Pedicle Screw Placement with Depth Advance and Torque Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vertebral pedicle screw placement methods are inefficient, inaccurate, and prone to accidental injuries due to manual operation, lacking precise control over screw insertion depth and torque, and are not automated.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automatic vertebral pedicle screw placement device with a bone drill mechanism and depth advancing mechanism, equipped with sensors and motors for precise linear motion, torque control, and a clamping mechanism to stabilize tools, integrated with a binocular vision system for real-time tracking and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual screw placement is used, then the doctor can directly insert the screw, but the operation is inefficient, inaccurate, and prone to accidental injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a robotic arm as an intermediary device between the surgeon's control and the screw placement tool. The robotic arm executes precise movements based on pre-planned trajectories, eliminating manual manipulation errors while maintaining surgical control through automated positioning and depth control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system with an automated robotic system that uses computer-controlled mechanisms for positioning, depth control, and torque application. This substitution eliminates human fatigue and variability, providing consistent and precise screw placement while reducing the physical burden on the surgeon
2Strength
If hammers and tools are used to strike during manual reaming, then cortical bone can be penetrated, but large impact on the human body and accidental injuries occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the impact-based manual reaming system with an automated drilling system that applies controlled rotational force and axial pressure through a robotic arm. This substitution eliminates the need for hammer strikes while achieving effective bone penetration through precise, computer-controlled mechanical engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system performs the bone penetration task autonomously based on pre-planned parameters, eliminating the need for manual hammering and impact techniques. The system self-regulates the drilling process, maintaining optimal force and depth control without human intervention in the critical impact phase
3Ease of operation
If low-speed bone drill is used for tapping and screw placement, then the tool can be controlled, but the doctor lacks the feel of manual screwing and cannot judge whether the screw is in place
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors and control systems that provide real-time feedback on screw insertion depth, torque, and positioning. This feedback loop allows the robotic system to monitor and adjust parameters automatically, providing objective measurement data that replaces the surgeon's subjective tactile judgment while maintaining precise control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the surgeon's tactile sensing capability with electronic sensors and computer-based measurement systems. These instruments objectively measure screw placement parameters such as depth, torque, and position, eliminating the limitations of manual feel while providing quantifiable data for verification
4Measurement precision
If navigation marker is set on the end of tools to track position in real time, then position can be monitored, but human response and physiological fatigue cause delay and inaccurate depth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human visual tracking and response system with automated robotic control and computer-based navigation. The robotic arm executes movements based on real-time navigation data without human response delay, and the computer system continuously calculates and adjusts positioning parameters, eliminating the time lag inherent in manual visual monitoring and manual correction
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
Enhances surgical efficiency and accuracy, reduces manual effort, minimizes injuries, and ensures precise screw placement by providing real-time feedback and automated control.
Implementation Method 1
The depth advancing mechanism comprises a lead screw assembly, a moving platform, and a driving motor for driving the lead screw assembly; the lead screw assembly includes a ball screw and a lead screw nut; the driving motor is connected to and drives the ball screw, so that a linear reciprocating relative movement occurs between the lead screw nut and the ball screw
Data Source
AI summary
The vertebral pedicle screw placement device of the present application includes a bone drill mechanism and a depth advancing mechanism connected to the bone drill mechanism and used to generate linear reciprocating motion. The bone drill mechanism includes a bone drill driving device and a clamping mechanism connected and driven by the bone drill driving device. The present application provides the driving force of the linear reciprocating motion of the bone drill mechanism through a depth advancing mechanism, and combines the driving control of the clamping mechanism by the bone drill driving device. The clamping mechanism is used to clamp the guide pins, reamers, taps, vertebral pedicle screws, etc. required in the operation, so as to realize the screw placement in the operation, improve the operation efficiency and the accuracy of the screw placement, and avoid possible accidental injuries in the manual screw placement process in the prior art.