Suture Thread Fixing Tool Perpendicular Pressing Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thread fixing tools for medical sutures face issues with strong tension causing thread breakage or loosening when applied to biological tissues, leading to insufficient suturing and potential cutting of the suture thread.

Innovation Solution

A thread fixing tool with a first member having a lumen and a second member with a pressing portion that deforms perpendicular to the insertion direction, pushing the suture thread against the inner wall of the lumen to secure it without applying force in the direction that would break the thread, using a locking mechanism to prevent loosening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If two members are slid with directional elements parallel to the insertion direction to fix the suture thread, then the fixing force is increased, but the suture thread may break due to strong tension

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing forceVSAvoidsuture thread strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing portion deforms in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the suture thread, changing the force application dimension from parallel (axial) to perpendicular (radial). This dimensional change allows the pressing member to apply fixing force without creating strong tension along the thread's length, thereby preventing thread breakage while maintaining adequate fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Force

If force is applied in the direction of moving the suture thread toward the biological tissue, then the suture thread is secured, but the suture thread may loosen by moving in the direction that loosens the hooked thread

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring forceVSAvoidsuture thread stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing portion applies force in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, transforming the securing mechanism from axial movement (which can cause loosening) to radial compression (which prevents both loosening and breakage). This dimensional change stabilizes the suture thread by compressing it against the lumen wall without creating forces that would promote loosening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Force

If the suture thread is slid in a state where part of the suture threads are strongly suppressed, then the fixing force is increased, but the suture thread is worn out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing forceVSAvoidsuture thread reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing portion deforms perpendicular to the insertion direction, applying radial compression rather than axial suppression. This dimensional change provides adequate fixing force through friction against the lumen wall while avoiding the strong suppression that causes wear and reduces thread reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 tool effectively fixes the suture thread with sufficient force without breaking it, preventing loosening and ensuring stable suturing by applying frictional force perpendicular to the thread's insertion direction.

Implementation Method 1

the pressing portion is deformed in a direction crossing an insertion direction of the suture thread to push the suture thread against an inner wall of the lumen by an insertion of the second portion into the first member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

pushing the suture thread against the inner wall of the lumen to secure it without applying force in the direction that would break the thread, using a locking mechanism to prevent loosening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2821017B1Yarn anchor
Publication Date: 2022.06.15 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)
  • EP2821017B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2821017B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2821017B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A thread fixing tool (1) includes a first member (2) in which a lumen (5) having a first opening portion (5a) through which the suture thread (100) is inserted is formed, a second opening portion (6a) formed at different position with the first opening portion (5a) on the first member (2), and a second member (10) inserted into the first member (2) through the second opening portion (6a). Any one of the first member (2) is provided with a pressing portion (4), the pressing portion (4) being deformed in a direction crossing an insertion direction of the suture thread (100) to push the suture thread (100) against an inner wall of the lumen (5) by an insertion of the second portion (10) into the first member (2).