Modular and Adaptive Acetabular Cup System

Publication ID: 24-11857422_0005_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Modular and Adaptive Acetabular Cup System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857422_0005_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857422_0005_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 next-generation acetabular cup system that enables personalization, adaptability, and improved performance through modular design, advanced materials, and innovative coatings.

Background and Problem Solved

The original acetabular cup system, while effective, has limitations in terms of customization, durability, and biocompatibility. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing modular liner modules, self-adjusting shape-memory alloy liners, nanocoatings for enhanced osseointegration, and biodegradable materials to reduce revision surgeries.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The modular acetabular cup system comprises a cup body with interchangeable liner modules, each having distinct material properties or surface topographies. This allows for personalized selection of liner modules based on patient anatomy and biomechanical data. The self-adjusting acetabular cup system features a shape-memory alloy liner that adapts to changes in the patient's anatomy over time, maintaining optimal fit and stability. The nanocoated acetabular cup system incorporates a bioactive nanocoating that enhances osseointegration and reduces wear. The biodegradable acetabular cup system uses a biodegradable polymer or composite material that degrades over time, reducing the need for revision surgeries.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in acetabular cup design, moving from a one-size-fits-all approach to a modular, adaptive, and personalized system. The use of advanced materials, coatings, and biodegradable materials represents a significant departure from the original patent, providing a more comprehensive and forward-thinking solution.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying the number and type of liner modules, incorporating sensors for real-time monitoring, or using machine learning algorithms to optimize liner selection and cup performance. Variations could also include different nanocoating materials or biodegradable polymers to further enhance the system's performance and biocompatibility.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The modular and adaptive acetabular cup system has significant commercial potential in the orthopedic industry, particularly in the hip replacement market. The system's ability to provide personalized solutions, reduce revision surgeries, and improve patient outcomes could revolutionize the field, offering a competitive advantage to manufacturers and healthcare providers.

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 materials engineering, biomechanical design, and surgical interface technologies

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or orthopedic device designer with expertise in materials science, prosthetic design, surface engineering, and knowledge of biomaterials and surgical implant technologies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the modular acetabular cup system represents predictable variations on the existing acetabular cup design, utilizing known materials, manufacturing techniques, and design principles already established in orthopedic implant technologies. The disclosed variations represent incremental improvements that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize implant performance through personalization and advanced material selection.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Interchangeable liner system with metallic material options
PTD Variation
Modular liner modules with distinct material properties and surface topographies
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would find it obvious to expand material selection based on known biocompatible materials and patient-specific requirements, representing a predictable design optimization
Source Patent Element
Outer surface with porous coating
PTD Variation
Nanocoating for enhanced osseointegration and reduced wear
Obviousness Reasoning
Surface modification techniques are well-known in orthopedic implant design, and nanocoatings represent a logical progression of existing surface engineering approaches
Source Patent Element
Metallic liner materials including shape memory alloys
PTD Variation
Self-adjusting shape-memory alloy liner that adapts to anatomical changes
Obviousness Reasoning
Utilizing shape memory alloys for adaptive implant performance is a known technique in biomedical engineering, representing a predictable application of existing material properties
Source Patent Element
Acetabular cup system with engagement mechanisms
PTD Variation
Personalized liner selection method using patient biomechanical data
Obviousness Reasoning
Patient-specific medical device customization is a recognized trend in orthopedic technologies, representing an obvious extension of existing design principles
Source Patent Element
Metallic and composite cup materials
PTD Variation
Biodegradable polymer cup body designed to degrade over time
Obviousness Reasoning
Exploring alternative biodegradable materials is a predictable design approach in implant technologies, representing a finite set of known material substitution strategies
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857422 and the comprehensive technical disclosure herein, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations of the modular, adaptive, and personalized acetabular cup system to be obvious and anticipated by the existing prior art, rendering any subsequent claims to similar technologies unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

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