Suture Packaging Segmented Retaining Area

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical suture packaging designs often cause sutures to become entangled or wedged, making removal difficult due to the suture pulling towards gaps formed by the junction of the spiral wall and cover, which complicates access during surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A suture package design featuring a base and cover with radially displaced suture retaining area protrusions and an inner wall that extends from the cover to define a suture retaining area, preventing the suture from becoming stuck at the junction and ensuring easy removal by guiding it away from potential binding points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a spiral wall structure is used to retain suture, then the suture can be organized in a compact form, but the suture can become wedged in the gap at the junction of the wall and cover, making removal difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompactness of suture organizationVSAvoidease of suture removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous spiral wall is segmented by adding radial partition walls that divide the suture retaining area into multiple sections. This segmentation prevents the suture from becoming wedged in gaps by creating multiple exit paths and distributing the suture across different zones, thereby maintaining compact organization while facilitating easy removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Radial partition walls are introduced as intermediary structures between the spiral wall and the cover. These partition walls act as mediators that guide the suture away from the problematic junction gaps, providing intermediate pathways that prevent direct contact with the gap areas where wedging occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the suture retaining area is defined by a continuous spiral wall extending from the base to the cover, then the suture is contained securely, but gaps at the junction create binding points that complicate access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of suture containmentVSAvoidaccess to suture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous spiral wall structure is segmented by introducing radial partition walls that divide the containment area. This segmentation maintains secure containment by preserving the overall spiral structure while eliminating the continuous gap problem, allowing suture access without binding points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design transitions from a two-dimensional spiral pattern to a three-dimensional segmented structure by adding radial partitions that extend vertically. This dimensional change creates multiple levels and pathways, maintaining containment security while providing alternative routes for suture removal that avoid the problematic junction gaps.

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

3Ease of operation

If the suture is allowed to move freely in the suture retaining area during removal, then access is simplified, but the suture can become entangled or bound in undesired ways

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuture accessVSAvoidsuture integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The suture retaining area is segmented into multiple zones by radial partition walls, which guide the suture through defined pathways. This segmentation allows the suture to move freely within each zone while preventing entanglement between zones, maintaining both ease of access and suture integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The radial partition walls serve as intermediary guides that actively direct the suture movement. These intermediaries prevent the suture from moving into entangling positions while still allowing smooth, guided access, thereby protecting suture integrity without restricting necessary movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP1842494B1Suture packaging
Publication Date: 2010.07.14 COVIDIEN LP
  • EP1842494B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP1842494B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP1842494B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

A package for surgical suture material includes a base member and a cover member, wherein the cover member is configured to be placed adjacent to the base member to form the package for the surgical suture material. The base member includes an outer wall extending from an outer circumference thereof. The outer wall has a predetermined height such that it engages the cover member when the cover member is placed adjacent the base member. Partition structure extends from a bottom surface of the cover member and defines at least one suture retaining area. A plurality of protrusions are positioned adjacent the outer wall for maintaining surgical suture material a predetermined distance toward a center portion of the package.