Axial Terminal Feedthrough for Miniaturized Active Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional active medical devices (AMDs) face size limitations in miniaturization due to laterally-aligned terminal block configurations, which restrict their ability to be made smaller while maintaining functionality, and existing efforts to integrate the device with the lead do not allow for customization based on patient-specific needs or medical conditions.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized AMD with a feedthrough system featuring paired terminal pins of different lengths, aligned axially with a co-axial lead pin, allowing for a higher density of terminal blocks and reducing the device's lateral width, enabling a smaller volume without compromising functionality, and allowing for customizable lead length and electrode patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional laterally-aligned terminal block configuration is used, then the device can maintain standard functionality, but the device volume cannot be reduced below a certain limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a lateral alignment configuration to an axial alignment configuration of terminal blocks. Instead of arranging terminal blocks side-by-side perpendicular to the device axis, the invention aligns them along the longitudinal axis of the device, effectively utilizing the length dimension to reduce the width and overall volume of the device while maintaining the same number of terminal blocks and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the lead connector and strain relief components into a nested structure where the lead connector is positioned within or alongside the strain relief assembly. This nesting approach consolidates multiple components into a compact arrangement, reducing the overall device volume while maintaining all necessary functional elements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the device is miniaturized to reduce implantation trauma, then patient trauma is reduced, but the device may lose customization capability for different patient needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the device into modular components including a separate lead connector assembly, strain relief section, and terminal block array. This segmentation allows the device to be miniaturized while maintaining the ability to customize leads for different patient needs, as each module can be independently configured or selected based on specific requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal connector system that can accommodate multiple lead types and configurations through a standardized interface. The axial alignment of terminal blocks creates a versatile connection system that supports various electrode patterns and lead lengths, enabling customization without requiring multiple different device designs.
3Volume of moving object
If terminal blocks are aligned laterally to accommodate multiple connections, then connectivity is maintained, but the device width increases preventing miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the terminal block arrangement from lateral (width-wise) alignment to axial (length-wise) alignment. This dimensional change redistributes the terminal blocks along the longitudinal axis of the device, significantly reducing the device width while maintaining the same number of connections and their reliability through proper spacing and connection geometry.
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 solution enables a significant reduction in the size of the AMD system, facilitating easier implantation with less patient trauma and greater flexibility in lead selection, while maintaining or improving stimulation and sensing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A feedthrough is welded into an opening in the device housing
Implementation Method 2
A ceramic insulator is hermetically sealed to the ferrule
Data Source
AI summary
An active medical device has a feedthrough comprising a ferrule sealed to a ceramic insulator supporting a short terminal pin and a long terminal pin that are connected to electronic components in the device housing. A silicone insulator residing in the ferrule abutting the ceramic insulator has first and second openings that house first and second metallic housings nesting respective coil springs. The metallic housings connected to the respective short and long terminal pins are axially aligned in the silicon insulator. A lead connector connected to a strain-relief for a lead supports a co-axial lead pin having electrically isolated center and circumferential outer conductors. When the lead connector/strain-relief subassembly is connected to the feedthrough, the center and circumferential conductors of the lead pin are electrically connected to the coil springs nested in the first and second metallic housings connected to the short and long terminal pins of the feedthrough.