Self-Propelling Surgical Device Drilling and Implantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Orthopedic surgeons face challenges in inserting implants into bones due to the need for manual force, which leads to fatigue, potential injury from drilling errors, and inaccuracies in depth measurement, resulting in wasted hardware, increased costs, and prolonged anesthesia times with excessive radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelling surgical device that drills holes and inserts implants without user-applied physical force, utilizing a rotating cylinder, motor, and sensors to maintain stationarity during both drilling and implantation, ensuring accurate depth measurement and reducing manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual force is used to push the drill and drive the drill bit into the bone, then the drilling process can be completed, but the surgeon experiences fatigue and there is risk of inadvertent over-drilling
Solution Approach 1:
The drill system performs self-service through automated depth control mechanisms. The drill bit is equipped with depth markers or sensors that automatically stop the drilling process at the predetermined depth, eliminating the need for continuous manual monitoring and force application by the surgeon.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system with an automated control system. Electronic sensors, motors, and control algorithms substitute for the surgeon's manual force application and depth judgment, providing precise depth control without human fatigue or error.
2Ease of operation
If manual force is used to insert the screw into the hole with a screwdriver, then the implantation process can be completed, but the surgeon experiences fatigue and there is risk of incorrect angle or alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The screw insertion process replaces manual screwdriver operation with an automated powered driver system. The device includes a motorized driving mechanism with angular sensors and alignment detectors that automatically control the insertion angle and depth, ensuring precise implant placement without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms including angular sensors, position detectors, and force sensors that continuously monitor the screw insertion process. The control system processes this feedback information and automatically adjusts the driving parameters to maintain correct angle and alignment throughout the implantation process.
3Measurement precision
If tactile feedback is used to measure hole depth with a depth gauge, then depth measurement can be obtained, but the measurement may be inaccurate and requires repeated radiographs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces tactile depth measurement with electronic sensing systems. Sensors such as capacitive, inductive, or optical detectors automatically measure the hole depth with high precision, eliminating the need for manual gauge reading and subsequent radiographic verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary measurement mechanism between the drill bit and the surgeon. Electronic sensors act as intermediaries that directly detect depth information and transmit it to the control system, providing objective and accurate measurements without relying on surgeon tactile skill or repeated imaging.
4Productivity
If the surgeon manually operates the drill and screwdriver, then the surgical process can be completed, but there is increased radiation exposure to the patient, surgeon and staff due to repeated radiographs
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system incorporates real-time feedback through electronic sensors and imaging integration that provide continuous monitoring of drilling depth and implant position. This eliminates the need for repeated radiographic verification, reducing radiation exposure while maintaining surgical efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual surgical operations with automated robotic or computer-controlled systems that integrate with imaging guidance. This substitution enables precise depth and position control through electronic feedback, eliminating repeated radiographs and associated radiation exposure to patient and staff.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a self-propelling surgical device and method for using the same. The device is configured to drill a hole into an object, such as a bone, and subsequently insert an implant, such as a screw or pin, into the hole. The device drills the hole and inserts the implant under its own power. The device may perform desired actions automatically or manually.