Surgical Drill Depth Collar Ratcheting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques for preparing bone defects, such as forming recesses in the glenoid bone, lack precision and control in setting the depth of the bone hole or recess, which can lead to joint instability and pain due to bone erosion or fractures.
Innovation Solution
A drill assembly with a depth collar and ratcheting sleeve that limits relative rotation between the depth collar and the drill shaft, allowing for precise control over the depth of the recess formed, using a ratcheting mechanism to maintain the depth collar's position and prevent unwanted movement, enabling the surgeon to set and maintain the selected depth accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a drill is used to form a recess in bone, then bone defects can be repaired, but precision and control in setting the depth of the bone hole are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The depth collar is pre-adjusted to the desired depth setting before the drilling operation begins. The ratcheting mechanism is pre-configured to engage at the predetermined depth, preventing the drill from penetrating too deeply into the bone and ensuring accurate depth control from the outset
Solution Approach 2:
The ratcheting mechanism provides tactile and audible feedback when the predetermined depth is reached during drilling. This immediate feedback allows the surgeon to stop drilling at the exact depth, preventing over-penetration and ensuring precise depth control while maintaining joint stability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the depth collar is made movable along the cutting surfaces, then depth adjustment is enabled, but relative rotation between the depth collar and drill shaft may cause positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The ratcheting mechanism acts as an intermediary between the depth collar and drill shaft. It allows controlled movement of the depth collar for adjustment while preventing unwanted relative rotation during drilling, thus maintaining positioning accuracy despite the collar's movability
Solution Approach 2:
The depth collar transitions from a static to a dynamic state during adjustment, then to a locked state during drilling. The ratcheting mechanism enables this dynamic behavior by allowing movement in one direction (adjustment) while preventing movement in the opposite direction (rotation), providing both adaptability and precision
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure relates to a drill assembly and method for preparing a surgical site. The drill assembly (20) disclosed herein may be utilized for removing bone prior to positioning a graft and/or implant at a surgical site. The drill assembly includes a drill shat (22), a depth collar (24) and a ratcheting sleeve (26) that is adapted to limit movement of the depth collar.