Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(Section 10 and Rule 13)

1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
ADJUSTABLE DRILL GUIDE
2. APPLICANT:
Meril Corporation (I) Private Limited, an Indian company of the address Survey No. 135/139, Muktanand Marg, Bilakhia House, Pardi, Vapi, Valsad-396191 Gujarat, India.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

FIELD OF INVENTION
[1] The present disclosure relates to a medical instrument. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an adjustable drill guide for orthopedic surgeries.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[2] Surgical instruments are essential tools used by surgeons and medical professionals to perform various surgical procedures with precision and efficacy. Surgical drill bits are primarily used to create holes in bones. These holes serve different purposes, such as, bone plate fixation, and screw-fixation. Surgical drill bits also play an important role in cranial procedures, dental surgeries, and various other complex medical interventions. Surgical drill bits come in various sizes and designs. The choice of a drill bit depends on the specific procedure and the bone being worked on. Precision is critical when using surgical drill bits. The accuracy in drilling may be achieved with the help of drill guides. Drill guides assist in accurately drilling holes at a specific location and angle. Surgeons use drill guides to accurately drill the bone.
[3] Conventionally, surgeons require multiple drill guides, each specific to a particular drill size. Specificity of these drill guides eliminates the guesswork for the surgeon. However, this also means that a wide range of drill guides are necessary to cover the range of surgical drill bits used in various surgical procedures. Procurement of a variety of drill guides for different drill bits can be increase the inventory and requires extensive storage space for both the drill bits and their associated drill guides on a surgical table. Additionally, each drill guide must be thoroughly sterilized between uses, which is labor-intensive and time-consuming.
[4] This increases operational complexities for the surgeons, especially when multiple surgical drill bits are required during the surgery. The setup time can be prolonged, and ensuring that the correct drill guide is available and properly configured for each drill bit during the surgery necessitates careful coordination, adding to the complexity.
[5] Thus, there arises a need for a device that overcomes the problems associated with the conventional devices.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[6] Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are mere examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
[7] The present disclosure relates to a drill guide. In an embodiment, the drill guide includes a first disc, a second disc, a plurality of plates, a plurality of first cams and a plurality of second cams. The first disc includes a plurality of curved slots. The second disc includes a plurality of straight slots. The plurality of plates is disposed between the first disc and the second disc. The plurality of plates is circularly arranged defining a central aperture. Each plate of the plurality of plates includes a top face and a bottom face. Each first cam of the plurality of first cams is coupled to the top face of the corresponding plate and is disposed within the corresponding curved slot. Each second cam of the plurality of second cams is coupled to the bottom face of the corresponding plate and is disposed within the corresponding straight slot. In response to the rotation of the first disc, each first cam of the plurality of first cams is configured to move with the corresponding curved slot between a point A1 and a point A2, and the plurality of second cams is configured to move within the corresponding straight slot between a point B1 and a point B2, causing the plurality of plates to pivot inward or outward, thereby adjusting the diameter of the central aperture. The central aperture is configured to accommodate a drill bit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[8] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the apportioned drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentality disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale.
[9] Fig. 1 depicts a side perspective view of a drill guide 10, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[10] Fig. 2 depicts a side perspective view of a handle 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[11] Fig. 2a depicts a top perspective view of a distal portion 210b of the handle 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[12] Fig. 3a depicts a top perspective view of an assembly 15, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[13] Fig. 3b depicts a bottom perspective view of an assembly 15, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[14] Fig. 4 depicts a top perspective view of a first disc 20 of the assembly 15, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[15] Fig. 5a depicts a top perspective view of a plurality of plates 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[16] Fig. 5b depicts a perspective side view of one plate 100 of the plurality of plates 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[17] Fig. 6a depicts a top view of a second disc 80 of the assembly 15, according to an embodiment of present disclosure.
[18] Fig. 6b depicts bottom perspective view of the second disc 80 of the assembly 15, according to an embodiment of present disclosure.
[19] Fig. 6c depicts a perspective side view of one resilient member 150 of a plurality of resilient members 150, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[20] Fig. 7 depicts a flowchart of a method 700 of operation of the drill guide 10, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[21] Figs. 8a-8b depict an exemplary embodiment of the assembly 15 in a fully open position, according to an embodiment of present disclosure.
[22] Figs. 8c-8d depict a coupling of an exemplary drill bit 300 with the drill guide 10, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[23] Prior to describing the invention in detail, definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document will be defined: the terms "include" and "comprise", as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases "coupled with" and "associated therewith", as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have a property of, or the like. Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.
[24] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.
[25] Although the operations of exemplary embodiments of the disclosed method may be described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments can encompass an order of operations other than the particular, sequential order disclosed. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Further, descriptions and disclosures provided in association with one particular embodiment are not limited to that embodiment, and may be applied to any embodiment disclosed herein. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed instrument, method, and apparatus can be used in combination with other instruments, methods, and apparatuses.
[26] Furthermore, the described includes, advantages, and characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific includes or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional includes and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments. These includes and advantages of the embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following description and apportioned claims, or may be learned by the practice of embodiments as set forth hereinafter.
[27] This current disclosure pertains to a drill guide. The drill guide guides a drill bit for precise operation during a surgical procedure. The proposed drill guide can be coupled with various surgical drill bits having different diameters. The drill guide is adjustable. The drill guide includes an assembly defining a central aperture configured to receive a drill bit. The assembly is manipulated to adjust a diameter of the central aperture according to the diameter of the drill bit. A surgeon may switch between drill bits of different diameters during a surgical procedure by simply changing the size of the central aperture of the drill guide without a need to use a different drill guide, thereby, significantly reducing the step and intraoperative time. Further, this streamlines the surgical workflow.
[28] The adjustability of the drill guide eliminates the need for multiple specialized drill guides as seen with conventional approaches. Hospitals and surgical centers can lower procurement costs by investing in a single, versatile drill guide rather than multiple specialized drill guides. Further, maintenance and sterilization costs are also reduced, as only one drill guide needs to be sterilized between procedures. Using a single drill guide for multiple surgical drill bits enhances reliability and leads to better surgical outcomes.
[29] Now referring to the figures, Fig. 1 illustrate an exemplary drill guide 10. In an embodiment, the drill guide 10 includes an assembly 15 and a handle 200. The assembly 15 acts as a drill guide for drill bits having different diameters. The assembly 15 is coupled to the handle 200.
[30] Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary handle 200. The handle 200 extends from a proximal end 200a to a distal end 200b, thereby defining a length. The handle 200 is ergonomically designed for the user to grip the handle 200 while performing a medical procedure. The handle 200 has an elongated body. According to an embodiment, the handle 200 includes a proximal portion 210a, a central portion 210c and a distal portion 210b. The proximal portion 210a is provided towards the proximal end 200a, the distal portion 210b is provided towards the distal end 200b and the central portion 210c is disposed between the proximal portion 210a and the distal portion 210b.
[31] The proximal portion 210a, the central portion 210c and the distal portion 210b have a pre-defined shape. In an embodiment, the proximal portion 210a is cylindrical for a better grip. The user holds the proximal portion 210a while performing the medical procedure. In an embodiment, the central portion 210c and the distal portion 210b have a flat body. In an embodiment, the distal portion 210b makes a pre-defined angle with the central portion 210c. The angled profile of the distal portion 210b facilitates easy handling of the drill guide 10 during the medical procedure, allowing the drill guide 10 to be gripped in any orientation without interfering with the surrounding area. The assembly 15 is mounted on the distal portion 210b.
[32] The distal portion 210b includes a cut-out 200c, as shown in Fig 2a. The cut-out 200c is configured to receive at least a portion of the second disc 80 and associated components, which has been explained later. The cut-out 200c includes a hole 200d. The hole 200d allows a drill bit to pass.
[33] Optionally, the handle 200 may include one or more indicators 200e. The one or more indicators 200e are provided on the distal portion 200b. Each of the one or more indicators 200e indicates a corresponding diameter of the drill guide 10. This allows the user to visually determine the accurate diameter of the drill guide 10 while adjusting the diameter of drill guide 10 according to the diameter of the drill bit. In the depicted embodiment, the one or more indicators 200e includes a first indicator 2, a second indicator 3, a third indicator 4 and a fourth indicator 5 indicating the diameter of the central aperture is 2mm, 3 mm, 4 mm and 5 mm, respectively.
[34] The handle 200 may be made of a material, such as, without limitation, stainless steel, aluminum, acetyl co-polymer, etc. In an embodiment, the handle 200 is made of acetyl co-polymer. It should be appreciated that the handle 200 depicted herein is merely exemplary and should be considered as limiting. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that a handle may be sculpted with numerous variations while practicing teachings of the present disclosure and the same are within the scope of the present disclosure.
[35] Fig. 3a illustrates a top perspective view of the assembly 15, according to an embodiment. Fig. 3b illustrates a bottom perspective view of the assembly 15. In an embodiment, the assembly 15 includes a first disc 20, a second disc 80, a plurality of plates 100 (hereinafter, plates 100), a plurality of first cams 110 (hereinafter, first cams 110) and a plurality of second cams 120 (hereinafter, second cams 120) operatively coupled to each other. The plates 100 are disposed between the first disc 20 and the second disc 80. The plates 100 are circularly arranged, thereby defining a central aperture 50. The central aperture 50 is configured to accommodate a drill bit. By adjusting the size of the central aperture 50, drill bits of different diameters can be used with the drill guide 10.
[36] Fig. 4 illustrates the first disc 20, according to an embodiment. The first disc 20 is annular. The first disc 20 includes an outer edge 24a and an inner edge 24b. The inner edge 24b defines a first hole 32. The first disc 20 may be made of a material, such as, without limitation, stainless steel, aluminum, acetyl co-polymer, etc. In an embodiment, the first disc 20 is made of stainless steel.
[37] The first disc 20 is rotatable both in a first pre-defined direction (e.g., clockwise) and a second pre-defined direction (e.g., anticlockwise). The first disc 20 includes a tab 28 extending from the outer edge 24a of the first disc 20. The tab 28 is configured to be movable angularly, causing the first disc 20 to rotate. The tab 28 allows the user to rotate the first disc 20. The one or more indicators 200e of the handle 200 guides the user regarding how much the tab 28 is to be moved for accommodating drill bits having different diameters. For example, the user may move the tab 28 to the first indicator 2 for adjusting the diameter of the central aperture 50 to accommodate a drill bit having a 2 mm diameter. Similarly, the user may move the tab 28 to the second indicator 3, the third indicator 4 and the fourth indicator 5 for adjusting the diameter of the central aperture 50 to accommodate a drill bit having a diameter of 3 mm, 4 mm and 5 mm, respectively.
[38] The first disc 20 includes a plurality of curved slots 30 (hereinafter, curved slots 30). Each curved slot 30 is configured to receive a first cam 110 (depicted in Fig. 3a) of a plurality of first cams 110. In response to the rotation of the first disc 20, each first cam 110 is configured to move along the corresponding curved slot 30 between a point A1 and a point A2.
[39] In an embodiment, the first cams 110 are cylindrical. The first cams 110 may be made of a material, such as, without limitation, stainless steel, aluminum, acetyl co-polymer, etc. In an example implementation, the first cams 110 are made of acetyl co-polymer.
[40] Referring now to Fig. 5a, the plates 100 are arranged circularly as shown. The plates 100 are operatively coupled to the first disc 20 via the first cams 110. In response to the rotation of the first disc 20, the plates 100 are configured to pivot inwards or outwards depending upon the direction of rotation of the first disc 20, thereby adjusting the size of the central aperture 50, as explained later. The plates 100 move radially inwards or outwards depending upon the direction of rotation of the first disc 20.
[41] The plates 100 may have a pre-defined shape, such as, without limitation, pie-shape, segmented circular, leaf-shape, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the plates 100 are pie-shaped. The plates 100 may be made of a material, such as, without limitation, stainless steel, aluminum, acetyl co-polymer, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the plates 100 are made of acetyl co-polymer.
[42] Fig. 5b illustrates one plate 100 of the plates 100, according to an embodiment. The plate 100 has a top face 100a, a bottom face 100b, a first side face 100c, a second side face (not shown), an apex 100e and an arced face 100d. The top face 100a faces towards the first disc 20 and the bottom face 100b faces towards the second disc 80. The plates 100 are arranged adjacently in such a way that the first side face 100c of one plate 100 is in contact with the second side face of the adjacent plate 100. The apex 100e of each plate 100 is disposed towards the central aperture 50, as shown in Fig. 5a. The apex 100e defines an edge having a pre-defined shape, such as, without limitation, curved, triangular, straight, etc. In an embodiment, the apex 100e has a curved edge. The curved edge of the apex 100e is designed such that the curved edges of the apices 100e of the plates 100 in a closed position forms the central aperture 50 having a circular shape and a drill bit having a corresponding diameter may be coupled to the drill guide 10. Thus, the drill guide 10 can also be used when in the closed position where the diameter of the central aperture 50 in the closed position corresponds to the smallest size of a drill bit that may be coupled to the drill guide 10.
[43] The plates 100 are configured to be in an open position and a closed position. The plates 100 are arranged such that, in the closed position, the first side face 100c of the plate 100 fully overlaps with the second side face of an adjacent plate 100 as shown in Fig. 5a. And, in the open position, the first side face 100c is disposed towards a center of the central aperture 50 and partially overlaps with the second side face of the adjacent plate 100.
[44] The top face 100a of each plate 100 is coupled to a corresponding first cam 110 of the first cams 110. In an embodiment, the plate 100 includes a hole 105 provided on the top face 100a towards the arced face 100d. The hole 105 is configured to receive the corresponding first cam 110. The first cam 110 is coupled to the hole 105 using a technique, such as, without limitation, snap-fit, press-fit, threaded fit. In an example implementation, the hole 105 of each plate 100 includes internal threads and each first cam 110 includes external threads, that are complementary to the internal threads of the hole 105. The internal threads of the hole 105 are configured to mate with the external threads of the respective first cam 110, thereby coupling each first cam 110 to the respective hole 105. The diameter of the first cam 110 corresponds to the width of the corresponding curved slot 30 and the diameter of the corresponding hole 105 of the plate 100. Though in the depicted embodiment, the plate 100 and the first cam 110 are shown as separate components, in an alternate embodiment, the first cam 110 and the plate 100 may form an integrated structure. For example, the first cam 110 may be extruded on the top face 100a of the plate 100.
[45] In response to rotation of the first disc 20, the plate 100 is configured to pivot about the corresponding first cam 110 such that the first side face 100c of each plate 100 is configured to glide against a corresponding side face of an adjacent plate 100 tangentially. In response to the rotation of the first disc 20 in the first pre-defined direction, each plate 100 is configured to pivot in an outward direction (i.e., away from the central aperture 50) and causing the plates 100 to be in the open position. In the open position, the first side face 100c of each plate 100 mates partially with the second side of an adjacent plate 100. The outward movement of the plates 100 results in increased diameter of the central aperture 50.
[46] In the open position, the first side face 100c of each plate 100 is configured to contact an outer surface of the drill bit tangentially. This helps in holding the drill bit firmly. Further, the tangential contact between the first side face 100c of each plate 100 and the outer surface of the drill bit prevents grinding between these surfaces and increases longevity of the drill guide 10.
[47] The bottom face 100b of each plate 100 is coupled to a corresponding second cam 120 of the second cams 120. In an embodiment, the second cam 120 and the corresponding plate 100 form an integrated structure. In an example implementation, the second cam 120 is extruded from the bottom face 100b. Though in the depicted embodiment, the second cam 120 and the plate 100 form an integrated structure, in an alternate embodiment, the second cam 120 and the plate 100 may be separate components coupled to each other using a technique, such as, without limitation, snap-fit, press-fit, threaded fit. According to an embodiment, each second cam 120 includes a rim 122 provided towards a bottom side of the second cam 120. The second cam 120 helps in coupling the plate 100 with the second disc 80. In an embodiment, the second cams 120 are cylindrical. The second cams 120 may be made of a material, such as, without limitation, stainless steel, aluminum, acetyl co-polymer, etc. In an example implementation, the second cams 120 are made of acetyl co-polymer.
[48] Figs. 6a-6b illustrate the second disc 80, according to an embodiment. The second disc 80 remains stationary and helps in actuation of the plates 100. The second disc 80 is annular. The second disc 80 includes an outer edge 84a and an inner edge 84b. The inner edge 84b defines a second hole 82. In an embodiment, the outer diameter, the inner diameter and the thickness of the second disc 80 are the same as that of the first disc 20. The second disc 80 includes a plurality of straight slots 90 (hereinafter, straight slots 90).The second disc 80 may be made of a material, such as, without limitation, stainless steel, aluminum, acetyl co-polymer, etc. In an example implementation, the second disc 80 is made of stainless steel.
[49] Each straight slot 90 is configured to receive a corresponding second cam 120 of the second cams 120, thereby coupling the second disc 80 with the plates 100. The diameter of the second cam 120 corresponds to the width of the straight slot 90. The straight slot 90 provides a path for the corresponding second cam 120 to move between a point B1 and a point B2, as shown in Fig. 6a.
[50] In response to the rotation of the first disc 20, the plurality of first cams 110 move between the point A1 and the point A2 and the plurality of second cams 120 move between the point B1 and the point B2. The straights slots 90 and the curved slots 30 are designed such that, for example, when the first cam 110 moves within the corresponding curved slot 30 from the point A1 to the point A2, a respective second cam 120 moves within the corresponding straight slot 90 from the point B1 to the point B2. Similarly, when the first cam 110 moves within the corresponding curved slot 30 from the point A2 towards the point A1, a respective second cam 120 moves within the corresponding straight slot 90 from the point B2 towards the point B1. This ensures that the plates 100 move smoothly and accurately. The movement of the first cams 110 and the second cams 120 within the respective curved slots 30 and the straight slots 90 causes the plurality of plates 100 to pivot inward or outward, thereby adjusting the diameter of the central aperture 50. The resulting central aperture 50 is symmetric about a central axis of the assembly 15.
[51] The width of the straight slots 90 may be the same or different than the width of the curved slots 30. Each straight slot 90 is designed such that a line A (an imaginary line passing through the point B1 and a center 84d of the second disc 80) is perpendicular to a line B (an imaginary line extending longitudinally along the length of the straight slot 90). This helps in achieving maximum range of central aperture 50. It should be understood though that the straight slots 90 may also be designed such that the line A forms a desired (either acute or obtuse) angle with the line B without deviating the scope of present disclosure.
[52] The second disc 80 includes a plurality of pins 86 (hereinafter, pins 86), as shown in Fig. 6b. The pins 86 are provided on a lower surface of the second disc 80, for example, towards the inner edge 84b of the second disc 80. The pins 86 may be coupled to the lower surface of the second disc 80 using a technique, such as, snap-fit, press-fit, threaded fit, etc. In an example implementation, the pins 86 are coupled to the lower surface of the second disc 80 using a threaded mechanism. Though in the depicted embodiment, the pins 86 and the second disc 80 are shown as separate components, in an alternate embodiment, the pins 86 and the second disc 80 may form an integrated structure. For example, the pins 86 may be extruded from the lower surface of the second disc 80.
[53] The number of pins 86 may be less than or equal to the number of second cams 120. In an exemplary implementation, the second disc 80 includes five pins 86. In the depicted embodiment, each of the pins 86 is arranged between the points B1 of two straight slots 90. Each pin 86 includes a rim 86a. The pins 86 may be made of a material, such as, without limitation, stainless steel, aluminum, acetyl co-polymer, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the pins 86 are made of stainless steel.
[54] In an embodiment, the assembly 15 includes a plurality of resilient members 150 (or resilient members 150). A first end of each resilient member 150 of the resilient members 150 is coupled to a corresponding pin 86 and a second end of the resilient member 150 is coupled to the corresponding second cam 120 as shown in Fig. 3b.
[55] In an embodiment, a first hook 152a is provided at the first end of the resilient member 150 and a second hook 152b is provided at the second end of the resilient element 152b (depicted in Fig. 6c). The first hook 152a receives the corresponding pin 86 and the second hook 152b receives the corresponding second cam 120. The rim 122 of the second cam 120 and the rim 86a of the pin 86 act as stopper for the second hook 152b and the first hook 152a, respectively and prevent slippage of the resilient member 150. It should be understood that the resilient member 150 may be coupled to the respective pin 86 and the respective second cam 120 using any other coupling technique known in the art without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
[56] In response to the movement of the second cams 120 towards the points B2 (i.e., when the plates 100 are set in open position), the resilient member 150 is configured to be in an expanded state, as shown in Fig. 8b. When the tab 28 is released, the resilient members 150 are configured to apply recoil force. In response to the application of the recoil force by the resilient members 150, the second cams 120 are configured to move towards the points B1, thereby causing the plurality of plates 100 to pivot in the inward direction.
[57] Thus, the resilient elements 150 provide tension and resilient force, which ensures that the assembly 15 grips a drill bit firmly, preventing any misalignment or slippage of the drill bit and ensuring precise guidance. Further, the resilient members 150 enables adjustment of the central aperture 50 to any diameter between a maximum and minimum diameter, thus facilitating accommodation of a drill bit having a size between the maximum and minimum diameters rather than a few discrete sets of sizes. Also, the resilient member 150 ensures that the assembly 15 returns to the closed position when not in use, which has been explained later. This increases the overall operability of the drill guide 10. The resilient member 150 may be a spring, an elastic string, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the resilient member 150 is a spring.
[58] The minimum diameter is equal to the diameter of the central aperture 50 when the plates 100 are in the closed position. In the closed position, the first cams 110 are at points A1 and the second cams 120 are at points B1 (depicted in Figs. 3a and 3b). The maximum diameter is equal to the diameter of the central aperture 50 when the plates 100 are fully open (i.e., in a fully open position). In this position, the first cams 110 are at points A2 and the second cams 120 are at points B2 (depicted in Figs. 8a and 8b).
[59] When the drill guide 10 is coupled with a desired drill bit, as the drill bit accelerates from zero to a desired angular speed, the drill bit exerts a force on the plates 100. This force causes the plates 100 to move slightly away from the center of the central aperture 50. This induces tension in the resilient members 150 and the resilient members 150 apply a restoring force, pulling the plates 100 back towards the center of the central aperture 50. This ensures continuous contact of the first side faces 100c of the plates 100 with the outer surface of the drill bit. This ensures stability and prevents slippage of the drill during the operation of the drilling procedure.
[60] The second disc 80 is mounted on the distal portion 210b of the handle 200. In an embodiment, the second disc 80 is fixedly coupled to the distal portion 210b of the handle 200 so that the second disc 80 remains stationary. The second disc 80 may be coupled to the distal portion 210b using a mechanism, such as, without limitation, snap-fit, press-fit, threaded fit, etc. In an embodiment, the second disc 80 is coupled to the distal portion 210b with the help of one or more fasteners (e.g., pins, screws, etc.). One or more matching holes (not shown) are provided on each of the second disc 80 and the distal portion 210b. Each hole on the second disc 80 and the corresponding hole on the distal portion 210b receive one fastener of the one or more fasteners. The one or more fasteners may be threaded, semi-threaded or non-threaded. The one or more holes are designed accordingly. The second cams 120, the pins 86 and the resilient members 150 are seated within the cut-out 200c of the handle 200.
[61] The dimensions of the various components of the drill guide 10 are designed depending upon the desired minimum and maximum sizes of drill bits to be coupled to the drill guide 10. The number of curved slots 30 and the straight slots 90 are equal to the number of plates 100. The number of plates 100 are chosen based upon requirements, for example, a desired range of diameters of drill bits to be coupled with the drill guide 10, the minimum and the maximum diameter of the central aperture 50, desired precision across the said desired range, shape of the plates 100, etc. The number of plates 100 may be three or more. More preferably, the number of plates 100 may be eight or more. In the depicted embodiment, the drill guide 10 includes ten plates 100.
[62] Fig. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method 700 of operation of the drill guide 10, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[63] At the beginning, the assembly 15 may be at the closed position (depicted in Fig. 3b). At step 702, the user rotates the first disc 20 in a first pre-defined direction (e.g., in the clockwise direction in the depicted embodiment) by holding and moving the tab 28 in the first pre-defined direction. The user may refer to the one or more indicators 200e of the handle 200 to move the tab 28. The rotation of the first disc 20 in the first pre-defined direction causes each first cam 110 to move along the corresponding curved slot 30 from the point A1 towards the point A2. As a result, each plate 100 pivots towards an outward direction, causing the first side face 100c of the plate 100 to glide against a corresponding side face of an adjacent plate 100 in an outward direction. Thus, the plates 100 are in the open position. Consequently, the apex 100e of each plate 100 too moves radially outward. The outward movement of the plates 100 increase the size (i.e., the diameter) of the central aperture 50 (depicted in Fig. 8a). Each second cam 120 traverses along the respective straight slot 90 from the point B1 towards the point B2. The movement of the second cams 120 stretches the resilient members 150 and induces tension in the resilient member 150, as shown in Fig. 8b. The user may continue moving the tab 28 until the diameter of the central aperture 50 increases to a desired value depending upon the size of a drill bit that the user want to use. The continued movement of first disc 20, causes the plates 100 to gradually move radially outward (or pivot outwards), thereby gradually increasing the diameter of the central aperture 50.
[64] At step 704, a desired drill bit based upon surgical requirements is placed into the central aperture 50. The drill bit may have any size between the minimum and the maximum diameter of the central aperture 50.
[65] At step 706, the user releases the tab 28 of the first disc 20. The tension induced in the resilient members 150 is released. The recoil force of the resilient members 150 pulls the corresponding second cam 120 towards the point B1. As a result, each second cam 120 moves along the corresponding straight slot 90 towards the point B1. This causes each plate 100 to pivot in an inward direction and the first side face 100c of the plate 100 glides against the corresponding side face of the adjacent plate 100 in an inward direction. As a result, the diameter of the central aperture 50 is reduced. Further, each first cam 110 moves along the corresponding curved slot 30 towards the point A1, causing the first disc 20 to rotate in a direction opposite to the first pre-defined direction. Once the first side faces 100c of the plates 100 contact the outer surface of the drill, the drill bit applies an equal pushing force onto the resilient members 150 and further inward movement of the plates 100 is prevented. Consequently, the assembly 15 firmly grips and holds the drill bit in place and the slippage of the drill bit is prevented. Figs. 8c-8d illustrate coupling of a drill bit 300 with the drill guide 10. The drill guide 10 may be coupled to a shank portion 300a of the drill bit 300, as shown in Fig. 8c. In this case, the outer surface of the shank portion 300a of the drill bit 300 contacts the first side faces 100c of all plates 100. The drill guide 10 may alternatively be coupled to the flute portion 300b of the drill bit 300, as shown in Fig. 8d. In this case, margins of the flute portion 300b contact the first side face 100c of the corresponding plates 100. Thus, even when the flute portion 300b of the drill bit 300 is coupled to the drill guide 10, the functioning of the drill bit 300 is not impacted. As explained earlier, the resilient members 150 ensure continuous contact of the first side faces 100c with the outer surface of the drill bit 300. This ensures stability and prevents slippage of the drill 300 during the operation of the drilling procedure.
[66] At step 708, once the use of the drill bit is completed, the drill bit is removed from the drill guide 10. To remove the drill bit, the user moves the tab 28 in the first pre-defined direction. As explained earlier, this increases the diameter of the central aperture 50. The drill bit can then be pulled out. The tab 28 is then released. The recoil force of the resilient members 150 rotates the first disc 20 in the opposite direction as described earlier. In the absence of any drill bit, the first cams 110 moves to the point A1, the second cams 120 move to the point B1 and the plates 100 return to the closed position. The aforesaid steps are repeated to change one drill bit to another drill bit.
[67] The scope of the invention is only limited by the appended patent claims. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is/are used. , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A drill guide (10) comprising;
a. a first disc (20) comprising a plurality of curved slots (30);
b. a second disc (80) comprising a plurality of straight slots (90);
c. a plurality of plates (100) disposed between the first disc (20) and the second disc (80) and circularly arranged defining a central aperture (50), each plate (100) of the plurality of plates (100) comprising a top face (100a) and a bottom face (100b);
d. a plurality of first cams (110), each first cam (110) coupled to the top face (100a) of the corresponding plate (100) and is disposed within the corresponding curved slot (30);
e. a plurality of second cams (120), each second cam (120) coupled to the bottom face (100b) of the corresponding plate (100) and is disposed within the corresponding straight slot (90);
f. wherein, in response to the rotation of the first disc (20), each first cam (110) is configured to move within the corresponding curved slot (30) between a point A1 and a point A2 and each second cam (120) is configured to move within the corresponding straight slot (90) between a point B1 and a point B2, causing the plurality of plates (100) to pivot inward or outward, thereby adjusting the diameter of the central aperture (50);
g. wherein, the central aperture (50) is configured to accommodate a drill bit.
2. The drill guide (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drill guide (10) comprises:
a. a plurality of pins (86) provided on a lower surface of the second disc (80); and
b. a plurality of resilient members (150), each resilient member (150) having a first end coupled to a corresponding pin (86) of the plurality of pins (86) and a second end coupled to a corresponding second cam (120) of the plurality of second cams (120);
c. wherein the plurality of resilient members (150) is configured to be in an expanded state in response to movement of the second cams (120) towards the points B2;
d. wherein, in response to application of recoil force by the plurality of resilient members (150), the plurality of second cams (120) is configured to move towards the points B1, causing the plurality of plates (100) to pivot in an inward direction.
3. The drill guide (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each resilient member (150) comprises:
a. a first hook (152a) provided at the first end of the resilient member (150), the first hook (152a) receives the corresponding pin (86); and
b. a second hook (152b) provided at the second end of the resilient member (150), the second hook (152b) receives the corresponding second cam (120).
4. The drill guide (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each plate (100) comprises a hole (105) provided on the top face (100a) and configured to receive the corresponding first cam (110) of the plurality of first cams (110).
5. The drill guide (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second cam (120) and the corresponding plate (100) form an integrated structure.
6. The drill guide (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each plate (100) includes a first side face (100c) contacting a second side face of an adjacent plate (100), wherein in an open position, the first side face (100c) is disposed towards a center of the central aperture (50) and partially overlaps with the second side face of the adjacent plate (100), wherein in the open position, the first side face (100c) is configured to contact with an outer surface of the drill bit.
7. The drill guide (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each plate (100) comprises an apex (100e) defining an edge having a pre-defined shape.
8. The drill guide (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drill guide (10) comprises a handle (200) having a distal portion (210b) coupled to the second disc (80).
9. The drill guide (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first disc (20) comprises a tab (28) configured to be movable angularly, wherein the movement of the tab (28) causes the first disc (20) to rotate.