Chondral Surface Reamer with Mechanical Depth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for creating holes in chondral and osteochondral surfaces for tissue regeneration are prone to human error in depth control, require multiple apparatus for different sizes, and are costly due to maintenance needs, with difficulty in maintaining perpendicular orientation during surgery.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a reamer member and guide pin for controlled depth and diameter hole creation, using mechanical and optical controls to ensure precision and reproducibility, and a kit that includes interchangeable cylindrical inserts for depth adjustment and a pin for stable surface orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual compression and rotation action is used to control hole depth, then operational flexibility is maintained, but depth control precision deteriorates due to higher margin of error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual compression control with a mechanical depth control system consisting of a containment body with a maximum extension limit and optical measurement systems with numerical references. The cutting head's axial sliding is mechanically constrained within the containment body, and optical references provide visual depth feedback, eliminating reliance on manual compression assessment while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple apparatus with different sized heads are used to create holes of different diameters, then versatility is improved, but device complexity and maintenance costs worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal apparatus where a single containment body can accommodate cutting heads of different diameters. The containment body serves multiple functions: supporting the cutting head, providing mechanical depth control through axial sliding constraints, and housing optical measurement systems. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized apparatus while maintaining the ability to create holes of different diameters and depths.
3Measurement precision
If periodic stopping of compression and rotation actions is performed to check depth, then measurement accuracy is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to interrupted workflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous visual feedback through optical measurement systems with numerical references that are visible to the operator during the boring action. The containment body displays depth information that updates in real-time as the cutting head removes tissue, allowing the operator to monitor depth continuously without stopping the compression and rotation actions, thus maintaining workflow continuity while ensuring measurement accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates less invasive, faster, and more precise surgical procedures with reduced error and cost, enabling controlled depth and diameter hole creation for effective implantation of cartilaginous and osteochondral substitutes.
Implementation Method 1
the cutting head has an edge which, running along the surface, scrapes the surface itself removing surface tissue from it
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and kit for making holes of controlled depth and different diameters on chondral and osteochondral surfaces, comprises: a reamer member (2) having a cutting head (3) for removing tissue from said chondral and osteochondral surface (A), said member (2) being mobile approaching the chondral and osteochondral surface (A) for arranging the head (3) at said tissue; guide means (4) for guiding the reamer member (2) that can be firmly associated with the chondral or osteochondral surface (A), said reamer member (2) being slidable along said guide means (4); and mechanical means (5) for controlling the depth of the hole interposed between the reamer member (2) and the guide means (4) for defining an end stop of the reamer member (2) in the respective movement towards said chondral and osteochondral surface (A).