Adjustable Depth Limiting Drill Guide with Shuttle Cable

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current adjustable drill guide systems for orthopedic surgery face issues such as potential drill tip damage, insecure shuttle suture connections, lack of intraoperative measurement capabilities, and complex assemblies that increase costs and contamination risks.

Innovation Solution

A surgical guide system comprising a guide body with a receiver and reference plate connected by a rotating guide sleeve, allowing for adjustable depth limiting and intraoperative measurement, along with a secure shuttle cable management system to prevent disengagement and simplify assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a solid portion of the drill guide contacts the drill tip to act as the depth limiting feature, then the drill depth can be controlled, but the cutting portion of the drill tip may be damaged as it contacts the limiting surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrill depth controlVSAvoiddrill tip integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a depth limiting surface that is separate from the cutting portion of the drill tip. This intermediary surface contacts the drill tip to provide depth control without involving the cutting edges, thereby preventing drill tip damage while maintaining precise depth control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The depth limiting function is extracted from the cutting portion of the drill tip and placed on a separate depth limiting surface. This separation allows the cutting portion to perform its cutting function without the harmful contact that would occur if it also served as the depth limit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If the shuttle suture connection system is simple, then the device complexity is reduced, but the connection may fail or the suture may become disengaged during retrieval

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection system complexityVSAvoidsuture connection security

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a secure connection system that is designed beforehand to prevent suture disengagement. The connection mechanism is engineered with sufficient strength and reliability to withstand the retrieval process, eliminating the need for complex backup systems while ensuring secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Measurement precision

If separate measurement devices are used for intraoperative measurement, then measurement accuracy is achieved, but surgical steps and time are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduction distance measurementVSAvoidsurgical procedure efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates measurement capabilities directly into the drill guide assembly. The guide itself serves dual purposes: guiding the drill and providing intraoperative measurement of reduction distance. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate measurement devices and reduces surgical steps while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drill guide is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a positioning device and a measurement tool. The same structure that guides the drill also provides measurement markings or indicators, allowing the user to obtain reduction distance measurements without additional devices or steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the drill guide assembly is complex, then more functions are provided, but the opportunity for bacterial contamination in crevices increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidbacterial contamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates unnecessary components and crevices from the drill guide assembly by extracting only the essential functions needed for the procedure. The simplified design reduces the number of parts and eliminates hidden crevices where bacteria could accumulate, making the device easier to sterilize while maintaining core functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11331112B2Adjustable depth limiting drill guide and suture transporting method

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 BETTENGA MASON JAMES

AI summary

A surgical guide system comprises a guide body having a receiver and a reference plate joined by a connecting arm, a portion of the receiver and a portion of the reference plate intersecting a guide axis, the guide body operable for at least one bone to be interposed between the receiver and reference plate. The guide body further comprising a shuttle cable configured on the reference plate for engagement with a surgical tool A method includes positioning the surgical guide system on at least one bone, the bone the having a first side and a second side, guiding a surgical tool through a hole in the at least one bony structure, engaging a portion of the shuttle cable, and retrieving a first end of the shuttle cable through the hole.