Filtering Capacitor Feedthrough Assembly for Implantable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of manufacturing processes for implantable medical devices due to the use of expensive materials and methods for creating electrical connections between capacitors and feedthroughs in implantable active medical devices, which are necessary for shunting electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
A filtering capacitor feedthrough assembly that uses a split ring sleeve to mechanically and electrically couple a terminal pin to a filtering capacitor, and a tapered wedge element to secure the capacitor to a ferrule or housing, providing a cost-effective and reliable electrical pathway while maintaining a hermetic seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional soldering, welding, or brazing methods are used to connect the capacitor to the terminal pin and ferrule, then reliable electrical connections are achieved, but manufacturing cost and process complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional thermal joining methods (soldering, welding, brazing) with a mechanical compression system. The capacitor is compressed axially between the terminal pin and ferrule, creating reliable electrical connections through direct metal-to-metal contact and mechanical pressure, thereby eliminating complex thermal processes while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary compression force transmitted through the capacitor structure itself. The capacitor body acts as a mediator that transfers mechanical compression from the terminal pin-ferrule interface to the electrical contact surfaces, enabling reliable electrical connection without requiring separate joining processes
2Reliability
If traditional soldering, welding, or brazing methods are used to create electrical connections, then reliable electrical pathways are established, but manufacturing cost increases due to expensive materials and processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive thermal joining processes with a simple mechanical compression system that uses standard manufacturing techniques. The capacitor is compressed axially between the terminal pin and ferrule using conventional pressing equipment, eliminating the need for costly soldering, welding, or brazing operations and their associated materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable compression mechanism where the capacitor itself serves as the connection element. The capacitor structure is designed to be compressed and maintain electrical contact through its own body, eliminating the need for separate, expensive joining materials like solder, welding rods, or brazing alloys
Data Source
AI summary
A filtering capacitor feedthrough assembly for an implantable active medical device is disclosed. The filtering capacitor feedthrough assembly includes a capacitor having an aperture defined by an inner capacitor surface. The capacitor is electrically grounded to an electrically conductive feedthrough ferrule or housing of the implantable active medical device. A terminal pin extends into the aperture. An electrically conductive split ring sleeve is disposed within the aperture and between the terminal pin and the capacitor. The split ring sleeve includes a first end, a second end, a sleeve length therebetween. A longitudinal slit through the sleeve extends from the first end to the second end. The electrically conductive split ring sleeve mechanically securing and electrically coupling the terminal pin to the capacitor.