Ceramic Acetabular Cup Conical Coupling Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current acetabular prostheses with metal-metal couplings face high failure rates due to metal ion release, wear, and positioning issues, leading to adverse effects on tissues and systemic health, necessitating a solution that provides mechanical stability and prevents ion release while maintaining reduced thickness and anatomical compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A ceramic-ceramic acetabular prosthesis with a conical coupling mechanism featuring variable interference along the axis of symmetry, allowing for precise positioning and rotation stability, utilizing ceramic materials for bio-compatibility and reduced wear, and a method for assembly that includes elastic gripping and thermal deformation to achieve a secure fit without metal ion release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If metal-metal coupling is used in acetabular prosthesis, then reduced thickness and anatomical compatibility are achieved, but metal ion release and wear occur leading to high failure rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to ceramic, specifically using alumina or zirconia ceramic materials for the insert. This material substitution eliminates metal ion release while maintaining the reduced thickness design, directly resolving the contradiction between achieving thin profile and preventing wear-related failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis employs a composite structure combining ceramic insert material with a metallic or ceramic cup structure. The ceramic insert is specifically designed with optimized thickness while being supported by the cup structure, allowing reduced overall thickness without compromising strength and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If metal-metal coupling is used in acetabular prosthesis, then anatomical compatibility is maintained, but wear and positioning issues lead to adverse effects on tissues and systemic health
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to ceramic (alumina or zirconia), which fundamentally eliminates metal ion release. The ceramic material maintains anatomical compatibility through proper geometric design while providing superior wear resistance, directly addressing the harmful effects of metal-metal coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of material wear into a benefit by using ceramic material that exhibits extremely low wear rates. The ceramic-ceramic or ceramic-metal coupling transforms the wear problem into a solution, where the insert provides superior耐磨性 while maintaining anatomical fit.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional coupling methods are used, then assembly is simplified, but mechanical stability and positioning precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical or hemispherical insert design that fits within a corresponding curved cup structure. This spherical geometry provides inherent positioning precision and rotational stability while maintaining ease of assembly through simple insertion, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and positioning accuracy.
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 ceramic-ceramic conical coupling prosthesis offers enhanced mechanical stability, reduced wear, and bio-compatibility, preventing metal ion release and maintaining anatomical positioning, thereby improving the longevity and safety of hip replacement surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
gripping means made of elastic material
Implementation Method 2
thermal deformation to achieve a secure fit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
Acetabular prosthesis comprising an acetabular cup (11), defining a coupling cavity, and an insert (12), able to be inserted inside the coupling cavity. The acetabular cup (11) and the insert (12) have a common coupling axis (Y) and comprise respective clamping means for their reciprocal clamping in an assembled condition.