Composite Bore for Reduced Lead Insertion Force

Solution Overview

Problem

The insertion of implantable leads into the bores of implantable medical devices often requires a large force due to high friction, and existing solutions that reduce friction, such as additives, make the surface opaque, preventing visual verification of lead insertion.

Innovation Solution

A composite bore structure is implemented, where the first section has a lower coefficient of friction due to an additive, while the closed tip end section remains clear, allowing visual confirmation of lead insertion and reducing the force required for insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If friction-reducing additives are applied to the bore walls, then the insertion force is reduced, but the bore surface becomes opaque and visual verification of lead insertion is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion forceVSAvoidvisibility of lead insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The bore is divided into two distinct sections: a first section with friction-reducing properties and a second section with visual transparency. This segmentation allows each section to fulfill its specific function independently - the first section facilitates easy insertion while the second section enables visual verification of lead placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the bore are assigned different surface properties: the first section has a low friction coefficient achieved through additives or coating, while the second section maintains high transparency. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by ensuring that friction reduction is applied only where insertion occurs, while visibility is maintained where needed for verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Illumination intensity

If the bore is made clear for visual verification, then lead placement can be observed, but friction increases and insertion force increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of lead insertionVSAvoidinsertion force

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The bore is divided into two distinct sections: a first section with friction-reducing properties and a second section with visual transparency. This segmentation allows each section to fulfill its specific function independently - the first section facilitates easy insertion while the second section enables visual verification of lead placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the bore are assigned different surface properties: the first section has a low friction coefficient achieved through additives or coating, while the second section maintains high transparency. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by ensuring that friction reduction is applied only where insertion occurs, while visibility is maintained where needed for verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Force

If a composite structure with different friction coefficients is used, then insertion force is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion forceVSAvoidbore structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bore is constructed as a composite structure combining at least two different materials or material layers: a first material in the first section providing low friction properties, and a second material in the second section providing optical transparency. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of friction reduction and visual verification while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

This design reduces the insertion force while enabling visual verification of lead placement, ensuring proper positioning without the need for additional seals within the bore.

Implementation Method 1

one of the bores includes a structure wherein a first section of the bore includes walls having a relatively lower coefficient of friction compared to walls of the bore at a closed tip end section of the bore

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20240216700A1Header composit bore for reduced lead insertion force

Publication Date: 2024.07.04 CARDIAC PACEMAKERS INC

AI summary

An implantable medical device can include a housing including electronic devices within the housing; a header attached to the housing and including one or more bores configured to receive a lead; and wherein one of the bores includes a structure wherein a first section of the bore includes walls having a relatively lower coefficient of friction compared to walls of the bore at a closed tip end section of the bore.