Adaptor for Cannula Placement and Drill Depth Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for placing cannulas into bone are complex and require multiple steps, involving manual manipulation and blunt force, which complicates surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An adaptor assembly that transfers forward linear force from a driver to a cannula and prevents a drill from extending more than a desired amount, facilitating the placement of the cannula into bone by allowing rotational movement and secure coupling with the cannula.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual manipulation and blunt force are used to place cannula into bone, then the cannula can be inserted, but the surgical procedure becomes complex and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the driver, adaptor, cannula, and drill into a single integrated assembly. The driver engages the drill, which passes through the adaptor and cannula, allowing all components to move together as one unit during insertion. This merging eliminates the need for separate manual manipulation steps and reduces procedural complexity while maintaining ease of cannula placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor serves multiple functions: it connects the driver to the cannula, prevents over-rotation of the drill, and guides the drill-bit during insertion. The driver simultaneously provides rotational force to the drill and forward linear force to the cannula via the adaptor. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate tools and steps needed, simplifying the overall procedure.
2Manufacturing precision
If a drill is used to remove material from bone, then an aperture is formed, but the drill may extend more than desired out of the cannula
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor is designed with a collar that engages the drill-shaft before the drill-bit contacts the bone. This preliminary engagement establishes a fixed reference point that limits how far the drill can extend beyond the cannula. By setting the drill depth limit in advance through the adaptor-collar engagement, precise aperture depth is achieved without requiring complex real-time control during drilling.
3Force
If forward linear force is applied to driver, then the cannula can be inserted into bone, but the force must be transferred through multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The driver, adaptor, and cannula are designed to engage each other in a merged configuration where the driver's forward linear movement directly translates to cannula insertion. The adaptor acts as a rigid connector between the driver and cannula, eliminating intermediate mechanisms. This direct force transfer through the merged assembly maintains high insertion force efficiency while minimizing structural complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A adaptor is used with a driver, a drill, and a cannula to facilitate removal of material from bone and placement of the cannula in the bone. The adaptor includes an end portion provided at a proximal first end that is configured to engage a portion of the drill; a body portion attached to the end portion and extending from the end portion toward a distal second end; a head portion provided at the distal second end and attached to the body portion; and a passageway for receiving the drill that extends through the adaptor. Furthermore, the head portion includes a distal surface and at least one coupler provided on or adjacent the distal surface for releasably engaging. the cannula.