Implantable Device Connector Block With Molded Plastic Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing implantable medical device headers require complex and costly machining processes for circumferential metallic housings to accommodate canted coil springs, leading to increased manufacturing costs and potential reliability issues due to the need for multiple welds between metallic termination members and feedthroughs.

Innovation Solution

The use of molded plastic connector block housings with non-circumferential metallic termination members, such as stamped stainless steel or MP35N components, which are cheaper to produce and eliminate the need for welding by integrating coil springs and metallic blocks within the connector block structure, allowing for side-loading and easier assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If circumferential metallic housings are used to accommodate canted coil springs, then structural support and spring accommodation are achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to machining requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the manufacturing method from traditional circumferential machining to non-circumferential machining of metallic termination members. This parameter change in the machining approach reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the structural support function through optimized non-circumferential contact points between the metallic termination member and the coil spring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetric, non-circumferential metallic termination members instead of symmetric circumferential housings. The metallic termination member makes contact with the coil spring at specific non-uniform points, creating an asymmetric structure that simplifies manufacturing while providing adequate structural support for spring accommodation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If multiple welds are used to connect metallic termination members and feedthroughs, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but reliability decreases due to potential weld defects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the welding process from the assembly methodology by designing a press-fit connection system. The metallic termination member is designed with a configuration that allows direct mechanical insertion and electrical contact with the feedthrough, eliminating the need for welding operations and associated reliability concerns while reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a disposable, non-reusable metallic termination member design that is pressed into place and cannot be removed. This single-use component approach eliminates the need for complex, reusable welded connections, improving reliability by removing weld defects as a failure mode while simplifying the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If traditional connector block designs are used, then electrical connectivity is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases due to complex machining processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the metallic termination member to enable non-circumferential machining. This parameter modification allows the component to be manufactured with simpler, less expensive machining operations while maintaining the electrical connectivity function through optimized contact surfaces and conductive pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the metallic material only where needed for electrical contact and structural support, rather than using complete circumferential housings. The metallic termination member is strategically shaped to provide localized conductivity and mechanical strength at critical interfaces, reducing material usage and manufacturing cost while maintaining electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2964320B1Connector blocks for a header of an implantable device

Publication Date: 2019.09.18 CARDIAC PACEMAKERS INC

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AI summary

An apparatus includes an implantable housing, a header mounted to the implantable housing and including a connector block cavity, and a connector block located within the connector block cavity, the connector block including a plastic housing portion, a coil spring, and a metallic termination member connected to the coil spring and exposed outside the plastic housing portion.