Filtering Capacitor Feedthrough Assembly Mechanical Interference Fit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of manufacturing processes for filtering capacitor feedthrough assemblies in implantable medical devices, which are necessary to prevent electromagnetic interference, are not adequately addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A filtering capacitor feedthrough assembly that uses a continuous coil to mechanically secure and electrically couple a terminal pin to a filtering capacitor, and another continuous coil to secure the capacitor to a ferrule or housing, providing a robust mechanical interference fit and electrical ground pathway while reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional manufacturing processes (solder, weld, braze, conductive adhesives) are used to connect the pin lead/capacitor and capacitor/ferrule, then reliable electrical connections are achieved, but manufacturing cost and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional thermal (soldering, brazing) and chemical (conductive adhesives) connection methods with a purely mechanical interference fit system. The continuous coil spring provides mechanical pressure to maintain electrical contact between the pin lead and capacitor, and between the capacitor and ferrule, eliminating the need for expensive and complex thermal/chemical processes while maintaining reliable electrical connections
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous coil spring is designed to automatically maintain electrical connections through its elastic properties. The spring continuously applies pressure to ensure contact between components, providing self-adjusting mechanical and electrical connection without requiring external intervention or complex manufacturing processes
2Ease of manufacture
If a continuous coil is used to mechanically secure and electrically couple components, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mechanical interference fit system where the continuous coil spring provides sustained mechanical pressure to ensure reliable electrical contact. This mechanical approach replaces complex thermal and chemical processes while maintaining connection reliability through the spring's continuous contact pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of the continuous coil spring to dynamically adjust contact pressure. The spring's physical state changes allow it to maintain optimal electrical contact under varying conditions, ensuring reliable connections while simplifying the manufacturing process
Data Source
AI summary
A filtering capacitor feedthrough assembly for an implantable active medical device is disclosed. The filtering capacitor feedthrough assembly includes a capacitor having an aperture, the capacitor is electrically grounded to an electrically conductive feedthrough ferrule or housing of the implantable active medical device. A terminal pin extends into the aperture and an electrically conductive continuous coil is disposed within the aperture and between the terminal pin and the capacitor. The electrically conductive continuous coil mechanically secures and electrically couples the terminal pin to the capacitor.