Articular cartilage smoother for arthroscopic surgeries

The goal of the project is to work together and utilize all the strengths of all team members, both technical and not, to produce a functional arthroscopic random orbital shaver that satisfies, if not exceeds, the expectations of our client while simultaneously advancing our familiarity with the engineering design and manufacturing process.

=Problem Definition= The surgical interventions that are currently used for addressing articular degradation, particularly in the knee, are to perform total joint replacements or simply do nothing at all. Some individuals, however, are too young or simply unfit for a total joint replacement, and for those patients there is a third alternative. Arthroscopic debridement is currently used as a method to shave down damaged articular surfaces (i.e. cartilage and bone) to minimize inflammation and pain.

Background
  Current shavers utilize a rotating drum-shaped shaving head, that when pressed against cartilage or bone, can cause ripples in those surfaces, which results in a suboptimal post-surgical result.

Deliverables
Our team is driven to improve this procedure by creating a novel arthroscopic shaver that can be used to create smoother articular surfaces. Our shaving device will improve the lives of orthopedic surgeons by making the handle into a pistol-grip shape, which will be more ergonomic and functional than current technologies. But, most importantly, our device should result in a post-surgical joint that lasts longer and is more comfortable, improving the quality of life for patients. ​

Specifications
Shaving Components:

“Barber instrument” - cut the hair

“Meniscal Shaving Device” - Meniscal cartilage - soft rubber and fibrous

“Softer cartilage” - more abrasive

“Bone smoother” - less likely to climb, easier to control

- Bone cutting drum 6000 rpm

Suction on the shaver

Mechanical Requirement:

4mm thickness max

Disposable heads

Usual materials 40-400 grit (vary by tissue)

Electrical Requirements:

Buttons for forward, reverse, 2000 rpm

Power supply box (Need Specs)

Functional Requirements:

Must be able to be used for at least an hour

Comfortable, easy, obvious and hard to make mistakes with it

Large pistol like handle

Must be sturdy

Disposable around 10-20 uses

Environmental Requirements:

Waterproof

37°C

Cost Requirements:

Less than $3000

=Design Considerations=

We have made two designs that our client liked and approved for us to build. Our designs are "The fixed head model" and "The ball joint model".

We have some considerations for each one of the designs, and here is each model and what are the considerations we have for them:

1- The fixed head model:

1- Concerns about following ridged surface​.

2- Concern about up and down vibration (easily accounted for).

2- The Ball joint model:

1- Less surface area.

2- SA = 4.16 mm 2.

3- Harder to retract through the outer casing.

4- Concern with controlling angle with movement.

=Project Learning=

=Final Design=

=Validation= Here is an Image of our validation plan, and below is a link to the file of our validation plan.

=Team Members=

=Additional Documentation=

Project Schedule



Meeting Minutes

Presentations



Client Interview