Automated Bone Hole Depth Measurement System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring the depth of holes drilled into bones are prone to inaccuracies due to manual manipulation and require significant surgeon interaction, leading to increased operating times, radiation exposure, and complications in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automated or fully automated system using a controller module, stepper/encoder unit, linear actuator, and position sensor to accurately determine the depth of drilled holes, reducing manual intervention and enhancing measurement precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional mechanical depth gauges are used with manual manipulation, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to human error and difficulty in locating bone edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated motorized system. A motor drives a probe tip through bone tissue, and a gear mechanism converts rotational motion to linear displacement. Electronic sensors detect bone edges and measure depth, substituting human manual operation with an integrated electromechanical system that improves precision while accepting increased device complexity.
2Productivity
If manual depth measurement methods are used, then the ease of operation is moderate, but the loss of time increases due to tedious measurements and need for multiple X-rays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous measurement by driving the probe tip through the bone hole in a single continuous motion rather than requiring multiple discrete measurements. The motorized system continuously advances the probe while electronic sensors continuously monitor position and detect bone edges, eliminating the need to retract and reposition the gauge multiple times, thereby reducing operating time and improving surgical efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-measurement by automatically detecting bone edges and calculating depth without requiring the surgeon to manually manipulate the gauge or visually read scales. The electronic sensors and controller autonomously complete the measurement function, freeing the surgeon from time-consuming manual operations and reducing the need for verification X-rays.
3Measurement precision
If conventional mechanical gauges with graduated scales are used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in reading and examining the scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual reading of mechanical graduated scales with electronic digital display. A linear encoder or electronic sensor measures the linear displacement of the probe tip, and a controller processes this data to display the exact depth measurement digitally. This substitution eliminates the difficulty of visually examining small scale markings while accepting the complexity of electronic measurement and display systems.
4Reliability
If manual manipulation of the probe member is required, then the ease of operation is moderate, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential inaccuracies from human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment and self-measurement by using electronic sensors to automatically detect bone edges and calculate depth. The motorized drive and electronic measurement system eliminate the need for the surgeon to manually manipulate the probe with precision, thereby improving reliability by removing human error while the overall system remains relatively simple to operate through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where electronic sensors continuously monitor the probe position and bone edge detection, and the controller processes this feedback to determine accurate depth measurements. This closed-loop feedback system improves reliability by automatically correcting for measurement variations and eliminating the need for manual judgment, while the automated feedback process maintains ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are, among other things, systems, apparatuses methods and techniques for performing a semi-autonomous and/or autonomous measurement of the depth of a hole drilled into bone during a medical/surgical procedure. One such apparatus is activated by a tactile command, provides a digital readout of hole depth, and includes a controller module, a stepper/encoder unit, a linear actuator, and a position sensor.