Powered Surgical Drill Depth Extension for Accurate Bore Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical drills lack the capability to accurately measure the end-to-end depth of bores drilled in bone, leading to potential issues with screw fitment, such as screws being too short or too long, which can affect the stability and tissue integrity.
Innovation Solution
A surgical handpiece system equipped with a depth measurement member and a displacement sensor that generates signals responsive to the movement of a depth measurement extension, allowing for precise depth measurement during drilling, and a depth cannula that accommodates drill bits of varying sizes, including those with larger cutting portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional surgical drills are used without depth measurement capability, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of bore depth is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The depth measurement extension is nested within the depth measurement member, which itself is integrated into the surgical drill handpiece. This nested configuration allows the depth measurement functionality to be incorporated without significantly increasing the overall device footprint or complexity, while enabling accurate bore depth measurement through the displacement sensor that detects movement of the depth measurement extension relative to the handpiece housing.
2Measurement precision
If a depth measurement extension is added to the surgical drill, then the measurement precision of bore depth is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The depth measurement member serves multiple functions: it acts as both a depth measurement indicator and a guide for the drill bit during drilling. The displacement sensor integrated into the handpiece housing provides electronic depth measurement capability while the elongated body of the depth measurement extension provides mechanical guidance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the depth measurement extension accommodates drill bits with larger cutting portions, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The depth measurement extension features a bore with varying internal cross-sectional areas along its length, with the internal diameter increasing in the distal direction. This dynamic geometry allows the same depth measurement extension to accommodate drill bits of different sizes, including those with larger cutting portions. The elongated body is configured to receive different drill bit shank diameters while maintaining accurate depth measurement capability, thereby improving system adaptability without requiring multiple specialized components.
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 accurate determination of bore depth, ensuring proper screw sizing and reducing tissue irritation by preventing screws from protruding excessively, thereby enhancing surgical precision and patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a displacement sensor for generating displacement signals responsive to movement of the depth measurement member relative to the handpiece housing
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical handpiece system. The surgical handpiece system includes a drill bit having a shank portion and a cutting portion. The surgical handpiece system also includes a surgical handpiece assembly. The surgical handpiece assembly includes a motor and a drive element configured to rotate the drill bit. A depth measurement member is moveable along an axis of the drill bit. A displacement sensor generates displacement signals responsive to movement of the depth measurement member. A depth measurement extension is configured to be coupled to the depth measurement member. The depth measurement extension has an elongated body for receiving the drill bit. The elongated body is sized to accommodate the shank and cutting portions of the drill bit. The elongated body is also sized to prevent passage of the drill bit entirely through the elongated body.