Rotating Cutting Instrument With Embedded Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dental drill systems rely on external electrodes for impedance measurements, which can complicate procedures by requiring external coatings and insulation, and may not accurately monitor tissue penetration into bone and soft tissue during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The integration of electrically-conductive inner and outer electrodes within the rotating cutting instrument, with an electrical isolation layer, allows for direct electrical communication without external electrodes, enabling precise tissue characterization and improved oral access through a low-profile design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external electrodes are used for impedance measurements, then the measurement system can be established, but the device complexity increases due to required external coatings and insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrodes with the rotating cutting instrument itself, making the instrument both the cutting tool and the measurement probe. The electrodes are integrated into the instrument's structure, eliminating the need for separate external electrodes and associated insulation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the external system and embeds it directly into the rotating cutting instrument. This allows the instrument to perform both cutting and impedance measurement functions independently without relying on external electrodes or coatings.
2Reliability
If external electrodes are used for impedance measurements, then the measurement system can be established, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional external components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement function into the rotating cutting instrument, allowing the surgeon to perform both cutting and monitoring with a single tool. This integration eliminates the need for separate external electrodes and simplifies the surgical procedure.
3Ease of operation
If a low-profile design is implemented, then oral access is improved, but the device complexity increases due to embedded electrode integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (cutting, impedance measurement, torque transmission) into a single integrated instrument with embedded electrodes. This merger allows for a compact, low-profile design that improves oral access while maintaining all necessary functions through intelligent integration rather than adding separate 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
This solution enhances the accuracy of tissue penetration monitoring, reduces the need for external coatings and insulation, and provides a more compact, efficient design for dental and orthopedic procedures by utilizing embedded electrodes to measure electrical characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical isolation layer between the inner electrode and the outer electrode, so as to electrically isolate the inner electrode from the outer electrode
Implementation Method 2
drivers, rotating cutting instruments, and methods for determining information (such as impedances, voltages, voltage differences, and changes in such information) about biological material during a medical procedure
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating cutting instrument (20) is provided that includes a proximal electrically-conductive shank (24), configured to receive torque. An electrically-conductive outer electrode (26) includes an electrically-conductive distal end portion (28) that is shaped so as to penetrate tissue when rotated, and is in electrical contact with the proximal electrically-conductive shank (24). An electrically-conductive inner electrode (30) has a proximal end portion (32). An electrical isolation layer (34) is disposed between the electrically-conductive outer electrode (26) and the electrically-conductive inner electrode (30), so as to electrically isolate the electrically-conductive outer electrode (26) and the electrically-conductive inner electrode (30) from each other. Other embodiments are also described.