Ceramic Acetabulum Radial Clamping Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ceramic prosthetic hip acetabulum cups require a reliable and secure fixation method for impactors without compromising the material's integrity or increasing the complexity of the cup's design, as existing solutions are either too fragile or complicate the concave receiving face.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a ceramic cup with an external annular receiving structure and an installation and orientation insert that expands and then contracts to achieve radial clamping, allowing for secure fixation without damaging the cup and maintaining the concave receiving face's smoothness for the prosthetic head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ceramic material is used for the cup, then the smoothness and biocompatibility of the concave receiving face are improved, but the ability to form fins or threaded holes for impactor fixation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the cup structure into two functional parts: a smooth concave receiving face for articulation and an outer annular receiving structure for impactor fixation. This segmentation allows the ceramic cup to maintain its smooth articulating surface while incorporating a separate structural feature for secure impactor attachment, resolving the contradiction between smoothness and manufacturability of fixation features
Solution Approach 2:
The impactor is nested within the outer annular receiving structure during the impaction process. The receiving structure is designed to accommodate the impactor's fixation features, allowing the impactor to be securely positioned and applied to the cup without compromising the smoothness of the concave receiving face
2Strength
If elastic tabs are used to hold the cup, then the fixation strength is improved, but the user effort and risk of accidental damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fixation mechanism from elastic deformation (tabs) to a mechanical interlocking system using the outer annular receiving structure. This parameter change allows for strong fixation through geometric compatibility between the impactor and receiving structure, reducing the need for high elastic forces and minimizing user effort while maintaining secure attachment
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
This method provides reliable and secure fixation of the impactor to the ceramic cup, reducing the risk of damage during handling and implantation, while maintaining the cup's smoothness for the prosthetic head and preventing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
heating the installation and orientation insert in order to increase the dimensions thereof, engaging the peripheral annular fixing structure around the receiving face of the outer annular receiving structure, bringing the installation and orientation insert back to room temperature in order to reduce the dimensions thereof, so as to achieve a radial clamping
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a prosthetic acetabulum includes the following steps. First, one makes available a ceramic cup (1) that has a concave internal receiving face (3) and has an external annular receiving structure (6). Next, one makes available a placement and orientation insert (7) that has an annular peripheral fixing structure (10) designed to cooperate with the receiving face (9) of the external annular receiving structure (6) by engaging around the external annular receiving structure (6). Next, one heats the placement and orientation insert (7) in order to increase the dimensions of the insert. Next, one engages the annular peripheral fixing structure (10) around the receiving face (9) of the external annular receiving structure (6). Finally, one returns the placement and orientation insert (7) to ambient temperature in order to reduce the dimensions of the insert, in such a way as to obtain a radial clamping of the annular peripheral fixing structure (10) on the external annular receiving structure (6).