Osseous Quality Measurement via Torque and Current Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for evaluating osseous quality in dental implantology lack precision and are invasive, with non-invasive methods providing imprecise quantitative measurements, making it difficult to determine an optimal implant strategy.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that use a standard implantology kit with a micro motor and contra-angle reducer to measure osseous quality quantitatively during drilling, providing a precise spatial profile without additional invasive procedures, using current derivative measurements and an angular sensor to gather data on bone quality as a function of depth and orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If non-invasive methods such as X-raying or MRI are used to evaluate osseous quality, then the evaluation can be performed without invasive procedures, but the measurement precision is insufficient and cannot provide quantitative spatial profiles of bone quality

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinvasivenessVSAvoidquantitative measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces non-invasive imaging methods (X-ray, MRI) with a mechanical measurement approach that uses torque and rotational speed data from a drilling tool to quantify bone quality. The mechanical system measures actual mechanical resistance during drilling, providing precise quantitative data while minimizing invasiveness by using standard dental drilling procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system that captures torque and rotational speed data during the drilling process. This intermediary system (sensors and data processing unit) translates mechanical drilling parameters into quantitative bone quality metrics, bridging the gap between invasive mechanical measurement and non-invasive evaluation requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If invasive methods such as drilling with empirical data collection are used to determine osseous quality, then quantitative measurement of mechanical resistance can be obtained, but additional invasive procedures and operational phases are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantitative measurement precisionVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the bone quality measurement function with the standard dental drilling procedure. The same drilling tool that prepares the implant site also collects measurement data through torque and rotational speed sensing. This combination eliminates separate measurement procedures, reducing operational complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drilling tool is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a bone preparation tool and a measurement device. The tool can perform standard drilling operations while simultaneously collecting data on mechanical resistance, allowing one device to fulfill multiple functions without requiring additional specialized equipment or procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If reverse rotation is used to measure mechanical resistance during drilling, then torque and deformation data can be collected, but the drilling tool must be symmetrical which is not suitable for dental implants with screwing direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque measurement capabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with directional drilling tools
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamic measurement during the forward drilling motion itself, rather than requiring reverse rotation. By measuring torque and rotational speed during the actual drilling operation in the screwing direction, the system adapts to directional drilling tools and eliminates the need for symmetrical tools or reverse rotation maneuvers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements real-time feedback measurement during drilling, where torque and rotational speed data are continuously collected and processed to determine bone quality. This feedback mechanism allows measurement during the forward drilling motion, adapting to the directional nature of dental drilling tools without requiring reverse rotation or symmetrical tool design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables precise quantitative measurement of osseous quality, allowing for accurate classification and reconstruction of spatial profiles, reducing the risk of bone damage and improving implant placement strategies with minimal additional operational phases or invasive procedures.

Implementation Method 1

a unit for measuring instantly a value related to the consumption of electric current by the motor during the drilling of the bone with the drilling tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical current measurement: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentEP3917442B1Device for determining the quality of an osseous structure
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 BIEN AIR HLDG SA
  • EP3917442B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3917442B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3917442B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device and a method for measuring osseous quality.