Suture Package Zipper Mechanism for Lock-Up Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suture packages face issues with suture lock-up during withdrawal, which complicates the automated suture winding process and hinders easy removal of sutures.
Innovation Solution
The suture package design incorporates a zipper device with a suture guide channel and a needle park mechanism, featuring flexible blades and a torsional spring to facilitate smooth suture movement and secure needle placement, reducing the risk of lock-up and enhancing ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional suture package design is used, then the package structure is simple, but suture lock-up occurs during withdrawal complicating automated winding
Solution Approach 1:
The suture channel transitions from a static conventional design to a dynamic design where the channel walls are movable. The channel includes movable walls that can shift position to accommodate suture withdrawal, preventing lock-up by dynamically adjusting the channel geometry during the withdrawal process.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture channel geometry parameters are made variable rather than fixed. The channel width and wall position can change during suture withdrawal, allowing the channel to adapt its dimensions to facilitate smooth suture removal without lock-up, while maintaining structural integrity when closed.
2Reliability
If a zipper device is added to facilitate suture movement, then suture lock-up is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suture channel is segmented into multiple independent movable wall sections rather than a single rigid structure. Each wall segment can move independently to facilitate suture withdrawal, dividing the complex motion into simpler individual wall movements that reduce overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable walls are designed to automatically facilitate suture withdrawal through their inherent mechanical properties without requiring additional actuation mechanisms. The walls naturally move in response to suture tension and geometry, making the system self-regulating and reducing the need for complex control mechanisms.
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 effectively reduces the incidence of suture lock-up and simplifies the removal process, ensuring efficient suture winding and secure needle handling, thereby improving the usability and reliability of the suture package.
Implementation Method 1
A hinge, in particular a living hinge, for pivotably supporting the lip portion
Implementation Method 2
featuring flexible blades and a torsional spring to facilitate smooth suture movement
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A suture package for storing sutures armed with needles. The suture package includes a base member with a base outer periphery and a top member with a top outer periphery. The base member includes a base outer wall extending upwardly from a top side of the base member and along the base outer periphery. The base outer wall includes a plurality of base teeth and a plurality of base intercostal spaces arranged alternatively around the base outer periphery. The top member includes a top outer wall extending downwardly from a bottom side of the top member and along the top outer periphery. The top outer wall includes a plurality of top teeth and a plurality of top intercostal spaces arranged alternatively around the top outer periphery.