Implantable Device Header With Rigid Bore Stabilizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies for implantable devices face challenges in stabilizing lead terminals, leading to potential contact resistance instability and seal damage due to relative motion between the lead and the header contacts, which can result in reduced sealing integrity and increased risk of damage to spring contacts and seals.
Innovation Solution
A header design that includes a rigid component within the bore to surround and stabilize the lead terminal, limiting relative motion and providing support, thereby enhancing sealing integrity and facilitating the use of spring contacts without the need for additional mechanical actuation, such as set-screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a set-screw is used to stabilize the lead, then the lead terminal is secured in the header, but the complexity of the device increases and additional mechanical actuation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the set-screw mechanism from the connector assembly, replacing it with an integrated rigid support structure within the header body. This extraction eliminates the need for separate mechanical fastening components and simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining lead terminal stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid support structure is integrated directly into the header body, merging the support function with the existing header structure. This consolidation eliminates separate components and reduces the number of parts requiring assembly and maintenance, thereby reducing device complexity.
2Reliability
If spring contacts are used to provide electrical connection, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but contact resistance instability occurs due to relative motion between lead and header
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid support structure is pre-positioned within the header bore to establish a fixed reference position for the lead terminal before electrical connections are made. This preliminary mechanical stabilization prevents relative motion during operation, ensuring stable contact resistance for spring contacts without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the lead terminal is allowed to move relative to the header, then ease of insertion is improved, but seal damage and reduced sealing integrity occur
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid support structure provides localized stabilization only at the lead terminal position within the bore, allowing the rest of the lead to remain flexible for easy insertion. The support structure is positioned specifically where needed to prevent terminal movement while maintaining overall lead flexibility and insertion ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A header for an implantable pulse generator includes a header body having a bore formed therein, at least one header contact located within the bore to contact a corresponding contact of a lead terminal inserted in the bore, and a rigid component located within the bore.