Surgical Handpiece Depth Probe for Bone Bore Breakthrough Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical drills that measure bore depth obstruct the surgeon's view of the tissue and require additional steps to measure bore depth, prolonging surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical drill with a depth gauge that includes a probe slidably mounted close to the drill bit, allowing for simultaneous drilling and depth measurement without obstructing the view, and using sensors to determine the end-of-bore without requiring additional incisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate depth gauge is used to measure bore depth, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional steps required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the depth gauge functionality directly into the drill assembly by integrating a depth indicator mechanism that is part of the drill housing and bit assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate depth gauge operations while maintaining measurement accuracy, thereby reducing surgical procedure time without sacrificing measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth gauge is pre-positioned and calibrated within the drill assembly before the drilling operation begins. The depth indicator mechanism is set up in advance within the drill housing, allowing immediate measurement capability without requiring additional setup steps during the surgical procedure.
2Measurement precision
If a rod with head is added to measure depth, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to obstruction of view
Solution Approach 1:
The depth indicator mechanism is designed with localized functionality, placing the measurement components only in specific areas where they are needed for measurement while maintaining clarity in the drilling path. The depth gauge is positioned to measure depth without creating continuous obstruction, allowing the surgeon to view tissue clearly while still obtaining accurate measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional rod structure that physically obstructs the view to a two-dimensional indicator mechanism that provides measurement information without blocking the drilling path. The depth indicator is designed to display measurement data in a way that does not interfere with the surgeon's visual access to the tissue.
3Ease of operation
If the depth gauge is positioned close to the drill bit, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drill assembly is designed so that the integrated depth gauge serves multiple functions: it provides depth measurement, acts as a structural component of the drill housing, and works in conjunction with the drill bit assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A drill for driving a drill bit into a solid object such as bone. The drill includes a rotor with a bore that transmits rotational movement to the drill bit. The drill bit extends through the rotor bore. A probe extends forward from the drill to measure bore depth. The probe is moveably mounted to the drill so as to extend into the rotor bore. As the drill and drill bit advance forward the probe remains static. As a result of the advancement of the drill the rotor extends over the proximal end of the probe.