Feedthrough Ferrule Crimping Apparatus with Independent Articulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression and crimping devices for feedthrough assemblies in implantable medical devices lack independent articulation of crimping and seal-forming components, restricting tolerance and product yield, and do not allow for customization or replacement of crimping components.
Innovation Solution
A compression and crimping apparatus that allows independent articulation of the crimping and seal-forming components, featuring a push rod assembly and press frame with adjustable mechanisms and interchangeable crimp tips to accommodate dimensional variations and different ferrule types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a compression and crimping device with fixed crimping and seal-forming components is used, then the device structure is simple, but the manufacturing precision and product yield are restricted due to inability to accommodate dimensional variations
Solution Approach 1:
The crimping component is made adjustable through a threaded rod mechanism that allows the distance between the crimping surface and seal-forming surface to be dynamically changed. This enables the device to accommodate dimensional variations in compression seal stacks while maintaining manufacturing precision, directly resolving the contradiction between fixed structure and precision requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the crimping component is fixed and non-replaceable, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different ferrule types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The crimping component is divided into separable parts: a crimping tip that can be removed and replaced, and a main device body. This segmentation allows different ferrule types to be accommodated by swapping tips, enhancing adaptability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized threaded rod mechanism serves multiple functions: it positions the crimping tip, allows adjustment for different dimensions, and enables replacement for different ferrule types. This multi-functionality provides universal adaptability across various applications while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
3Reliability
If the seal-forming load and crimping load are coupled, then the device structure is simple, but the seal quality deteriorates due to inability to independently adjust seal-forming load
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the seal-forming function and crimping function into separate components: the seal-forming surface on the push rod and the crimping surface on the crimping tip. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of seal-forming load through the threaded rod mechanism while crimping load is controlled separately, improving seal quality without excessive complexity.
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
Enables precise control over seal-forming load and crimping, improving tolerance and product yield by allowing independent adjustment and customization of crimping components, enhancing the reliability and adaptability of the sealing process.
Implementation Method 1
The compression ring is threaded over the lead and positioned within a ferrule between two rigid insulating members. The compression seal stack is then compressed causing the compression ring to expand radially between the insulating members and sealingly engage the outer surface of the terminal lead and the inner surface of the ferrule.
Implementation Method 2
A compression and crimping apparatus may be utilized to compress the compression seal stack and crimp the ferrule of a feedthrough assembly. When the jaws are moved toward one another, the island forces the second insulating member further into the ferrule thereby compressing the compression ring and forming a hermetic seal within the ferrule.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for forming a seal within a ferrule having a compression ring disposed therein. The apparatus comprises a frame assembly for crimping a portion of the ferrule, and a push rod assembly coupled to the frame assembly. The push rod assembly is capable of independent articulation with respect to the frame assembly and is configured to compress the compression ring within the ferrule.