Angled Connector Enclosure Assembly for Compact Lead Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Implantable medical devices face challenges in designing smaller connector enclosure assemblies that accommodate a number of electrical contacts while managing excess medical lead length, particularly in maintaining orientation and isolation from body fluids.

Innovation Solution

A medical device connector enclosure assembly with an angled lead passageway relative to its base, combined with machining techniques like electric discharge machining (EDM) and milling, allows for a compact design and effective electrical connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the connector enclosure assembly is made smaller to reduce device size, then the implantable medical device becomes less obtrusive and requires a smaller subcutaneous pocket, but it becomes more difficult to accommodate a particular number of electrical contacts and manage excess lead length

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector enclosure assembly sizeVSAvoidelectrical contacts accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an angled lead passageway that extends at an angle relative to the base of the connector enclosure assembly. This angular dimension allows the lead to exit at an optimized angle, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space within the compact enclosure. By changing the dimensional orientation of the lead path rather than simply expanding the enclosure volume, the design accommodates multiple electrical contacts and excess lead length while maintaining a small overall device footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If the connector enclosure assembly is made smaller, then the subcutaneous pocket size is reduced, but it becomes more challenging to orient and isolate the excess lead from body fluids

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubcutaneous pocket sizeVSAvoidlead isolation from body fluids

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The angled lead passageway directs the excess lead away from the implant site at a specific angle, orienting it in a dimension that minimizes exposure to body fluids. This angular orientation strategically positions the lead path to reduce the risk of fluid contamination while maintaining compact device dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The lead passageway acts as an intermediary structure that provides a controlled pathway for the lead to exit the connector enclosure assembly. This intermediate channel isolates the lead from direct contact with body fluids by routing it through a protected angular path, thereby maintaining reliability while accommodating the compact design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional machining methods are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but achieving precise angular lead passageways and compact geometries becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining process simplicityVSAvoidangular lead passageway accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs electric discharge machining (EDM) processes, specifically wire EDM and spark erosion, to create the angled lead passageway and connector enclosure assembly. These electrical discharge methods replace traditional mechanical machining, enabling precise angular geometries and complex compact shapes to be achieved with high accuracy. The EDM process can create sharp angles and intricate internal passages that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with conventional mechanical tools, while still being suitable for production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The angled lead passageway and machining methods enable a smaller, more efficient connector enclosure assembly that securely manages excess lead length and maintains electrical isolation, facilitating a more compact implantable medical device design.

Implementation Method 1

enclosure portions may be machined, milled, or otherwise constructed from metal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric discharge machining: Electrical Discharge Machining

Implementation Method 2

enclosure portions may be machined, milled, or otherwise constructed from metal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMilling:

Data Source

PatentUS11806519B2Machining of enclosures for implantable medical devices

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

Connector enclosure assemblies for medical devices provide an angled lead passageway. The lead passageway which is defined by electrical connectors and intervening seals within the connector enclosure assembly establishes the angle relative to a base plane of the connector enclosure assembly. Various other aspects may be included in conjunction with the angled lead passageway, including an angled housing of the connector enclosure assembly, feedthrough pins that extend to the electrical connectors where the feedthrough pins may include angled sections, and a set screw passageway set at an angle relative to the lead passageway to provide fixation of a lead within the lead passageway.