Compact Connector Assembly Angled Feedthroughs EMI Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical feedthroughs for implantable medical devices (IMDs) face challenges in mitigating electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can inhibit stimulation signals and affect the operation of IMDs such as neurostimulators and cardiac stimulators.
Innovation Solution
A compact connector assembly with feedthrough pins mounted in a staggered arrangement and capacitors with a parallelogram-shaped profile are used, where the capacitors are positioned between the electronics module assembly and the array plate to filter high-frequency interference, and conductive strips are bonded at angles less than 135 degrees to limit conductor bending and reduce the space required for the flexible circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional feedthrough configurations are used with right-angle connections, then electrical connections are simple, but the flexible circuit requires additional space for bending radius
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional right-angle (90-degree) connections to angled connections (45-135 degrees) between feedthrough pins, conductive strips, and flexible circuit conductors. This dimensional change in connection angles optimizes space utilization within the connector assembly, eliminating the need for additional bending radius space while maintaining electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the connection angle parameter from the conventional 90 degrees to a range of 45-135 degrees. This parameter change allows the flexible circuit to connect directly without requiring additional bending space, thereby reducing the overall volume of the connector assembly while preserving electrical functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If capacitors are added to filter high-frequency EMI, then EMI shielding is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates capacitors directly into the connector assembly structure, merging the EMI filtering function with the existing feedthrough and array plate components. The capacitors are positioned to electrically contact multiple feedthrough pins simultaneously, combining shielding functionality with the electrical connection structure rather than adding separate shielding components.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor serves multiple functions within the connector assembly: it provides EMI filtering for high-frequency interference, maintains electrical connectivity between components, and integrates structurally with the array plate and feedthrough pins. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated shielding components, thereby limiting complexity increase.
3Volume of moving object
If feedthrough pins are connected at right angles to conductive strips, then manufacturing is simple, but the connector assembly requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the bonding angle parameter from a fixed 90 degrees to a flexible range of 45-135 degrees. This parameter modification allows for varied manufacturing approaches while achieving the same space-saving objective, potentially simplifying assembly processes through less precise angular requirements compared to exact right-angle bonding.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly employs composite construction with conductive strips bonded at angled orientations to feedthrough pins and flexible circuit conductors. This composite angular arrangement optimizes space utilization while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard bonding techniques adapted to the angled configuration.
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 configuration effectively filters high-frequency EMI, reducing its adverse effects on IMD operations and allowing for a more compact design without the need for additional space to accommodate the minimum bending radius of the flexible circuit, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of IMDs.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor to shunt high frequency EMI from the feedthrough pin
Implementation Method 2
capacitor electrically contacts the feedthrough pin and the ferrule to shunt high frequency EMI away from the feedthrough pin
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly for an implantable medical device includes a plurality of feedthroughs mounted in a conductive array plate, each feedthrough in the plurality of feedthroughs including a feedthrough pin electrically isolated from the conductive array plate by an insulator and an electronic module assembly including a plurality of conductive strips set in a non-conductive block. The plurality of conductive strips is in physical and electrical contact with the feedthrough pins at an angle of less than 135 degrees. The connector assembly further includes at least one circuit, the circuit including a plurality of conductors corresponding to the plurality of feedthroughs. The plurality of conductors of the circuit is in physical and electrical contact with a corresponding one of the conductive strips of the plurality of conductive strips of the electronic module assembly at an angle of less than 135 degrees.