Guided Surgery Depth Stop With Tubular Key for Precise Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing depth stops for drilling tools are cumbersome, expensive, and not suitable for use with guided surgery, often requiring specially manufactured tools, and pose challenges in visibility and sterilization due to multiple grooves or threads, and are not compatible with guided surgery systems.
Innovation Solution
A depth stop system comprising an interface with a partially tubular shape and a tubular key that connects to the shank of a drilling tool, featuring a cap flange, tapered skirt, and a stop ring, allowing for interference and clearance fits, and optionally used with a jig for guided surgery, ensuring precise depth control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional visual depth markers are used on drilling tools, then depth indication is provided, but visibility is obscured by irrigation fluid and tools making them difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a depth stop as an intermediary mechanical component that physically limits drill penetration depth. This mediator translates the abstract concept of depth measurement into a tangible mechanical constraint, eliminating the need for visual monitoring of depth markers during drilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical/visual depth indication system with a mechanical depth stop system. Instead of relying on visual markers that require line-of-sight and cognitive interpretation, the system uses a physical mechanical constraint that automatically prevents over-penetration through tactile and force feedback.
2Manufacturing precision
If prior art depth stops with multiple grooves or threads are used, then depth control is provided, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the depth control function into two independent components: a simple interface that attaches to the drill shank, and a separate depth stop element that provides the depth-limiting function. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex integrated features like multiple grooves or threads, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining precise depth control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal interface that can accommodate various drill types and sizes without requiring specially manufactured tools. The interface serves multiple functions: attachment to the drill, positioning of the depth stop, and compatibility with different drill configurations, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining precise depth control.
3Ease of operation
If prior art depth stops with multiple grooves are used, then depth adjustment is provided, but sterilization difficulty increases due to hard-to-clean locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the depth adjustment function from the drill tool itself and places it on a separate, removable depth stop element. This extraction creates a distinct boundary between the sterilizable drill tool and the adjustable depth stop, allowing the drill to be fully sterilized without concern for hidden grooves or threads that trap contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a smooth, continuous surface on the interface and depth stop components where no grooves, threads, or recesses exist. This localized modification of surface geometry ensures that the entire component can be easily sterilized while still providing the necessary depth adjustment functionality through macro-scale geometric features rather than micro-scale threading.
Data Source
AI summary
A depth stop for a drilling tool to form a hole of predetermined depth. The depth stop includes an interface portion that couples directly to the shank of the osteotome via interlocking spur and groove features. The interface has a cap flange and a tapered skirt. The underside of the cap flange establishes a reference surface for a tubular key that slides onto the tapered skirt and is held there by friction. The skirt is formed with a relief directly under the cap flange to facilitate haptic confirmation of proper connection. Elongated irrigation windows in the key expose a domed transition on the osteotome, thereby facilitating irrigation. The depth stop can be used, optionally, with an alignment jig designed with a precision guide bushing. The guide bushing is semi-cylindrical and terminates with an internal abutment step against which the lower end of the key engages at full depth.