Cermet Conduction Element for Hermetic Implantable Bushing Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical bushings for implantable medical devices face challenges in achieving a long-lasting, hermetic seal between metallic conducting wires and ceramic insulation elements, as metallization of the internal surface of the insulation element is difficult and expensive.
Innovation Solution
The use of a cermet (composite material of ceramic and metallic components) as the conduction element, which can be easily connected to the insulation element through a sintering process, eliminating the need for soldering and ensuring a biocompatible, hermetically sealed connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metallic conducting wires are introduced into ceramic insulation elements, then electrical conduction is achieved, but hermetic sealing and long-lasting connection are difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cermet (a composite material of ceramic and metal) instead of pure metal for the conduction element. This composite material combines the electrical conductivity of metal with the sealing properties of ceramic, eliminating the need for separate metallization of the insulation element while ensuring hermetic sealing and long-lasting connection.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the internal surface of the bore hole in the insulation element is metallized for soldering, then long-lasting connection is achieved, but the procedure becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the metallization step from the manufacturing process by using a cermet conduction element that is already metallized in its bulk structure. This eliminates the need for subsequent metallization of the insulation element's internal surface, simplifying the process while maintaining connection durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cermet conduction element is pre-prepared with its metallized structure before insertion into the insulation element. This preliminary action of creating the metallized conduction element eliminates the need for post-assembly metallization work, reducing both complexity and cost.
3Reliability
If conventional metallization procedures are used to ensure homogeneous metallization, then connection reliability is improved, but production costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By using cermet as a composite material, the patent achieves homogeneous metallization inherently through the material structure rather than through expensive post-processing procedures. This reduces production costs while maintaining connection reliability.
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 cermet-based electrical bushing achieves a reliable, long-lasting hermetic seal without the need for subsequent soldering or welding, ensuring biocompatibility and resistance, while simplifying the production process and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The use of a cermet (composite material of ceramic and metallic components) as the conduction element, which can be easily connected to the insulation element through a sintering process
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect relates to a method for producing an electrical bushing for an implantable medical device. The method includes forming a holding element for holding the electrical bushing in the implantable medical device, the holding element including a through-opening. An insulation element of aluminum oxide is formed within the through-opening. At least one elongated conduction element is formed extending through insulation element. The at least one elongated conduction element includes an aluminum oxide in a metallic matrix. The insulation element and the at least one elongated conduction element are jointly fired thereby forming a hermetic seal therebetween without welding or soldering.