Cable-Free Electrode Assembly on Flexible Implant Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable tissue stimulators face mechanical failures due to cables connecting electrodes, leading to stiffness, disconnection, and failure, which compromises their effectiveness and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic electronic device with electrodes directly attached to a flexible circuit board without cables, using joints and attachment techniques like laser welding or conductive epoxy, ensuring secure and uniform assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cables are used to connect electrodes to the circuit board, then electrical connection is achieved, but mechanical reliability deteriorates due to cable failure, stiffness, and disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes cables entirely from the system by directly attaching electrodes to the circuit board. This extraction of the problematic cable component eliminates the source of mechanical failure, stiffness, and disconnection issues while maintaining electrical connectivity through direct bonding methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrode and circuit board into a single integrated structure by directly attaching electrodes to the circuit board without intermediate cables. This consolidation eliminates connection interfaces and creates a more reliable, cable-free implantable device.
2Ease of operation
If cables are used to connect electrodes, then electrical connectivity is maintained, but device flexibility deteriorates due to stiffness introduced by cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts cables from the device structure, eliminating the stiffening effect they cause. By removing these rigid connecting elements, the device gains flexibility and conformability to tissue surfaces while maintaining electrical connectivity through flexible printed circuit board technology.
3Reliability
If cables are used for electrode connection, then assembly is simplified, but mechanical failure risk increases due to cable breakage, fraying, and kinking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes cables from the system entirely, eliminating the mechanical failure modes associated with cable breakage, fraying, and kinking. The direct attachment of electrodes to the circuit board creates a more durable structure that withstands implantation and long-term use without the vulnerabilities of cable-based connections.
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 enhances mechanical robustness, flexibility, and reduces mechanical failures, allowing for efficient delivery of electrical therapy with improved positional accuracy and reduced movement within the body.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more electrodes are attached to the flexible circuit board via laser welding, soldering, or conductive epoxy application
Implementation Method 2
the one or more electrodes are attached to the flexible circuit board via laser welding, soldering, or conductive epoxy application
Implementation Method 3
the one or more electrodes are attached to the flexible circuit board via laser welding, soldering, or conductive epoxy application
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable electronic device includes a flexible circuit board, one or more circuit components attached to the flexible circuit board and configured to convert electrical energy into electrical pulses, and one or more electrodes attached to the flexible circuit board without cables connecting the electrodes to each other or to the flexible circuit board, the one or more electrodes configured to apply the electrical pulses to a tissue adjacent the implantable electronic device.