Swiveling Thumb Ring Depth Gauge for One-Handed Bone Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone depth gauges are cumbersome and difficult to maneuver, often requiring two hands and lacking optimal biomechanical efficiency, which complicates the precise measurement of bone hole depths necessary for selecting appropriate fasteners in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A depth gauge design featuring ring-like manually-engageable elements that allow three-finger engagement, enabling one-handed operation with improved biomechanical efficiency, including a swiveling thumb ring for optimal finger alignment and a three-point fixation system for enhanced control and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional depth gauge designs are used, then measurement function is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome two-handed manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The depth gauge incorporates a swiveling thumb ring that can rotate about the longitudinal axis of the outer sleeve, allowing dynamic adjustment of the thumb ring's orientation to match the natural angle of the user's thumb during operation. This dynamic adaptability transforms the static grip into a dynamically adjustable one, enabling optimal biomechanical efficiency during depth measurement without requiring complex multi-component systems.
2Productivity
If traditional depth gauge designs are used, then measurement function is achieved, but productivity deteriorates due to slow and difficult maneuvering
Solution Approach 1:
The three-ring configuration with the swiveling thumb ring enables the depth gauge to be self-adjusting to the user's natural hand biomechanics. The swiveling mechanism allows the thumb ring to automatically align with the optimal angle for thumb application, eliminating the need for the user to consciously adjust their grip or spend time figuring out the correct hand position. This self-aligning feature accelerates the measurement process and reduces time loss during surgical procedures.
3Measurement precision
If traditional depth gauge designs are used, then measurement function is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of stable fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The depth gauge applies different functional qualities to different parts of the gripping system. The two index rings on the inner probe provide a stable, fixed grip point for the index and middle fingers, ensuring precise control of the probe's insertion and engagement with the bone hole. The swiveling thumb ring on the outer sleeve provides a separate, independently adjustable grip point for the thumb, allowing optimal force application without interfering with the stable fixation provided by the index rings. This differentiation of local gripping qualities simultaneously enhances measurement precision and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for measuring bone depth for determining the length of fastener to be employed in medical treatment of the bone includes an elongated inner bone probe having a bone-engaging portion and a plurality of first manually-engageable elements secured thereto. An outer sleeve overlies at least a portion of the inner bone probe and is movable with respect thereto. A second manually-engageable element is secured to the outer sleeve. The first and second manually-engageable elements may be generally ring-shaped, so as to facilitate insertion of a user's fingers. The apparatus is structured to have the bone-engaging portion of the inner bone probe pass through an opening in the bone and engage the distal exterior surface in intimate contact as a result of the first manually-engageable elements being engaged and urged away from the bone. The outer sleeve is moved generally toward the bone so as to achieve contact between the distal end of the outer sleeve and the proximal exterior surface of the bone. A reading of desired fastener length may then be made. Other embodiments of the gauge employing different configurations of the two main components and additional functional features, as well as adaptors, which facilitate retro-fitting structural features, of the present invention into prior art devices. Associated methods are provided.