Bone Depth Gauge with Radial Abutment for Blind Hole Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bone hole measurement devices face difficulties in accurately measuring smaller diameter holes due to challenges in engaging the edge of the bone hole, leading to imprecise measurements.

Innovation Solution

A depth gauge comprising two elongated rods with a distal abutment and insert, where the abutment projects radially outward to securely engage the bone edge, preventing retraction and allowing precise measurement through markings on the rods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single hook is provided on a calibrated rod for measuring bone hole depth, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to firmly engage the bone hole edge is insufficient, especially for smaller diameter holes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement reliabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement device is divided into multiple functional components: a calibrated rod with measurement markings and a separate engagement mechanism (hook or jaw) that can be attached to the rod. This segmentation allows the engagement mechanism to be optimized specifically for firm bone hole edge engagement while keeping the measurement rod simple and readable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement mechanism (hook or jaw) is designed to nest onto or attach to the calibrated rod, forming a combined measurement tool. The hook or jaw can be positioned at different locations along the rod and provides a firm gripping surface that engages the bone hole edge, while the rod provides the measurement scale.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Measurement precision

If a single hook is used to measure bone hole depth, then the device is easy to operate, but measurement precision is poor due to difficulty in hooking the bone hole edge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth measurement precisionVSAvoidoperation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hook or jaw acts as an intermediary element between the measurement rod and the bone hole edge. This intermediary provides a larger, more defined engagement surface that is easier to position and secure on the bone hole edge, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring complex operation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The hook or jaw is designed with curved surfaces that conform to the cylindrical shape of the bone hole edge, enabling easier engagement and more precise positioning. The curved geometry allows the engagement mechanism to naturally align with and grip the bone hole edge securely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Productivity

If a calibrated rod with a single hook is used, then the device is simple in structure, but it cannot provide fast and accurate measurement of smaller diameter holes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable along the calibrated rod, allowing it to be positioned at the optimal location for engaging the bone hole edge. This dynamic positioning capability enables fast and accurate measurement of holes of various diameters by simply repositioning the engagement mechanism rather than using different devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10743958B2Round depth gauge
Publication Date: 2020.08.18 DEPUY SYNTHES PROD INC
  • US10743958B2 patent drawing
  • US10743958B2 patent drawing
  • US10743958B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device for measuring blind holes formed through a bone includes (a) a first elongated rod including a shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end including an increased diameter abutment extending radially outward therefrom, the abutment including a proximal surface formed to contact a portion of the bone adjacent a distal opening of the blind hole to assume a locked configuration with the bone and (b) a second elongated rod extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis.