation of the barb is completed; and a suture collector configured to collect the cut suture.