Segmented Acetabular Cup with Diffusion Bonding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional acetabular cup prostheses deform under joint loads, requiring more extensive bone removal for fitting and limiting the use of larger femoral head components, which can lead to reduced range of motion and increased dislocation risks.
Innovation Solution
The design of acetabular cup components with thinner constructions and segmented outer shells that allow for smaller socket preparation, incorporating annular rings and support rings for enhanced fixation and strength, enabling the use of larger femoral heads while minimizing bone removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional acetabular cup prostheses are used, then the structure is simple, but the component deforms under joint loads requiring more extensive bone removal
Solution Approach 1:
The acetabular cup is divided into multiple segments including an inner shell, outer shell, and intermediate shell. These segments are connected through bonding interfaces that distribute mechanical loads across the structure, preventing deformation while maintaining structural integrity. The segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The acetabular cup employs composite construction with multiple materials having different mechanical properties. The inner shell, outer shell, and intermediate shell are made from materials with varying strength, stiffness, and compliance characteristics. This composite approach allows the structure to resist deformation under joint loads while adapting to the complexity of multi-material fabrication.
2Strength
If thicker acetabular cup construction is used, then deformation resistance improves, but the amount of bone material removed increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the acetabular cup into inner shell, outer shell, and intermediate shell components, the design achieves high deformation resistance without requiring uniform thickness throughout. The segmented structure allows stress distribution that reduces the need for excessive material, thereby minimizing bone removal while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the acetabular cup have different thicknesses and material properties optimized for their specific functional requirements. The intermediate shell provides reinforcement where needed, while other areas maintain minimal necessary thickness. This non-uniform local quality distribution achieves high strength with reduced overall material usage, minimizing bone removal.
3Adaptability or versatility
If larger femoral head components are used, then range of motion improves, but dislocation risk increases without adequate support
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented acetabular cup structure with inner shell, outer shell, and intermediate shell provides stable support for larger femoral head components. The segmentation creates multiple bonding interfaces that distribute the mechanical stresses generated by larger heads, maintaining stability and reducing dislocation risk while enabling improved range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite construction with multiple materials provides the necessary mechanical support and stability for larger femoral head components. The varying material properties across different shells create a structure that can accommodate larger heads while maintaining reliability and reducing dislocation risk, thereby enabling improved range of motion.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The acetabular cup components provide improved resistance to deformation, allowing for larger femoral head components and reducing the amount of bone material needed for implantation, thus enhancing joint stability and range of motion while facilitating less invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The inner surface can be coupled to the first outer surface by a diffusion bond
Data Source
AI summary
An acetabular cup component can include a hemispherical first shell, an annular ring, and a second shell. The annular ring can laterally extend from and circumscribe an outer surface of the first shell and can include a first portion for engaging an anatomy. The second shell can include a second portion for engaging the anatomy adjoining the first portion. Another acetabular cup component can include a first shell, a second shell, and a support ring. The support ring can be coupled to an end portion of the first shell and can include a portion for engaging an anatomy and a rim for engaging a bearing. Another acetabular cup component can include a hemispherical inner shell composed of Cobalt, a hemispherical intermediate shell coupled to an outer surface of the inner shell by a diffusion bond, and a hemispherical outer shell coupled to an outer surface of the intermediate shell.