Implantable Connector Contact Arrays for Stimulation Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable electrical stimulation systems face challenges in efficiently connecting and securing lead extensions with split proximal contact arrays, leading to potential detachment and reduced precision in delivering electrical stimuli.
Innovation Solution
The development of a connector system with elongated bodies, non-conductive carriers, and segmented contact arrays that include retainer elements and stop elements to securely couple lead extensions, ensuring proper alignment and electrical contact, even with split proximal contact arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connectors are used to connect lead extensions, then the connection can be established, but the connection stability is poor and detachment may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple functional segments: a connector body, a separate carrier component, retainer elements, and stop elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the retainer elements secure the lead extension while the stop elements prevent over-insertion, together solving the detachment problem through distributed functional responsibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is disposed within the connector body, and the lead extension is received within the carrier. This nested arrangement creates multiple levels of containment and security, where the carrier provides primary positioning and the connector body provides secondary containment, significantly improving connection stability and preventing detachment.
2Measurement precision
If conventional connectors are used, then connection can be made, but alignment precision is insufficient for split proximal contact arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The stop element is positioned in advance within the connector body to define the exact insertion depth of the lead extension. This preliminary positioning action ensures that the split proximal contact arrays align precisely with the connector contacts before electrical connection is made, solving the alignment precision problem through pre-established geometric constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier acts as an intermediary component between the lead extension and the connector body. It provides a dedicated interface that receives the lead extension and positions it accurately relative to the connector contacts, mediating the alignment relationship and ensuring precise contact engagement for split proximal contact arrays.
3Reliability
If simple connectors are used, then device complexity is low, but the connector cannot securely hold split proximal contact arrays
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements - the carrier, retainer elements, stop elements, and connector body - are merged into a single integrated connector assembly. This combination allows the complex functionality of securing and aligning split proximal contact arrays to be achieved through a unified structure, improving reliability while managing complexity through integration rather than separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for an implantable electrical medical device includes an elongated connector body; a connector lumen to receive a lead or lead extension; a non-conductive carrier disposed in the connector body and including at least two rails extending parallel to the connector lumen and pairs of contact holders spaced-apart along the rails; contacts with each contact disposed between one of the pairs of contact holders; and connector conductors coupled to the contacts. Instead of carrier and contacts, the connector can include contact assemblies, each contact assembly including a non-conductive contact carrier defining two nodes, and two contacts, each contact disposed in one of the two nodes, each contact including a coil and a sheath disposed around at least a portion of the coil. Another alternative includes a non-conductive carrier with contact openings; and contacts, where each contact is a rod disposed in one of the contact openings.