Multi-Station Hip Joint Simulator

The Multi-Station Hip Joint Simulator is a specialized tribological testing device designed to simulate friction and wear behavior of artificial hip joints under physiological gait conditions. Driven by motors and servo-pneumatic loading systems, it reproduces anatomically realistic motions of the femoral head against the acetabular cup with dynamic bi-axial loading. The simulator supports multiple stations running in parallel, providing a cost-effective solution for long-term wear testing, research, and quality evaluation of hip implants.

Application

You can use this simulator for:

In vitro wear simulation of total or partial hip joints.

Evaluating wear performance of femoral head and acetabular cup material pairings.

Studying metal–polymer, ceramic–ceramic, and ceramic–polymer bearing combinations.

Investigating long-term wear and failure mechanisms of artificial joints.

Comparative testing during medical device R&D.

Type testing and consistency verification of hip joint products.

Biotribology research at universities and research institutes.

Regulatory testing, product registration, and quality control of artificial hip joints.

Standards

ASTM F732 – Reciprocating Pin-on-Plate Wear Test (applied to joint simulators).

Parameters

Features

(1) Multi-station design allows 6 or 12 hip joints to run simultaneously.

(2) Anatomically accurate mounting reproduces physiological gait loading.

(3) Dual-axis motion (Flexion-Extension + Abduction-Adduction) with a π/2 phase difference.

(4) Dynamic double-peak load curve closely approximates real walking load profiles.

(5) Servo-pneumatic loading ensures stable operation with minimal maintenance.

(6) Mechanical cam generates load curve, avoiding complex real-time control systems.

(7) High repeatability of sample positioning allows intermittent inspection and continuous testing.

(8) Large-volume lubricant reservoir reduces the risk of overheating serum-like lubricants.

Accessories

Femoral head fixture – anatomical positioning.

Acetabular cup fixture – repeatable positioning.

Servo-pneumatic loading assembly – shared air circuit.

Force sensor – monitors main station load.

Lubricant reservoir – acrylic, 500 ml capacity.

Lubricant – serum or simulated body fluid.

Interchangeable cam assembly – adjusts load curve.

Test Procedures

Principle:

The simulator uses a fixed-speed AC motor to drive a dual-motion mechanical crank. The femoral head moves in approximate sinusoidal flexion-extension (FE) and abduction-adduction (AA) axes with a π/2 phase difference. The acetabular cup is fixed while the femoral head slides under dynamic vertical loads. Low-volume pneumatic actuators apply the load, and a cam-LVDT system generates a preset double-peak load profile without real-time control, simulating physiological gait conditions.

Operation:

(1) Select the appropriate femoral head and acetabular cup fixture.

(2) Install samples ensuring anatomically correct orientation and angles.

(3) Set peak load according to the test plan and verify stable air supply.

(4) Fill the lubricant reservoir with the specified volume, ensuring adequate coverage.

(5) For long-term tests, periodically stop the machine to inspect samples and lubricant.

(6) Replace or adjust mechanical cams to modify the load curve.

(7) Ensure repeatable positioning when cleaning and reinstalling samples.

Experimental Workflow:

(1) Install femoral head and acetabular cup samples.

(2) Configure the number of test stations and load parameters.

(3) Fill lubricant and mount the reservoir.

(4) Start the simulator and perform continuous gait cycle loading.

(5) Stop the machine after reaching the specified number of cycles.

(6) Remove samples for cleaning, wear measurement, and analysis.

(7) Reinstall samples in original positioning if further testing is required.

Maintenance Information

(1) Inspect pneumatic and servo systems regularly for leaks and performance.

(2) Clean fixtures and lubricant reservoirs to prevent contamination.

(3) Check cam and LVDT alignment periodically for accurate load application.

(4) Verify air supply quality to avoid actuator performance degradation.

(5) Store consumable lubricants properly to maintain integrity.

Conclusion

The Multi-Station Hip Joint Simulator provides reliable, anatomically accurate simulation of hip joint wear under physiological gait conditions. With multi-station parallel operation, dual-axis motion, dynamic double-peak loading, and precise sample positioning, it is ideal for implant research, long-term wear studies, and regulatory or quality control applications.

FAQ

(1) What is this product?

It is a multi-station hip joint simulator for reproducing friction and wear of artificial hip joints under gait-like conditions.

(2) What is this product used for?

You can evaluate wear performance, failure mechanisms, and material compatibility of hip implant components.

(3) How does this product work?

The femoral head moves in dual axes (FE + AA) under dynamic loads against a fixed acetabular cup. Pneumatic actuators and a cam-LVDT system generate double-peak load cycles, simulating walking conditions.

(4) Why is this product important?

It enables realistic, repeatable wear testing of hip implants, supporting R&D, regulatory compliance, and quality control.

(5) Which industries is this product suitable for?

Medical device manufacturers, orthopedic research laboratories, universities, regulatory bodies, and implant testing facilities.