Modular Spacer Device with Adjustable Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spacer devices for arthroprosthesis infections lack efficient, safe, and cost-effective mutual locking mechanisms between the stem and head, and do not adequately adapt to varying patient anatomy, which can lead to suboptimal articular functionality and prolonged recovery times.
Innovation Solution
A spacer device with adjustable joining means featuring biologically compatible materials and pharmaceutical/therapeutic ingredients, including a frusto-conical stem and spherical head with adjustable coupling surfaces and a bonding component for secure locking, allowing for customizable fit and reduced recovery times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are used between stem and head, then the device structure is simple, but the locking efficiency and safety are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent components: a conical locking surface on the stem, a corresponding conical recess on the head, and a separate bonding component system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical locking surfaces are pre-configured with specific geometric parameters (cone angle, surface area) that enable automatic mechanical interlocking upon assembly. The bonding component is pre-applied to the locking surfaces before final assembly, ensuring immediate bonding action and enhanced locking safety without requiring additional complex mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-size spacers are used, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different patient anatomy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer device offers varying conical angle parameters (different cone angles between stem and head) and dimensional parameters (different sizes of spherical head and stem length) to adapt to different patient anatomies and articulation requirements, while maintaining the same basic manufacturing process for each standardized variant.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design with standardized conical interfaces allows the same stem component to work with multiple head sizes and configurations, creating a universal system that can accommodate different patient needs while simplifying manufacturing through component standardization.
3Strength
If simple coupling surfaces are used, then manufacturing is easy, but locking efficiency and load-bearing capacity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling surfaces utilize conical geometry with optimized cone angles, providing increased surface area and distributed stress patterns that enhance load-bearing capacity. The curved conical surfaces facilitate more uniform stress distribution compared to flat interfaces, improving strength without requiring overly complex manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A spacer device for the two-stage treatment of infections of the prosthesis of the human limbs, made of biologically compatible material adapted to be added and/or which can be added with pharmaceutical products, active and/or therapeutic ingredients, includes a first portion adapted to be fixed to a corresponding bone bed, and a second portion adapted to be inserted in a corresponding articular area of the patient, said first portion and said second portion being connected through adjustable joining means. The device includes mutual coupling surfaces respectively provided in said first portion and said second portion coated with said biologically compatible material. A method for locking the first portion to the second portion is also provided.