Circumferential Feedthrough Pins for Compact Implantable Pulse Generator Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implantable pulse generator (IPG) and lead connectors are limited by linearly spaced contact rings and feedthrough pins, which restrict orientation and arrangement, leading to inefficiencies in space usage and cost, particularly in implantable tissue stimulators used for conditions like obstructive sleep apnea.
Innovation Solution
The use of implantable pulse generators with circumferentially spaced feedthrough pins and lead connectors that allow for flexible orientation and arrangement, enabling more efficient connection and reduced size, while maintaining reliable electrical contact through flexible wires and conductive members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If linearly spaced contact rings and feedthrough pins are used in IPG connectors, then electrical connection reliability is maintained, but device size and cost increase while orientation flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear arrangement of contact rings to a two-dimensional planar array of contact pads on the IPG connector. This dimensional change allows multiple contacts to be arranged in a compact grid pattern rather than extending linearly, thereby reducing the overall connector length while maintaining all necessary electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into discrete contact pads and corresponding receptacles that can be independently arranged and positioned. This segmentation allows flexible layout optimization where contacts can be spaced to minimize overall connector size while maintaining proper electrical pathways through the feedthrough pins.
2Reliability
If linearly spaced contact rings and feedthrough pins are used in IPG connectors, then electrical connection reliability is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple contact functions are merged into a single planar connector assembly where contact pads, feedthrough pins, and sealing elements are integrated into one unified structure. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The IPG connector design uses a universal planar contact arrangement that can accommodate different lead configurations and orientations. This multi-functional design allows the same connector structure to serve multiple application requirements, reducing the need for multiple specialized connector types and associated tooling investments.
3Volume of moving object
If circumferentially spaced feedthrough pins are used, then space efficiency and cost are improved, but connector orientation is limited to pin direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the orientation limitation by transitioning from a one-dimensional linear contact arrangement to a two-dimensional planar array. This allows the connector to accept leads from multiple orientations simultaneously, as the contact pads are distributed across a surface area rather than aligned in a single direction, thereby providing both compact size and orientation flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable pulse generator includes an electronics housing including an electronics container, stimulation circuitry within the housing, a plurality of feedthrough pins, operably connected to the stimulation circuitry, that extend in through the cover, an electrical connector including a plurality of pin receptacles and a plurality of conductive members respectively located within the pin receptacles, and a plurality of flexible wires that respectively connect one of the conductive members to one of the feedthrough pins.