Clamshell Implant Connector for High-Density Transverse Interconnects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Presently-available inline connectors for implantable medical device systems are bulky, occupying valuable space and limiting the number of interconnections, while requiring a larger volume than the electronics modules they attach to.
Innovation Solution
An implantable in-line high density connector with a clamshell design, featuring identical halves that mate at 180 degrees, eliminating empty space and air pockets, allowing for a higher density of interconnections in a smaller form factor, and enabling modules to be disconnected without affecting the rest of the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multi-contact plug and socket design with coiled springs and silicone barriers is used, then electrical interconnections can be formed, but the connector occupies large volume within the body
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into a first half and a second half that can be separately implanted and later mated together. Each half contains simplified contact structures (first contacts and second contacts) that connect to corresponding conductors, eliminating the need for complex coiled springs and silicone barriers in each channel while maintaining reliable electrical connections through the mating interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector transitions from a single-block design to a two-half design that mates along a plane, creating a transverse mating interface. This dimensional approach allows the contacts to be arranged in a planar configuration rather than requiring three-dimensional coiled spring assemblies, significantly reducing the overall connector volume while maintaining connection reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more channels are added to increase interconnection capacity, then system functionality is improved, but connector volume increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The complex silicone barrier and coiled spring assemblies are extracted from each individual channel, replacing them with simpler contact structures. This extraction eliminates the volumetric penalty associated with adding channels, as each additional channel requires minimal additional space compared to traditional designs where each channel demanded its own coiled spring and barrier assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple contact points are merged into a compact planar array at the mating interface between the two halves. Instead of distributing contact mechanisms throughout the volume of each channel, all electrical connections are consolidated at the interface plane, allowing high channel density without proportional volume increase.
3Volume of stationary object
If electronics module size is reduced to minimize implant volume, then space efficiency is improved, but the module becomes smaller than the connector volume
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into two separate halves that can be attached to different components (electrode array and electronics module) independently. This segmentation allows the connector volume to be distributed and optimized separately from the electronics module, enabling the module to be minimized without being constrained by an oversized single-block connector design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector adopts a planar mating interface rather than a volumetric design, allowing the connection functionality to be achieved with minimal intrusion into the space available for the electronics module. This dimensional approach ensures the connector does not dominate the overall implant volume.
Data Source
AI summary
An inline implantable connector device can provide an increased volume density to medical device systems in a limited volume. The inline implantable connector device can have a claim-shell design with a first half and a second half, each having a conductive path in a same design. The second half is turned and flipped by 180 degrees to mate with the first half so that the conductive paths interconnect to form electrical and mechanical interconnections that are fundamentally transverse to the direction of the incoming or outgoing lead wires. A first screw hole on a top side of the connector device can accept a screw therethrough; and a second screw hole on a bottom side of the connector device can accept another screw therethrough.