Drill Bit Penetration Measurement Using Displacement Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic drilling procedures face inaccuracies in depth measurement, leading to incorrect screw lengths and potential surgical complications, as surgeons rely on sensory feedback to determine drill bit penetration through bone structures, which is time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A drill bit assembly with a displacement sensor system that allows for real-time measurement of drill bit penetration without removing the drill bit from the bore, using a bushing and engagement member to provide a reference point for accurate displacement measurement, and a destructible portion to ensure single-use and prevent reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a surgeon relies on sensory feedback to determine drill bit penetration through bone structures, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the depth measurement becomes inaccurate and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/sensory feedback system with an optical measurement system. A displacement sensor with a sensing arm and target member measures drill bit penetration depth optically/electrically, eliminating the need for the surgeon to manually feel and estimate depth, thereby providing accurate real-time measurements without time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is self-measuring, automatically tracking drill bit penetration depth through the bone structure without requiring separate measurement steps. The displacement sensor continuously monitors the drill bit position relative to the bone surface, providing automatic depth calculation and eliminating manual depth gage insertion and reading steps.
2Reliability
If a surgeon performs multiple depth measurements to confirm accurate placement, then measurement reliability improves, but surgical time and patient morbidity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement sensor provides continuous real-time measurement of drill bit penetration depth throughout the entire drilling process. The sensing arm remains engaged with the target member on the drill bit, continuously tracking position changes, thereby providing uninterrupted depth information that ensures reliability without requiring multiple separate measurement attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to the surgeon through the displacement sensor readings, allowing immediate verification of drill bit penetration depth. The continuous measurement data enables the surgeon to monitor progress and confirm accurate placement during the procedure itself, eliminating the need for multiple post-drilling verification measurements.
3Ease of manufacture
If the drill bit is removed from the bore for depth measurement, then traditional depth gages can be used, but the measurement process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the depth measurement function with the drill bit itself by incorporating a target member on the drill bit that engages with the displacement sensor. This integration allows depth measurement to occur simultaneously with drilling, eliminating the need to remove the drill bit for separate measurement steps, thereby simplifying the overall process and reducing time.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If conservative drilling is used to avoid tissue damage, then patient safety improves, but incomplete drilling occurs requiring multiple passes
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement sensor provides real-time feedback on drill bit penetration depth, allowing the surgeon to precisely control drilling progression. This feedback enables the surgeon to stop drilling at the exact desired depth, avoiding both under-drilling (which would require multiple passes) and over-drilling (which could cause tissue damage), thereby optimizing both safety and efficiency.
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
This solution enhances the accuracy and efficiency of drill bit penetration measurement, reducing surgical time and costs while minimizing tissue damage and infection risks by providing precise depth measurement during orthopedic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a displacement sensor adapted for detecting a displacement of the leading edge relative to the reference point
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement system and method for determining a depth of penetration of a working portion of a surgical instrument (e.g., a rotating drill bit in a bore). A first sensor outputs a first signal representative of a displacement of the leading edge of the drill bit in the bore. A second sensor outputs a second signal representative of a force applied to the leading edge of the drill bit. A processor outputs a third signal representative of the depth of penetration of the leading edge of the drill bit when the leading edge of the drill bit passes from a first medium having a first density to a second medium having a second density. The third signal is based on the first and second signals.