Segmented Bone Drill With Flexible Distal Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional drill assemblies for bone drilling face challenges such as variations in anatomy, high stress conditions leading to buckling or lock-up, and difficulty in accessing optimal bone sites, especially in procedures like shoulder and hip surgeries, due to rigid designs and limited flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A drill assembly with a flexible distal portion composed of interconnected segments that can move between a straight and curved configuration, equipped with a conformal covering to reduce diametric expansion and transmit bidirectional torque, allowing for stable and effective drilling at various angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid drill assembly is used, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability to anatomical variations are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drill assembly is divided into multiple discrete segments that can articulate relative to one another, allowing the distal portion to flex and adapt to curved anatomical paths while the proximal shaft maintains structural stability for torque transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The drill assembly transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure where segments can move relative to each other, enabling adaptation to varying anatomical conditions while maintaining drilling functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible drill design is used, then adaptability to curved paths is improved, but torque transmission capability deteriorates due to buckling and lock-up
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible distal portion is segmented into multiple rigid sections connected by articulation points, allowing the structure to bend and follow curved paths while each segment maintains sufficient stiffness to transmit torque without buckling
Solution Approach 2:
The drill assembly combines rigid segmental structures with flexible connections, creating a composite system that exhibits both flexibility for curved navigation and sufficient torsional rigidity for effective torque transmission
3Device complexity
If a single rigid drill assembly is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to compensate for high stress conditions and anatomical variations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The drill assembly is divided into modular segments that can articulate relative to one another, allowing the distal portion to flex and adapt to curved anatomical paths while the proximal shaft maintains structural stability for torque transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The drill assembly's configuration parameters (segment angles, relative positions) can dynamically change in response to anatomical variations and stress conditions, allowing adaptation without requiring multiple different drill devices
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 and stable drilling at desired angles, reducing tissue damage and instrument clutter by compensating for anatomical variations and high stress conditions, facilitating both linear and curved hole creation with a single drill assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible element disposed between the drill tip and the shaft. The flexible element is configured to move from a substantially linear configuration aligned with the longitudinal axis to a curved configuration with respect to the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
The flexible element and the covering can be configured such that torque is transmitted through the shaft to the drill tip via the flexible element and the covering when the flexible element is in the curved configuration
Implementation Method 3
The covering can have an outer surface having at least one helical flute disposed thereon. The at least one helical flute can be oriented to remove material during drilling
Implementation Method 4
a connecting element disposed between the drill tip and the shaft and extending through the bores formed in the segments such that torque is transmitted through the shaft to the drill tip via the segments
Data Source
AI summary
Drill assemblies and methods for drilling into bone are provided. In general, a drill assembly can have a flexible distal portion configured to move between a substantially straight configuration, in which a longitudinal axis of the distal portion is aligned with a longitudinal axis of a proximal shaft portion of the drill assembly, and a curved configuration, in which the longitudinal axis of the distal portion is angularly offset from the longitudinal axis of the plurality of segments located between the proximal shaft and the drill tip. The drill assembly can include a connecting element extending from the proximal shaft, through the segments, and to the drill tip at a distal end of the drill assembly. The drill assembly can include a conformal covering on the distal portion thereof that is configured to curve.