Adjustable Drill Guide Friction Lock and Multi-Surface Scale
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drill guides in surgical procedures face challenges such as inadvertent depth adjustment due to ratchet mechanism disengagement and small, difficult-to-read depth scale labels, which can lead to incorrect settings and increased instrument size, obstructing minimally invasive surgeries.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable drill guide with a secure adjustment mechanism that limits depth adjustment to intended increments and a multi-surface moving scale with larger text height for improved visibility, maintaining a slender profile without shifting the user's gaze.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ratchet mechanism is used for depth adjustment, then fast depth adjustment and easy assembly are achieved, but the risk of inadvertent depth adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction lock mechanism creates continuous preliminary resistance against unintended movement. The friction between the lock surface and engagement surface prevents the stem from moving unless sufficient force is applied to overcome the friction, thereby preventing inadvertent depth adjustment before it can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the ratchet mechanism with a friction-based lock system. Instead of using teeth and pawls that can disengage, the invention uses friction surfaces that provide continuous stabilization, eliminating the mechanical disengagement problem while maintaining ease of adjustment
2Loss of information
If depth scale label text size is increased, then readability is improved, but the drill guide size or diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from displaying depth scale markings on a two-dimensional cylindrical surface to displaying them on a flattened, planar surface. This dimensional change allows for larger text and markings without increasing the overall diameter of the drill guide, as the markings are projected onto a flat reference surface rather than wrapped around a curve
Solution Approach 2:
The depth scale is segmented into distinct reference markings and indicator elements. The reference markings are placed on the flattened surface while the indicator is positioned separately, allowing each element to be optimized for readability without constraining the other, thereby maintaining compact overall dimensions
3Loss of information
If depth scale label text size is increased by moving user's eye gaze, then text size can be accommodated, but the usability of the instrument decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the depth reference markings and the depth indicator into a single integrated display location on the flattened surface. Both elements are positioned within the user's normal field of view, eliminating the need to shift gaze between separate components and maintaining continuous usability during the drilling procedure
Data Source
AI summary
Adjustable drill guides and related methods are disclosed herein. An exemplary drill guide can include an adjustment mechanism that allows for precise incremental adjustment of the drill guide's depth setting while securely maintaining the device at a fixed setting between adjustments. The adjustment mechanism can improve the safety and security of the drill guide, for example by limiting adjustment only to those situations where it is specifically intended by the user, thereby reducing or eliminating the risk of inadvertent depth adjustment. In some embodiments, a drill guide can include high visibility, easy-to-read depth indications while maintaining a slender profile and without shifting the user's eye gaze, for example by employing a multi-surface moving scale having a text height that is at least twice the adjustment increment. Handles, protection sleeves, navigation adapters, and various other accessories that can be used with or without a drill guide are also disclosed herein.