Modular Humeral Head Assembly for Adjustable Eccentric Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing humeral head assemblies lack flexibility in component selection and arrangement, limiting the control over post-operative humerus and scapula position, connective tissue tension, and the ability to accommodate a wide range of patient needs.

Innovation Solution

A humeral head system with an articular body, coupler, and discrete positioning sites, allowing for adjustable eccentricity and fixed rotational positions, enabling centered or eccentric coupling with humeral anchors to accommodate various patient anatomies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a typical anatomical shoulder joint replacement uses a fixed humeral head assembly, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the flexibility in component selection and arrangement is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in component selection and arrangementVSAvoidcomplexity of humeral head assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The humeral head assembly is divided into separate modular components: a humeral anchor with first and second portions, a coupler with corresponding coupling features, and an articular body. These segmented components can be selectively assembled in different configurations to accommodate various patient anatomies and surgical needs, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly incorporates adjustable eccentricity features where the articular body can be positioned at different eccentricities relative to the humeral anchor axis. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to adapt to different patient requirements while maintaining a relatively simple base structure, balancing versatility with complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the humeral head assembly uses fixed positioning, then the manufacturing and assembly process is simple, but the control over post-operative humerus and scapula position is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol over post-operative positionVSAvoidcomplexity of positioning mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The humeral anchor and coupler are designed with pre-configured coupling features and geometric constraints that predetermined the relative positioning of components during assembly. This preliminary configuration enables precise control over post-operative humerus and scapula position without requiring complex positioning mechanisms or procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows adjustment of key positioning parameters including eccentricity (offset between articular body and anchor axis) and rotational orientation. By enabling changes in these parameters through the modular design, the system achieves precise control over post-operative position while maintaining reasonable manufacturing and assembly simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If the humeral head assembly provides fixed connective tissue tension, then the structure is stable and reliable, but the control over post-operative tissue tension is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol over connective tissue tensionVSAvoidcomplexity of tension control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable eccentricity mechanism allows dynamic modification of connective tissue tension by changing the offset between the articular body and humeral anchor. This enables precise control over post-operative tissue tension through a relatively simple geometric adjustment rather than a complex active control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If the humeral head assembly uses standardized components, then the ease of manufacture and assembly is improved, but the ability to accommodate a wide range of patient needs is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate patient needsVSAvoidease of assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The modular design creates universal coupling interfaces between the humeral anchor, coupler, and articular body that can accommodate multiple configurations and patient needs. The standardized coupling features enable easy assembly while the modular nature allows the same components to serve multiple functions and adapt to various patient anatomies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12370052B2Modular humeral head

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 HOWMEDICA OSTEONICS CORP

AI summary

An articular component is provided that includes an articular body having an articular surface, a bone anchor, a coupling portion, and a coupler. The bone anchor includes a distal end configured to be lodged in a bone and a proximal face. The coupling portion includes a recessed area in the articular body disposed between the articular surface and the distal end of the bone anchor. The coupler includes a first portion configured to mate with the coupling portion at a selected rotational position, and a second portion opposite the first portion, wherein the second portion is configured to couple, directly or indirectly, the articular body with the bone anchor.