Suturing Device Reciprocating Shuttle Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suturing procedures are time-consuming due to direct contact between driving mechanisms and needles, which complicates achieving precise tissue depth and needle size control.
Innovation Solution
A suturing device with a housing, rotatable shafts, and a reciprocating shuttle mechanism that indirectly drives a magnetized needle through a curved stainless steel sleeve, allowing for controlled needle movement and tissue penetration without direct contact, utilizing a system of rotating gears and a magnetized shuttle to guide the needle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If direct contact between rollers/driving mechanism and needle is used, then the driving force is transmitted directly to the needle, but the device complexity increases and precision in controlling tissue depth and needle size is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reciprocating shuttle as an intermediary component between the driving mechanism and the needle. The shuttle engages with the needle and translates rotational motion from the rollers into precise linear reciprocating motion of the needle through a sleeve, thereby reducing the complexity of direct needle actuation while maintaining driving efficiency
2Manufacturing precision
If direct contact between rollers and needle is used, then the mechanism is simpler, but precision in achieving desired tissue depth and needle size control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reciprocating shuttle acts as a precision intermediary that converts rotational motion into controlled linear motion. The shuttle's engagement with the needle through the sleeve allows for precise control of needle penetration depth and reciprocating motion, achieving the desired manufacturing precision without requiring a complex direct-drive mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The driving mechanism is segmented into separate functional components: rollers for generating rotational motion, a shuttle for converting motion types, and a sleeve for guiding the needle. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving precision while managing overall system complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If indirect actuation of needle through reciprocating shuttle is used, then precision in tissue penetration is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reciprocating shuttle serves multiple functions: it converts rotational motion to linear motion, guides the needle through the sleeve, and provides precise positioning control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving high precision in needle positioning and tissue penetration
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
This design reduces the complexity of needle movement, enhances precision in tissue penetration, and potentially shortens suturing time by allowing for controlled, indirect actuation of the needle, improving the efficiency of the suturing process.
Implementation Method 1
a first curved, hollow, stainless steel, magnetized tube... a second curved, hollow, stainless steel, magnetized tube... a curved stainless steel, magnetized needle, positioned in the sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device, comprising a handle, a rotatable shaft, a sleeve comprising a first curved, hollow, stainless steel (magnetized) tube and a second curved, hollow, stainless steel (magnetized) tube, wherein the first tube is positioned on a first side of the shaft and the second tube is positioned on a second side of the shaft, wherein the first tube comprises a sharp tip and the second tube comprises a sharp tip, with a reciprocating shuttle and a curved needle positioned in the sleeve, wherein the sleeve having an inner diameter large enough to accommodate the needle and shuttle, and wherein the shuttle is positioned between the sleeve and the needle. Rotation of the shaft moves the shuttle which in turn moves the needle through the sleeve.