Titanium-Coated Acetabular Cup for UHMWPE Bond Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Joint prosthetics implanted in the human body face challenges in securely adhering different materials used for securing and articulating surfaces, leading to structural unsoundness and reduced durability.

Innovation Solution

A prosthetic device is developed with a core made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) coated with titanium powder, where the UHMWPE has a specific molecular weight range and the coating layer has controlled thickness and bond strength, ensuring secure adhesion and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different materials are used for securing and articulating surfaces in joint prosthetics, then functional performance is improved, but adhesion between materials deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoidadhesion between materials
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthetic device combines two different materials - a polymeric core material and a metallic coating material - to create a composite structure that leverages the advantages of both materials while addressing their individual limitations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the prosthetic device have different material properties - the core provides bulk mechanical properties and the coating provides surface properties for adhesion and articulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If a coating layer is applied to enhance adhesion, then bond strength is improved, but coating thickness control becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebond strengthVSAvoidcoating thickness control
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coating process parameters are optimized to achieve the desired coating thickness and bond strength simultaneously, controlling variables such as coating application method, curing conditions, and material composition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a structurally sound and durable prosthetic device with enhanced abrasion resistance and bond strength, maintaining integrity within the human body.

Implementation Method 1

the two materials should adhere securely to one another for the prosthetic to be structurally sound and durable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a coating layer, wherein the coating layer includes titanium powder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical vapor deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Data Source

PatentUS12539214B1Prosthetic device
Publication Date: 2026.02.03 JOINTMEDICA LTD
  • US12539214B1 patent drawing
  • US12539214B1 patent drawing
  • US12539214B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A prosthesis including a UHMWPE core and a coating, wherein the core is a cup-shaped core having a concave first side and a convex second side, wherein the UHMWPE has a weight average molecular weight that is from 2×106 to 3×106 grams per mole. The core has a tensile strength that is from 35 to 50 MPa. The coating layer coats the second side of the core. The coating includes titanium powder having a D50 particle size of from 200 to 250 microns. The coating has a mean thickness that is from 200 to 500 microns. The prosthesis is an acetabular cup prosthesis. When tested for abrasion resistance, the coating loses less than 65 milligrams when abraded for 100 cycles. The coating has a static shear bond strength that is from 15 to 25 MPa and a static tensile bond strength that is from 14 to 25 MPa.