Trabecular Prosthetic Element Pore Size Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing prosthetic elements with trabecular structures face challenges in small joint reconstruction and dental implants due to inadequate bone integration, uneven geometry, and complex production processes that result in inconsistent and inefficient results.

Innovation Solution

A prosthetic element with a structurally continuous trabecular structure is created using a core and stumps connected by a trabecular part, produced through techniques like Electron Beam Melting or Selective Laser Melting, ensuring optimal bone integration and mechanical properties, with pore sizes tailored for small bones and customizable shapes for efficient anchorage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional porous layers with trabecular shape are used for bone integration, then bone anchoring is optimized, but the pore size is inadequate for small joint reconstruction and dental implants

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebone integration capabilityVSAvoidpore size control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the pore size of the porous layer to be between 100-300 microns, which is specifically optimized for small joint reconstruction and dental implants. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing appropriately sized pores for bone ingrowth in small structures, unlike traditional larger-pore trabecular structures designed for bigger joints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by creating a porous layer with specific pore size characteristics (100-300 microns) only in the regions where bone integration is required, while maintaining different structural properties in other parts of the prosthesis. This allows optimization of bone anchoring in critical areas without compromising the overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If mesh-shaped porous structures are used for bone integration, then bone anchoring is provided, but the geometry is uneven and integration is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebone anchoringVSAvoidgeometric uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from mesh-shaped structures to a porous layer with controlled pore sizes of 100-300 microns. This parameter change in the structural geometry enables more uniform bone integration while maintaining effective bone anchoring, resolving the contradiction between anchoring capability and geometric uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If complex production processes are used for trabecular structures, then structural continuity can be achieved, but the production is difficult and results are inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural continuityVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes advanced manufacturing parameters, specifically Electron Beam Melting (EBM) technology, to produce the porous layer with precise pore size control (100-300 microns). This parameter-based manufacturing approach achieves structural continuity and consistency while simplifying the production process compared to traditional methods for creating trabecular structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If larger pore sizes are used for bone integration, then bone anchoring is improved, but the structure is not suitable for small bones and dental implants

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebone anchoring capabilityVSAvoidprosthesis size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the pore size parameter to a specific range of 100-300 microns, which is smaller than traditional trabecular structures but appropriately sized for small joint reconstruction and dental implants. This parameter adjustment enables effective bone anchoring in compact structures, resolving the contradiction between anchoring capability and prosthesis size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution provides enhanced structural and mechanical properties for improved bone integration and anchorage in small joints and dental implants, with a standardized and efficient production process ensuring consistent results.

Implementation Method 1

produced through techniques like Electron Beam Melting or Selective Laser Melting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectron Beam Melting: Electron Beam

Implementation Method 2

produced through techniques like Electron Beam Melting or Selective Laser Melting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelective Laser Melting: Laser Beam Welding

Implementation Method 3

a prosthetic element with a structurally continuous trabecular structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPorous structure: Porosity

Data Source

PatentEP3895664B1Prosthetic element for bone extremities such as fingers or toes, or for teeth, and corresponding production method
Publication Date: 2025.01.08 LIMACORPORATE SPA
  • EP3895664B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3895664B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3895664B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Prosthetic element for bone extremities such as fingers or toes, or teeth, comprising a trabecular part (20, 40, 120) and two end parts (12, 34, 112; 15, 39, 115).