Optical Depth Gauge for Universal Drill-Bit Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current depth-measuring devices for determining the length of bone screws are often inaccurate and require multiple devices for different drill bits, leading to risks of soft tissue irritation or loss of primary stability due to incorrect screw lengths.
Innovation Solution
A depth gauge device with a light-passing hole, an infrared laser source, and an image sensor that generates successive images of the drill-bit surface to detect movement, using digital image correlation to calculate the drill-bit's depth, and a clamp with adjustable arms for secure mounting, along with a processing unit for real-time display and Bluetooth connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different measuring devices are used for different drill bits, then compatibility with various drill bits is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal depth gauge device with a clamp mechanism featuring adjustable arms that can accommodate different drill bit sizes and configurations. The clamp includes a rotatable adjustment mechanism that allows the arms to be repositioned to fit various drill bit diameters, enabling a single device to measure depth for multiple drill bits rather than requiring separate devices for each drill bit size.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical measuring techniques are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical depth measurement mechanisms with an optical measurement system. An infrared laser source emits light that reflects off the drill bit surface, and an image sensor captures the reflected light to generate successive images. This optical system provides more precise depth measurements compared to mechanical techniques, as it eliminates mechanical contact errors and provides higher resolution measurement capability through digital image analysis.
3Productivity
If fast depth measurement is implemented, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous depth measurement by capturing successive images of the drill bit surface as it advances through the bone. The system continuously tracks the position of identifiable points across multiple images, providing real-time depth information without interrupting the drilling process. This continuous measurement approach maintains high measurement speed while ensuring accuracy through multiple data points that can be averaged or analyzed to reduce random errors.
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
Provides fast and accurate depth measurements compatible with various drill bits, reducing the risk of incorrect screw lengths and minimizing tissue trauma by accurately tracking drill-bit movement and bone structure changes.
Implementation Method 1
a light source mounted in the body for generating a first light beam, the first light beam passing through the light-passing hole toward a surface of a drill-bit extending through the channel, the first light beam forming an incident light beam when reflected away from the drill-bit surface
Implementation Method 2
a processing unit coupled to the image sensor, the processing unit comparing the movement of identifiable points within the plurality of successive images to calculate the distance the drill-bit moves through the channel
Data Source
AI summary
A depth gauge device including a body extending a central longitudinal axis and including a channel and a light-passing hole, the light passing hole open to the channel, a light source mounted in the body for generating a light beam, the light beam passing through the light-passing hole toward a surface of a drill-bit extending through the channel, the light beam forming an incident light beam when reflected away from the drill-bit surface, an image sensor mounted in the body for sensing the incident light beam and generating a plurality of successive images of the drill-bit surface to detect variations in the position of the drill-bit moving through the channel and an clamp coupled to the body, the clamp including a plurality of adjustable arms configured to clamp the device to a protection sleeve.