Hip Endoprosthesis Holding Element Centering and Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hip joint endoprosthesis systems face difficulties in handling and securely inserting joint inserts, particularly with ceramic materials, due to lack of feedback on correct positioning and ease of removal, leading to time-consuming follow-up inspections.

Innovation Solution

The hip joint endoprosthesis system features a holding element with an inclined retention surface, forming an inner cone surface that tapers distally, allowing for secure centering and holding of the joint insert, enabling easier insertion and removal with a single holding element, and providing feedback on correct positioning through a deformable retaining member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple individual holding elements are used to hold the joint insert, then the holding function is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding functionVSAvoidnumber of holding elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple holding elements into a single integrated holding element that features a centering body and a retaining member with an inclined retention surface. This unified structure maintains the reliability of multiple holding points while eliminating the complexity of managing separate elements, as the single holding element provides both centering and retention functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single holding element is designed to perform multiple functions: it centers the joint insert through the centering body, holds the insert securely through the retaining member, and guides insertion into the joint socket. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized elements, reducing complexity while maintaining or improving holding reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a self-locking clamp is used to couple the joint insert to the joint socket, then the coupling security is improved, but the ease of removal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling securityVSAvoidremoval ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holding element is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to transition between a locked state during insertion (providing secure coupling) and a released state for removal. The deformable retaining member can be compressed to release the joint insert, enabling easy removal while maintaining secure coupling during the insertion process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If traditional insertion instruments are used without feedback mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of positioning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstrument structureVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through the deformable retaining member that provides tactile feedback to the surgeon during insertion. When the joint insert reaches the correct position, the retaining member deforms in a predictable manner, providing immediate feedback on positioning accuracy without requiring complex electronic or optical measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If ceramic joint inserts are handled without specialized guidance, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision of insertion positioning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling easeVSAvoidinsertion positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The holding element acts as an intermediary between the surgeon and the ceramic joint insert. It provides a secure grip on the insert while guiding it into the joint socket with precise positioning. The centering body and inclined retention surface work together to ensure accurate alignment, making it easy to handle ceramic inserts without compromising positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2898860B1Hip joint endoprosthesis system
Publication Date: 2018.09.19 AESCULAP AG
  • EP2898860B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2898860B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2898860B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Hip joint endoprosthesis system (10) with a medical instrument set (12) for implanting a hip joint endoprosthesis (20) comprising at least one medical instrument (14) for inserting a joint insert (16) into a joint socket (18) of the hip joint endoprosthesis (20), characterized in that the instrument (14) comprises a retaining element (84) for temporary coupling with the joint insert (16) and a centering body (126) for centering the joint insert (16) relative to the retaining element (84).