Deflectable Lead Contact Structure for Low-Insertion Medical Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical contacts for medical device leads face challenges in accommodating varying lead sizes and ensuring reliable electrical connections with low insertion force and high contact force, which can affect the efficacy of electrical stimulation therapy.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrical contact with deflectable fingers, such as V-shaped or spoon-shaped configurations, that facilitate secure coupling with medical leads by providing a lower insertion force and higher contact force, accommodating varying lead diameters, and ensuring stable electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If existing electrical contacts are used for medical device leads, then the structure is simple, but the contact force is insufficient and insertion force is high
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contact employs a deflectable finger that can dynamically change its position and shape during insertion and contact. The finger deflects during insertion to reduce insertion force, then maintains contact pressure through its elastic recovery, providing both low insertion force and high contact force simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The finger's physical parameters (shape, position, deflection angle) are optimized to achieve the desired force characteristics. By controlling the finger's deflection angle and dimensions, the design achieves low insertion force while maintaining high contact force for reliable electrical connection
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing electrical contacts are used for medical device leads, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the adaptability to varying lead sizes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The deflectable finger provides adaptive compliance that allows the contact to accommodate various lead diameters and shapes. The finger's ability to deflect and conform to different lead geometries enables universal compatibility across multiple lead sizes without requiring multiple specialized contact designs
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable finger design serves multiple functions: it provides electrical contact, accommodates varying lead sizes, absorbs insertion force variations, and maintains consistent contact pressure. This single structure replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized components for different lead types
3Reliability
If existing electrical contacts are used for medical device leads, then the contact interface is simple, but the reliability of electrical connection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The deflectable finger maintains dynamic contact pressure that adapts to insertion forces and lead variations. This dynamic adjustment ensures consistent electrical connection reliability by compensating for manufacturing tolerances and insertion variations, providing reliable electrical contact without overly complex mechanisms
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
The solution enables efficient and reliable electrical coupling of medical device leads, enhancing the delivery of electrical stimulation therapy by providing a stable interface that accommodates different lead sizes and maintains consistent contact pressure.
Implementation Method 1
The finger extends to a distal end and has side edges, the side edges of the finger disposed at respective angles relative to the housing longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical contact for coupling a contact of a medical lead with electronics of a medical device including a contact member having a ring shaped wall defined by a ring inner diameter and ring outer diameter, a housing having a ring shape defining an opening therein, the opening configured to receive the medical lead therein, wherein the housing is defined in part by a housing longitudinal axis and a housing inner diameter, the contact member having at least one deflectable finger extending from the ring shaped wall into a contact opening defined by the ring inner diameter of the ring shaped wall, wherein the finger extends to a distal end and has side edges, the side edges of the finger disposed at respective angles relative to the housing longitudinal axis.