Suturing Device Needle Shuttle Loop Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suturing devices require skilled manual operation to form knots in thread-like members, lacking the ability to reliably and easily form stitches or knots through mechanical operations alone.
Innovation Solution
A suturing device comprising a needle and a shuttle, where the needle is reciprocally movable and rotatable to form a loop in a first thread-like member, and the shuttle is configured to pass through the loop to hold a second thread-like member, allowing for the formation of knots through simple mechanical manipulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional grasping devices or auxiliary tools are used to form knots, then the operator can perform suturing operations, but the operator must have sufficient training and proficient technique to determine which side to pass the grasper, when and where to grasp the thread-like member, how many times and in what direction to wrap, and must perform operations based solely on visual information
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs the knot-formation operation automatically through its mechanical structure. The thread-like member is guided through the needle and shuttle components, and the knot is formed by the relative movements of these components without requiring the operator to manually manipulate the threading and wrapping actions. The device serves itself by using its own mechanical parts to complete the suturing task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the operator's manual mechanical operations (grasping, wrapping, threading) with an automated mechanical system consisting of a needle that reciprocates and rotates, and a shuttle that moves to pass the thread through loops. This substitution eliminates the need for operator skill in determining grasp positions and wrapping directions.
2Reliability
If manual operation is required to form knots, then the operator can control the threading process, but the operator must have proficient technique and training to perform operations based solely on visual information
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates mechanical feedback where the position and movement of the needle and shuttle components automatically determine the threading path and knot formation. The system provides inherent guidance through its mechanical structure, ensuring reliable knot formation without requiring the operator to interpret visual information or apply proficient technique. The feedback is built into the mechanical interactions between the needle, shuttle, and thread-like member.
3Productivity
If various methods of forming knots are proposed, then knot formation is possible, but none successfully realize a device for forming knots easily and reliably through mechanical operations
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the knot-formation process into distinct sequential steps: the needle reciprocates to create loops, the shuttle moves to pass the thread through these loops, and the components work together to secure the knot. This segmentation of the complex knot-formation operation into manageable mechanical steps enables both high productivity and reliable execution, as each step is performed by dedicated components rather than requiring complex coordinated manual actions.
Data Source
AI summary
A suturing device is provided, including a needle and a shuttle. The needle has an elongated shape extending in a predetermined direction and is configured to hold a first thread-like member. The needle is reciprocally movable forward and backward in the predetermined direction and is rotatable about an axis extending in the predetermined direction. Rotation of the needle about the axis permitting the first thread-like member to cross the needle to form a loop in the first thread-like member. The shuttle includes a holding portion. The holding portion is configured to hold a second thread-like member. The shuttle is configured to permit the holding portion to pass through the loop.