Flexible Implantable Electrode Assembly Without Cable Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable tissue stimulators face mechanical failures due to cables connecting electrodes, leading to stiffness, disconnection, and fragility, which compromises their functionality and longevity within the body.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic electronic device with electrodes directly attached to a flexible circuit board without cables, using joints made of materials like stainless steel or platinum-iridium, and attached via methods such as laser welding or conductive epoxy, ensuring secure and flexible integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cables are used to connect electrodes to the circuit board, then electrical energy can be transmitted to electrodes, but mechanical failure occurs due to cable stiffness, disconnection, and fragility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes cables entirely from the system by directly integrating electrodes onto the flexible circuit board. This extraction of the problematic cable component eliminates mechanical failure points while maintaining electrical connectivity through direct trace connections on the flexible substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrode and circuit board into a single integrated structure where electrodes are directly attached to or formed on the flexible circuit board. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate cable connections and creates a more reliable monolithic device.
2Ease of operation
If cables are used to connect electrodes, then electrical therapy can be delivered, but the device becomes stiff and unsuitable for implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible circuit board as the substrate that provides both mechanical flexibility for implantation and electrical conductivity for therapy delivery. The flexible nature of this thin film structure allows the device to conform to body tissues while maintaining structural integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used with cable connections, then assembly is flexible, but assembly complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (electrodes, circuit board, cables) into a single integrated flexible circuit board structure. This merging reduces assembly steps and eliminates connection interfaces that could fail, thereby improving both manufacturability and reliability.
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 enhances mechanical robustness, reduces assembly complexity, and minimizes mechanical failures, allowing for more reliable and flexible electrical therapy delivery within the body.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more electrodes are attached to the flexible circuit board via laser welding, soldering, or conductive epoxy application.
Implementation Method 2
The one or more electrodes are attached to the flexible circuit board via laser welding, soldering, or conductive epoxy application.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable electronic device includes a flexible circuit board, one or more circuit components attached to the flexible circuit board and configured to convert electrical energy into electrical pulses, and one or more electrodes attached to the flexible circuit board without cables connecting the electrodes to each other or to the flexible circuit board, the one or more electrodes configured to apply the electrical pulses to a tissue adjacent the implantable electronic device.