Acetabular Cup Test Fixture Design
Designed and manufactured a custom metal fixture to measure deformation in acetabular cups during hip replacement testing. Traditional equipment is extremely accurate but too costly for most labs; this project focused on creating an affordable, ISO-aligned testing solution compatible with an Instron machine.
Technical Insights
Referenced ISO 7206-12:2016 to define deformation testing requirements.
Engineered a fully machined instron fixture that secures the cup at precise datum points during compressive loading.
Integrated image-processing workflow using ImageJ to validate deformation measurements.
Conducted FEA in SolidWorks to simulate expected stress patterns and compare to experimental data.
Design Highlights
Precision-machined aluminum and steel components for structural stability.
Reproducible setup compatible with standard Instron fixtures.
Modular design allowed for rapid reconfiguration between test conditions.
High measurement accuracy achieved through digital imaging + mechanical compression.
challenges and impact
The biggest challenge was achieving high sensitivity deformation measurements without the cost of traditional CMM systems.
Collaboration between simulation and experimental results validated the accuracy of the low-cost system.
Enabled more accessible orthopedic implant testing for small research teams or academic labs.
Skills and Tools
SolidWorks · ImageJ · Mechanical Design · FEA · Machining · Measurement Systems · ISO Standards · Instron Tensile Testing
Content
