Modular Acetabular Cup System with Customizable Liners and Advanced Features

Publication ID: 24-11857422_0001_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Modular Acetabular Cup System with Customizable Liners and Advanced Features,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857422_0001_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857422_0001_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,422.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A modular acetabular cup system with interchangeable liners of varied geometries, a locking mechanism, and advanced features such as sensors and self-lubricating surfaces to improve the efficiency, safety, and customization of hip replacement surgeries.

Background and Problem Solved

The original acetabular cup system patent has limitations in terms of accommodating different anatomical features and providing real-time monitoring of liner wear and tear. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a modular design with customizable liners, sensors, and advanced materials to enhance the overall performance and longevity of the hip replacement system.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The modular acetabular cup system comprises a cup assembly with interchangeable liners of varied geometries, designed to accommodate different anatomical features. The liners are secured in place using a locking mechanism, ensuring a precise fit and reducing the risk of misalignment. The system also incorporates a sensor to monitor the wear and tear of the liner, providing real-time data to the surgeon. Additionally, the system features a self-lubricating surface and a textured liner surface to reduce friction and enhance joint mobility. The liners can be customized using 3D scanning and additive manufacturing techniques to create a personalized fit for each patient.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a modular design with interchangeable liners, a locking mechanism, and advanced features such as sensors and self-lubricating surfaces, which are not present in the original patent. The inventive step lies in the combination of these features to create a more efficient, safe, and customizable hip replacement system.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include different locking mechanisms, such as snap-fit or screw-based designs. The system could also be adapted for use in other joint replacement surgeries, such as knee or shoulder replacements. Additionally, the use of different materials, such as ceramic or polyethylene, could provide alternative embodiments with distinct advantages.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The modular acetabular cup system has significant commercial potential in the hip replacement market, which is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. The system's advanced features and customizable design make it an attractive option for surgeons and patients seeking improved outcomes and reduced recovery times. The target market includes orthopedic device manufacturers, hospitals, and surgical centers.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61F2/34
A A61 A61F2002/30092
A A61 A61F2002/30156
A A61 A61F2002/30383
A A61 A61F2002/30784
A A61 A61F2002/3403
A A61 A61F2002/349
A A61 A61F2002/3414
A A61 A61F2310/00017
A A61 A61F2310/00029
A A61 A61F2310/00131

Field of Art

Orthopedic medical devices, specifically hip replacement implant systems, requiring advanced knowledge of biomechanical engineering, materials science, and surgical prosthetic design

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or orthopedic device designer with expertise in prosthetic joint design, materials compatibility, surgical interface technologies, and advanced manufacturing techniques

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's modular design, sensor integration, and customization techniques represent predictable extensions of existing acetabular cup system technologies. The proposed variations leverage known design principles in medical device engineering to incrementally improve hip replacement systems. The combination of interchangeable liners, wear monitoring, and personalized manufacturing represents logical technical progression within the field.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Modular cup system with interchangeable liners
PTD Variation
Adding sensor technology to monitor liner wear and performance
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating diagnostic sensors into medical implants is a known technique for improving patient outcomes, representing a predictable application of existing monitoring technologies
Source Patent Element
Metallic liner materials with specific composition options
PTD Variation
Introducing 3D scanning and additive manufacturing for personalized liner geometries
Obviousness Reasoning
Customizing implant geometries through advanced manufacturing is a foreseeable evolution in medical device design, utilizing well-established computational and fabrication techniques
Source Patent Element
Acetabular cup with porous outer surface
PTD Variation
Implementing self-lubricating and textured surface technologies
Obviousness Reasoning
Surface modification to reduce friction and enhance biocompatibility represents a standard design approach in orthopedic implant engineering
Source Patent Element
Tapered liner engagement mechanism
PTD Variation
Alternative locking mechanisms including snap-fit and screw-based designs
Obviousness Reasoning
Exploring alternative mechanical engagement methods is a routine design optimization strategy within predictable solution space
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857422, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations in the published technical disclosure to represent obvious modifications to existing acetabular cup system technologies. The incremental improvements in modular design, sensor integration, and personalized manufacturing constitute predictable technical extensions that would be readily conceived by a skilled practitioner without requiring inventive insight.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,422
TitleAcetabular cup system
Assignee(s)Encore Medical, LP