Suture Holding Device Using Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical suture holding devices are inadequate for securely and compactly retaining delicate sutures during procedures, as they often require external channels that impede visual confirmation and suture positioning, and are not suited for rapid assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A suture holding device comprising a base, guide body, cam body, bearing member, and spring member, where the cam body forms a toothed surface to securely hold the suture between itself and the guide face when tensioned in one direction and release when tensioned in the opposite direction, with a design that allows easy visual confirmation and positioning without external channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external channels are used to facilitate suture location, then suture positioning is enabled, but visual confirmation is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external channel structure from the device design. Instead of using channels to guide and position the suture, the invention employs a cam mechanism that directly engages the suture material, eliminating the visual obstruction caused by channels while maintaining ease of suture positioning through the cam's toothed surface engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using channels to guide the suture from the outside, the invention inverts the approach by using a cam mechanism that engages the suture directly and provides positioning through rotational movement. This inversion allows visual access to the suture path while maintaining secure positioning capability.
2Force
If cam-type rope cleats are used for gripping, then gripping force is sufficient, but device size becomes too large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the gripping function into a localized cam mechanism with toothed surface that engages only the specific portion of the suture needed for secure holding. This localized engagement provides sufficient gripping force without requiring the large overall dimensions of traditional rope cleats, as the force is applied precisely where needed rather than distributed across a large structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of the gripping mechanism by using a rotatable cam with varying radius and toothed surface geometry. This allows the cam to provide high gripping force through mechanical advantage during rotation while maintaining a compact overall device size, as the force generation is achieved through controlled parameter changes in the cam profile rather than large static structures.
3Ease of operation
If channels are formed at the front edge, then suture positioning is facilitated, but visual confirmation is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the channel structure from the front edge of the device. Instead of forming channels that would block the view, the invention uses an open cam mechanism that allows unobstructed visual access to the suture engagement area while still providing effective positioning through the cam's toothed surface and rotational movement.
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 device provides secure and compact suture retention with easy assembly and disassembly, allowing for clear visual confirmation of suture positioning, addressing the limitations of existing devices by ensuring reliable suture holding and ease of use during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The spring member is positioned between the cam body and the bearing member such that the spring member biases the toothed surface toward the guide face
Implementation Method 2
a rotatable cam, otherwise providing a toothed surface, is rotated into and out of engagement with a rope abutment structure, thereby gripping a rope therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A device for holding a surgical suture including a base, a guide body, a cam body, a bearing member, and a spring member. The base has a top side, a front edge, and a back edge. The guide body projects from the top side of the base and defines a guide face having an entrance side and an exit side. The entrance side is adjacent the front edge and the exit side is adjacent the back edge. The cam body is pivotally mounted to the top side and forms a toothed surface positioned to selectively secure a surgical suture against the guide face. The spring member is positioned between the cam body and the bearing member, biasing the toothed surface toward the guide face.