Flexible Impact Protector for Implantable Device Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices, such as cochlear implants, face challenges in withstanding mechanical impacts without compromising their functionality, as existing designs often require rigid anchoring structures that can lead to deformation and damage under impact energies like 1.5 Joules or higher, as mandated by European standards.
Innovation Solution
A flexible impact protector is integrated with the implantable housing, made from high-strength materials like steel, platinum-iridium, or ceramic, which distributes and absorbs impact forces without a rigid anchoring structure, potentially including a composite structure of ceramic and metal layers, to shield the device from mechanical impacts and transfer forces to the body safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid anchoring structure is used to secure the implant, then the implant can be firmly fixed in the body, but the implant becomes vulnerable to deformation and damage under mechanical impact
Solution Approach 1:
The implant system is divided into separate functional components: a flexible impact protector layer and a rigid housing structure. The flexible protector absorbs impact energy independently, while the rigid housing provides structural integrity, eliminating the need for rigid anchoring structures that compromise impact resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible impact protector is positioned between the external environment and the implant housing to absorb and distribute impact forces before they reach the rigid structure. This pre-positioned cushioning layer protects the implant from mechanical impacts without requiring rigid anchoring structures.
2Strength
If the housing is made thicker to withstand impact, then impact resistance improves, but the device size increases and cannot be implanted
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is segmented between a flexible impact protector layer and a thin rigid housing. The flexible layer absorbs impact energy, allowing the rigid housing to remain thin and implantable while still providing sufficient impact resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible impact protector in the form of a thin film or shell is used to absorb impact forces. This flexible protective layer allows the housing to maintain thin walls suitable for implantation while still providing adequate impact resistance through the flexible material's energy absorption capabilities.
3Strength
If a rigid protective structure is used, then impact protection is provided, but the structure cannot accommodate flexible leads and electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is segmented into a flexible impact protector layer and a rigid housing. The flexible protector accommodates flexible leads and electrodes within its layer, while the rigid housing provides structural integrity, allowing both flexible components and rigid protection to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible impact protector is implemented as a flexible shell or thin film that can conform to and accommodate flexible electric leads and electrodes embedded within it, while still providing impact protection. This flexible structure allows integration of flexible components without compromising protective function.
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 impact protector enhances the robustness of implantable devices by absorbing and deflecting impact energy, allowing for thinner designs, reduced deformation, and improved compatibility with medical procedures like MRI, while maintaining electrical connectivity and reducing risks associated with ionizing irradiation and thermal effects.
Implementation Method 1
The impact protector is configured to distribute at least a portion of force resulting from a mechanical impact over at least the portion of the housing and transfer at least a portion of the force, through the housing, to the body
Implementation Method 2
transfer at least a portion of the force, through the housing, to the body
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable device includes an implantable housing having an outer surface and providing a hermetically sealed interior volume. A flexible electric lead is mechanically connected to the housing and electrically connected to circuitry within the interior volume. An impact protector overlies at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing and shields the underlying housing surface from the force of a mechanical impact. At least a portion of the impact protector may include an electrode electrically connected to the circuitry within the interior volume.