Acetabular Cup Sterile Packaging with Segmented Gripping Head

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing instruments for handling acetabular cups in hip prosthesis packaging face challenges with complex structure, sterilization reliability, and seal durability due to repeated sterilization cycles, affecting vacuum creation and cup gripping reliability.

Innovation Solution

A simplified instrument design with a gripping head capable of two engagement positions and a flexible container for creating an air vacuum, allowing for secure grip and single-use components, eliminating the need for vacuum ducts in the handle and enabling easy detachment for implantation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex instrument structure with vacuum ducts and seals is used for gripping the cup, then the cup can be securely gripped during implantation, but the instrument becomes difficult to sterilize and the seal deteriorates after repeated sterilization cycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecup gripping reliabilityVSAvoidinstrument structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument is divided into separate components: the handle remains outside the sterile field while the gripping head with seal is sterilizable. The seal is separated from the handle's vacuum system, allowing independent sterilization of the gripping head without compromising the handle's vacuum ducts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seal is extracted from the handle assembly and placed directly on the gripping head that enters the sterile field. This removes the seal from the complex vacuum duct system in the handle, making both the seal and gripping head easier to sterilize repeatedly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If a complex instrument with repeated sterilization cycles is used, then the instrument can be reused, but the seal deteriorates and vacuum creation becomes unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument reuse capabilityVSAvoidseal durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The seal is designed as a disposable component that is replaced after each sterilization cycle or after a limited number of uses. This inexpensive replaceable seal ensures reliable vacuum creation without the deterioration problems of reusable seals subjected to repeated sterilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If the gripping head is designed with a seal and vacuum ducts for secure gripping, then the cup can be held firmly, but the structure becomes more complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrip stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping system is segmented into a simple handle structure and a separate gripping head assembly. The complex seal and vacuum duct components are confined to the gripping head only, simplifying the handle's manufacturing while maintaining grip stability through the sealed gripping head.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If the instrument uses a sealed vacuum system for gripping, then the cup can be securely held, but sterilization becomes more difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum creation reliabilityVSAvoidsterilization ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument is segmented into sterilizable and non-sterilizable portions. The gripping head with its seal and vacuum ducts is designed to be sterilizable, while the handle's vacuum system remains outside the sterile field. This allows targeted sterilization of only the necessary components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 reliable, simplified, and cost-effective method for packaging and implanting acetabular cups by ensuring consistent vacuum creation and reducing the complexity of the instrument, enhancing sterilization resistance and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

creating an air vacuum in the container so as to create an air vacuum between the gripping head and the cup

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

the seal is simply in contact by gentle friction with the wall of the cup and does not obstruct the passage of air between it and this wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2789315B1Method for sterile packing and packaging of an acetabular cup for a hip prosthesis

Publication Date: 2016.03.16 SA GROUPE LEPINE

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6

AI summary

According to the invention, this method comprises the steps of: a) providing a cup grasping head with a wall (2a) having a peripheral sealing gasket (3) and a peripheral rim (12) for support against the edge (1a) of the cup (1); b) inserting the grasping head (2) into the cavity (5) of the cup (1), such that this head is in a partially engaged position; c) inserting this head (2)-cup (1) assembly, in this state, into an airtight container (15); d) creating a vacuum in the container (15) and sealing this container (15). The invention also relates to a sterile packaging for a cotyloid cup (1), enabling the implementation of the method, and a cup grasping instrument, usable with this packaging.