Grouped Pin Receptacle Connector for Compact PFA Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ablation catheters face challenges in efficiently delivering pulsed field ablation (PFA) due to the difficulty in integrating high-voltage connectors within the catheter handle while meeting electrical creepage and clearance requirements, which are crucial for safe and effective energy delivery.

Innovation Solution

The design of a receptacle connector with multiple groups of pins, each surrounded by an interlocking wall, allows for compact integration within the catheter handle while maintaining adequate electrical isolation and meeting creepage and clearance standards, enabling efficient delivery of PFA.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high-voltage connectors are integrated within the catheter handle, then the delivery of PFA energy is enabled, but the space requirements and electrical isolation challenges increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical safetyVSAvoidconnector size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into multiple groups of pins (first group, second group, third group) with each group surrounded by its own interlocking wall. This segmentation allows for better electrical isolation between high-voltage pins while maintaining a compact overall structure that fits within the catheter handle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Interlocking walls are positioned between groups of pins to provide electrical isolation. The walls nest within the connector housing, creating isolated compartments for each pin group without significantly increasing the overall connector volume, thus achieving both electrical safety and compact integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If adequate electrical isolation is maintained between pins, then arcing and electrical breakdown are prevented, but the connector complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical isolationVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Interlocking walls serve as intermediary structures between groups of pins, providing electrical isolation without requiring complex insulation systems. These walls act as physical barriers that prevent arcing while maintaining a relatively simple connector design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12582469B2Grouped pin receptacle connector for ablation catheter handle

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

An example receptacle connector for a catheter for performing pulsed field ablation (PFA). The receptacle connector includes a first side to receive electrical signals; a second side, opposite to the first side, to transfer the electrical signals to a plurality of electrodes; a surface on the first side; and a plurality of groups of pins extending from the surface. Each of the groups of pins includes at least one pin to electrically connect to a power source to receive the electrical signals, and an interlocking wall surrounding the at least one pin.