Battery Case Electrode for Implantable Device Noise Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices face inefficiencies due to excess volumetric size and interconnection challenges caused by conventional battery constructions, which hinder miniaturization and patient comfort, and generate noise signals that corrupt physiological signals.
Innovation Solution
The battery case is designed to be exposed and function as an electrode, with electrical isolation from the battery components to minimize noise and reduce the number of components, using a feedthrough assembly to separate internal chambers and provide a current pathway, allowing the battery case to form part of the device housing and eliminating the need for a separate electrode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional battery construction with enclosed battery case is used, then battery components are protected and electrically insulated, but device volume increases and miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the battery case with the device housing into a single integrated structure. The battery case forms a portion of the housing, eliminating the need for separate battery enclosure and reducing overall device volume while maintaining protective functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery case serves multiple functions: it encloses battery components, forms part of the device housing, and acts as an electrode for sensing and stimulation. This multi-functionality reduces component count and device volume while maintaining reliability.
2Measurement precision
If battery case is connected to battery terminal, then electrical connection is simplified, but noise signals corrupt physiological signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical connection pathways by using a feedthrough assembly with separate current and signal pathways. The battery case is electrically isolated from battery components, with current flow restricted to the feedthrough assembly, separating power delivery from signal sensing paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedthrough assembly acts as an intermediary component that enables electrical connection between the battery case and battery terminal while maintaining electrical isolation. It provides a controlled current pathway that prevents noise corruption of physiological signals.
3Volume of moving object
If battery is placed within contoured device, then device shape is optimized for patient comfort, but volume utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the battery case with the device housing, the invention allows the housing contours to directly define the battery enclosure shape. This eliminates the need to fit a separate battery into contoured spaces, enabling optimal volume utilization while maintaining patient-comfortable shapes.
4Volume of moving object
If device is miniaturized, then patient comfort is improved, but battery construction challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery case serves as both structural housing and electrical component, eliminating the need for separate battery enclosure. This multi-functionality reduces component count and simplifies construction while enabling device miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration of battery case and housing into a single structure reduces the number of parts and assembly steps, simplifying construction while allowing for smaller overall device size suitable for implantation.
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
This design minimizes device bulk, reduces component count, and effectively isolates physiological signals from noise, enabling more precise monitoring and therapy delivery while facilitating miniaturization.
Implementation Method 1
The battery components are electrically isolated from the battery case to isolate the physiological signals sensed by the sensing electrodes from the current flowing through the battery
Implementation Method 2
A current pathway is defined at the feedthrough assembly to conductively couple the battery components to the operational circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an implantable medical device having at least two electrodes coupled to the device housing. The electrodes may be configured for sensing physiological signals such as cardiac signals and alternatively for providing an electrical stimulation therapy such as a pacing or defibrillation therapy. In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, the device housing provides a hermetic enclosure that includes a battery case hermetically coupled to a circuit assembly case. At least one of the at least two electrodes is coupled to an exterior surface of the battery case. The battery case is electrically insulated from the cathode and anode of the battery.