Metal matrix composite orthopedic replacements
AssigneeToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
InventorMichael Paul Rowe
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Orthopedic replacements include are formed at least partially of composite materials including a metal matrix with reinforcing carbon fiber integrated into the matrix. The composite materials have substantially lower density than metal, and are expected to have appreciable strength. The orthopedic replacements can include a bone attachment portion and a load bearing portion. In some versions, the orthopedic replacements can include a core formed of the composite material, with a shape completion portion, formed for example from plastic, at least partially coating the core.
Claims19
An orthopedic replacement comprising:
- a bone connection portion, configured to contact and adhere to bone;
- and
- a load bearing portion, configured to bear a load and formed, at least in part, of a carbon fiber metal matrix material (CF-MMC) comprising:
- a continuous metal matrix;
- and
- a reinforcing carbon fiber that is at least partially encapsulated within the continuous metal matrix.
An orthopedic replacement comprising:
- a structural core formed of a carbon fiber metal matrix composite comprising:
- at least one reinforcing carbon fiber;
- a continuous metal matrix, of sintered metal nanoparticles, disposed around the at least one reinforcing carbon fiber;
- and
- a space completion material at least partially covering the structural core.
A method for making an orthopedic replacement, the method comprising:
- providing metal nanoparticles;
- combining the metal nanoparticles with a reinforcing carbon fiber component to produce an unannealed combination;
- and
- sintering the metal nanoparticles to produce a metal matrix.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.