Acetabular Cup Seating Detection via Embedded Electrical Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Orthopaedic surgeons face difficulties in determining when an orthopaedic prosthesis, such as an acetabular cup, is properly seated into the patient's bone due to visual limitations, making it challenging to confirm contact between the prosthesis and the bone.
Innovation Solution
An acetabular cup with an electrical conductor and switch configuration that establishes an electrical connection when the prosthesis is properly seated, allowing for the measurement of circuit parameters like resistance or impedance to confirm proper seating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual confirmation is used to determine proper seating of the prosthesis, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the accuracy and reliability of determining proper seating is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection system with an electrical sensing system. Electrical conductors are embedded within the prosthesis components, and electrical switches are positioned at the interface between the prosthesis and bone. When the prosthesis is properly seated, the switch closes, completing an electrical circuit that can be detected by measurement devices. This substitution of visual confirmation with electrical measurement directly resolves the contradiction by providing objective, measurable data about seating status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical switches and conductors as intermediary elements between the prosthesis and the detection system. These intermediaries translate the mechanical state of seating (contact between prosthesis and bone) into an electrical signal that can be easily measured and interpreted. The switch acts as a mediator that closes the circuit only when proper seating is achieved, providing a clear binary indication of the seating state.
2Measurement precision
If the prosthesis design includes electrical conductors and switches, then proper seating can be accurately determined, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical sensing components directly into the prosthesis structure itself. The electrical conductors are embedded within the prosthesis components, and the switches are integrated at the seating interface rather than being separate external additions. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to accurately detect seating status.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis components serve multiple functions: they provide their primary mechanical/structural function for bone replacement or support, and simultaneously incorporate electrical sensing capability for seating verification. The electrical conductors and switches are integrated into the same components that provide structural support, making the prosthesis both mechanically functional and electrically sensor-capable without requiring entirely separate systems.
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
Enables accurate determination of proper seating through measurable circuit parameters, ensuring the prosthesis is correctly positioned and reducing the need for visual confirmation, thereby improving surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical conductor may be positioned in the channel. The switch may be located at a first location on the outer surface. The switch may have a first state wherein an electrical connection between the electrical conductor and the electrically conductive trace is broken and a second state wherein an electrical connection between the electrical conductor and the electrically conductive trace is established.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopaedic prosthesis includes a curved outer surface configured to abut a patient's bone when the orthopaedic prosthesis is implanted therein. The outer surface may or may not be electrically conductive. A channel is defined in the outer surface in which one or more electrical conductors are positioned. A switch is positioned at a first location on the outer surface and is configured to establish an electrical connection between the electrical conductor and the outer surface (e.g., an electrical trace) and/or another electrical conductor when the first location of the outer surface is pressed against the patient's bone. The switch may be embodied as an end of the electrical conductor or a more complex switch such as a push-button type switch.