Medical Electrode Contact Element Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical electrode devices face challenges in easy and cost-efficient fabrication and maintaining the mechanical stability of contact elements, which are crucial for effective tissue coupling and long-term implantation.
Innovation Solution
The medical electrode device features a carrier element with contact elements partially embedded in an electrically insulating material, where a portion of the carrier element extends through a space between the contact portion and the electrical supply line, forming a locking mechanism with reinforcement structures to enhance mechanical stability and locational fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact elements are arranged on a carrier element, then tissue coupling is enabled, but mechanical stability of contact elements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element is nested within a cavity formed by the carrier element and electrical supply line, with the carrier element extending through the space between the contact portion and supply line to create a locked configuration. This nesting arrangement provides mechanical stability while maintaining tissue coupling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical supply line serves as an intermediary structure that, together with the carrier element, forms a locking mechanism. The supply line is positioned such that it creates a cavity with the carrier element, allowing the contact element to be mechanically stabilized without compromising its electrical function.
2Stability of the object's composition
If complex locking mechanisms are added to improve mechanical stability, then contact element stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the existing carrier element and electrical supply line structures. Rather than adding a separate complex locking system, the carrier element's cavity formation and the supply line's positioning are combined to create an integrated locking arrangement that stabilizes the contact element without increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier element and electrical supply line perform multiple functions: they provide electrical connection, structural support, and mechanical stabilization through their geometric arrangement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated locking components, reducing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical electrode device for implantation into a patient comprises a carrier element formed from an electrically insulating material, a contact element arranged on the carrier element and comprising a contact portion for coupling to tissue in an implanted state of the medical electrode device, and an electrical supply line connected to the contact element. The contact element comprises first and second fastening sections, the first and second fastening sections arranged at a distance with respect to each other along a length direction, and the electrical supply line connected to the contact element at the first fastening section and the second fastening section such that the electrical supply line is arranged at a distance with respect to the contact portion along a height direction oriented perpendicularly to the length direction. A portion of the carrier element extends through a space in between the contact portion and the electrical supply line.