Wedge-Shape Skin Closure Clips With Ratchet Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wound closure methods, such as sutures and staples, are not easily accessible or usable by non-medical professionals and often require trained assistance, and existing adhesive solutions do not provide a flexible, easy-to-use approach for closing wounds without causing blistering or overtightening.
Innovation Solution
A pinch-closure device comprising two wedge-shaped clips with a locking mechanism and adhesive, allowing for one-handed closure and eversion of the wound edges, preventing overtightening and promoting healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wound closure methods (sutures, staples) are used, then reliable wound closure is achieved, but the device requires trained medical professionals to apply and is not easily accessible to non-medical individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The wound closure device is designed to be applied by the injured person themselves or by non-medical individuals without requiring trained assistance. The self-adhesive anchors and simple clip mechanism enable users to independently close wounds that would traditionally require sutures or staples, making reliable wound closure accessible to anyone.
2Ease of operation
If adhesive solutions are used for wound closure, then ease of application is improved, but the device lacks flexibility and may cause blistering or overtightening
Solution Approach 1:
The clip mechanism incorporates movable components including a movable jaw that can be positioned at different locations along the wound, and a ratchet mechanism that allows incremental adjustment of closure tension. This dynamic design enables users to adapt the device to wounds of varying sizes and locations while maintaining appropriate tension without overtightening or causing blistering.
3Ease of operation
If simple adhesive closures (bandages, Steri-Strips) are used, then ease of use is improved, but they cannot effectively close wounds that would otherwise require sutures or staples
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the wound closure function into two separate components: self-adhesive anchors that secure the device to the skin, and a mechanical clip mechanism that provides the closing force. This segmentation allows the device to handle more complex wounds requiring sutures while maintaining ease of use similar to simple adhesive closures.
4Ease of operation
If a device allows one-handed operation, then ease of use for injured persons is improved, but the locking mechanism may become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism acts as an intermediary that converts simple linear motion of the movable jaw into secure locked positions. This mechanical intermediary enables one-handed operation by automatically maintaining closure tension without requiring continuous manual adjustment, while the spring element provides automatic engagement force to simplify the locking action.
Data Source
AI summary
Wound closure devices and methods of using the wound closure devices are disclosed. The wound closure device comprises two clips. Each clip comprises a wedge-shaped body, a tab extending from a tip of the wedge-shaped body, an anchor extending from a base of the wedge-shaped body, and a locking mechanism positioned within the wedge-shaped body.