Modular Acetabular Cup with Universal Liner Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current acetabular prostheses require multiple cups and liners, increasing the complexity and number of components needed for procedures, whereas a modular prosthesis with a single acetabular cup that can selectively interconnect with multiple liners would simplify the process and minimize parts.
Innovation Solution
A modular acetabular prosthesis assembly featuring a single acetabular cup that can be selectively interconnected with multiple liners of different materials (polyethylene, cobalt-chromium, and ceramic) using various connection mechanisms such as grooves, tapers, and anti-rotation features, allowing for pre-operative or intra-operative selection and reducing the number of required components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate acetabular cups and liners are used for different materials, then material selection flexibility is improved, but device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acetabular cup is designed with a universal connection interface that can accommodate multiple types of liners (polyethylene, cobalt-chromium, ceramic) through a single standardized groove structure. This allows one cup to perform multiple functions by interfacing with different liner materials, eliminating the need for multiple specialized cups for each material type.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis is divided into two separable components: a reusable acetabular cup and replaceable liners. The connection interface uses a groove structure in the cup that receives a corresponding protrusion on the liner, allowing the liner to be segmented and replaced independently while maintaining the same cup structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate acetabular cups are used for different materials, then material selection flexibility is improved, but ease of operation during surgery deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized groove connection interface allows surgeons to use a single acetabular cup for all material selections during surgery. The universal interface simplifies the surgical workflow by eliminating the need to handle multiple different cup types, making the procedure easier to perform while maintaining full material selection flexibility.
3Device complexity
If a single acetabular cup is used with multiple liners, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of connection may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is inserted into and nested within the acetabular cup, with the liner's protrusion fitting into the cup's groove. This nesting arrangement creates a secure mechanical interlock where the liner is contained within the cup structure, providing reliable connection while maintaining a compact single-unit appearance when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove and protrusion connection features are pre-formed during manufacturing, ensuring proper alignment and fit before assembly. The anti-rotation features are also pre-configured to automatically engage upon insertion, eliminating the need for additional alignment steps and ensuring reliable connection from the first assembly attempt.
4Productivity
If a single acetabular cup is used with multiple liners, then productivity of surgical procedure is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The groove and protrusion connection features, along with anti-rotation elements, are pre-formed with precise dimensions during manufacturing. This preliminary precision work ensures that when the components are assembled during surgery, they fit together reliably without requiring complex alignment procedures, thereby maintaining high surgical productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An acetabular prosthesis assembly can include an acetabular cup and a first liner. The acetabular cup can have an outer surface to contact a subject and an inner surface to engage the first liner. The first liner can have an outer cup engaging surface that couples with the acetabular cup in an assembled position.