Smart Surgical Screwdriver With Real-Time Fixation Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical screw installation methods lack real-time feedback on torque and energy measurements, leading to a high incidence of post-operative screw loosening, which necessitates further surgical intervention.
Innovation Solution
A surgical tool system equipped with sensors to measure torque, rotational acceleration, and time, a microcontroller to calculate optimal ranges, and a feedback mechanism to ensure real-time compliance with these ranges during fixator installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical screw installation methods are used without real-time monitoring, then the surgical procedure is simple and quick, but the screw fixation reliability is poor leading to post-operative loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by measuring torque and rotational acceleration during screw installation, comparing these measurements against optimal ranges, and providing immediate feedback to the surgeon through visual or tactile signals. This closed-loop feedback system ensures screws are installed within optimal parameters to prevent loosening, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity by making the system adaptive rather than statically complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional purely mechanical screw installation with a system that incorporates electronic sensors (torque sensor, rotational accelerometer), microcontrollers for data processing, and electronic feedback mechanisms. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic measurement and control systems enables precise monitoring of installation parameters without significantly increasing operational complexity for the surgeon.
2Manufacturing precision
If real-time torque and energy measurement is implemented during screw installation, then the screw installation precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and microcontroller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions (torque sensing and rotational acceleration measurement) into a single integrated surgical tool system. The torque sensor and rotational accelerometer are combined in one device, along with the microcontroller and feedback mechanism, creating a unified system rather than separate components. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high installation precision through multi-parameter monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If peak insertional torque is used as the sole indicator for screw installation success, then the evaluation process is simple, but the assessment accuracy is insufficient leading to screw loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension assessment (peak torque only) to a multi-dimensional assessment by incorporating rotational acceleration measurements alongside torque. This adds a temporal and dynamic dimension to the evaluation, capturing the installation process characteristics beyond just the final torque value. The combination of torque and rotational acceleration data provides comprehensive assessment of installation quality, preventing loosening while maintaining manageable system complexity.
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
Reduces the likelihood of screw loosening by providing real-time feedback on torque and energy parameters, ensuring optimal installation and improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor configured to obtain torque measurements
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor configured to obtain one or more rotational acceleration measurements during the installation
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are surgical tool systems and methods for installing a fixator in biological tissue with precision and efficiency. These systems are designed to measure torque and rotational velocity accurately while providing real-time feedback to the user during surgical procedures. Utilizing integrated sensors, the system calculates torque and energy-rotation parameters, including mean torque, mean rotational velocity, mean power, and total energy. Based on these measurements, the system generates a Property I value—a weighted combination of these parameters—to assess whether the operation falls within optimal ranges. If the Property I values deviate from these ranges, the system generates corrective signals and adjusts the tool's operation to ensure optimal performance. In some cases, this iterative process continues until the fixator installation is successfully completed, enhancing surgical accuracy and reducing the risk of errors.