Acetabular Cup Groove Augment Coupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acetabular prosthetic devices for hip implants lack a secure and versatile mechanism to attach the acetabular augment to the acetabular cup and ilia bone, limiting their stability and positioning options.
Innovation Solution
An acetabular prosthetic device featuring an acetabular cup with a groove to receive an augment coupling element, which includes an enlarged inner member and internally threaded reduced outer member, allowing for secure attachment via fasteners, and an acetabular augment with a bone-engaging surface for screw fixation, enabling precise positioning and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional acetabular prosthetic devices are used without an integrated augment coupling mechanism, then the device structure remains simple, but the stability and positioning precision of the acetabular augment relative to the cup are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the augment coupling element with both the acetabular cup and augment structures. The coupling element includes an enlarged inner member that fits within the cup and an externally threaded reduced outer member that engages with the augment, creating an integrated attachment system that simultaneously connects both components through a single unified mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is nested within the acetabular cup structure, with the enlarged inner member positioned inside the cup's wall thickness. This nesting approach allows the coupling mechanism to be housed within the existing cup geometry without adding external protrusions or requiring additional separate attachment devices
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate components are used to attach the augment to the cup and bone, then the attachment mechanism can be secure, but the ease of surgical implantation and positioning is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is divided into distinct functional segments: the enlarged inner member for engagement with the cup, the reduced outer member with external threads for engagement with the augment, and the internally threaded portion for receiving the fastener. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function while remaining part of a single integrated component that simplifies surgical assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element acts as an intermediary component that mediates the connection between the acetabular cup and the augment. Rather than directly attaching the augment to the cup, the coupling element provides an intermediate interface that facilitates secure connection while maintaining ease of implantation through its pre-configured geometric features
3Strength
If the augment coupling element uses a complex multi-part fastening system, then the attachment can be very secure, but the device complexity and surgical time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural engagement with the cup through its enlarged inner member, provides threaded engagement with the augment through its external threads, and provides fastener reception through its internal threads. This multi-functionality allows a single component to achieve secure attachment without requiring multiple separate fastening elements
Data Source
AI summary
An acetabular prosthetic device comprising at least one acetabular augment coupled to an acetabular cup by an augment coupling element to secure the acetabular prosthetic device in place wherein the acetabular cup comprises a shell having at least one groove formed on the outer surface thereof to slidably receive the augment coupling element therein and the acetabular augment comprises an augment body configured to engage the shell and the ilia bone such that the augment coupling element is moved along the groove to position the acetabular body to engage both the shell and ilia bone to secure the acetabular prosthetic device in place.