Modular Acetabular Prosthesis Single Shell Interconnect

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current acetabular prostheses require multiple shells and liners, increasing complexity and the number of parts needed for implantation, whereas a modular prosthesis with a single shell that can interconnect with multiple bearing members of different materials and sizes is desired to simplify the procedure and enhance flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A modular acetabular prosthesis system featuring a single shell that can be interconnected with multiple bearing members, including a rigid liner and a softer liner, using various connection mechanisms such as tapers and connecting members to provide a customizable articulating surface for both femoral head implants and natural femoral heads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple shells and liners are used in current acetabular prostheses, then the bearing surface can be customized, but the device complexity and number of parts increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebearing surface customizationVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The acetabular shell is designed with multiple connection regions that can accommodate different types of bearing members (polyethylene, metal, ceramic). The shell serves as a universal base that can interface with various liner types through standardized connection mechanisms, allowing one shell to perform multiple functions that previously required multiple specialized shells

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The prosthesis is divided into modular components: a fixed acetabular shell and interchangeable bearing members. The connection regions are segmented to allow independent selection and attachment of different bearing members, enabling customization without requiring multiple complete shell assemblies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple shells and liners are used, then different bearing materials can be selected, but the implantation procedure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebearing material selectionVSAvoidimplantation procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The acetabular shell is pre-configured with multiple connection regions during manufacturing, each designed to accommodate specific bearing member types. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex intraoperative modifications or multiple shell exchanges, allowing surgeons to simply select and attach the appropriate bearing member to the pre-prepared shell

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a single shell with multiple connection regions is used, then the number of parts is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity of the shell increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidshell manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shell manufacturing process utilizes parametric design where connection regions are defined by adjustable parameters (location, geometry, tolerance). This allows standardization of connection interfaces across different shell sizes and types, enabling automated manufacturing and quality control while accommodating multiple bearing member attachments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9445903B2Multi-bearing acetabular prosthesis

Publication Date: 2016.09.20 BIOMET MFG LLC

AI summary

A prosthesis to replace a portion of the anatomy, such as the acetabulum, can include a first portion. A second prosthesis portion can be positioned relative to the shell to provide the bearing surface to articulate with a femoral head prosthesis or femoral head. The second prosthesis portion can include a connection portion to engage a connection portion in the shell.