Implantable Controller Header Thermal Spreader for Bore Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable blood pumps powered by transcutaneous energy transfer systems experience localized heating due to higher resistance components, which can lead to material deformation and degradation, especially in areas with lower heat transfer efficient materials.
Innovation Solution
A thermally conductive and heat spreading element, such as a copper core tube cladded with tantalum, is disposed within the implantable controller header to conduct heat away from high resistance areas and spread it within the header.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If higher resistance components are used to power the implantable blood pump, then the pump can operate with sufficient power, but localized heating occurs at high resistance areas
Solution Approach 1:
A thermally conductive element (such as a metal tube or rod) is introduced as an intermediary component between the high-resistance heating area and the surrounding insulation materials. This intermediary actively conducts heat away from the critical interface area, preventing localized overheating while allowing the high-resistance component to continue providing necessary power.
Solution Approach 2:
Heat is extracted from the localized high-resistance area by introducing a dedicated thermally conductive element that draws heat away from the critical interface. This separates the heat generation function (which remains in the high-resistance component) from the heat retention problem (at the insulated interface).
2Reliability
If materials with lower heat transfer efficiency (such as polyurethane or silicone insulation) are used to insulate components, then electrical insulation and mechanical protection are improved, but heat accumulates at insulated interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation structure is modified by introducing a localized thermally conductive element only at the critical interface area where heat accumulation occurs. The surrounding insulation materials (polyurethane or silicone) maintain their electrical insulation properties, while the localized conductive element creates a thermal pathway to dissipate heat from the high-resistance component interface.
3Duration of action of moving object
If continuous operation of the implantable blood pump is maintained, then patient care is improved, but material deformation and degradation occur due to sustained heating
Solution Approach 1:
A thermally conductive pathway is established in advance within the header structure, before operational issues arise. This pre-configured thermal management system continuously conducts heat away from critical interfaces during sustained operation, preventing the temperature accumulation that would otherwise lead to material deformation and degradation over time.
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 implementation of thermally conductive elements effectively reduces localized heating, preventing material deformation and degradation, and ensuring the reliable operation of implantable blood pumps.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one elongate thermally conducting element being configured to conduct heat away from the at least one bore and spread heat within the header
Data Source
AI summary
A header for a controller for an implantable medical device. The header includes at least one bore sized and configured to receive a corresponding connector for the implantable medical device. At least one elongate thermally conducting element is disposed within the header and proximate the at least one bore, the at least one elongate thermally conducting element being configured to conduct heat away from the at least one bore and spread heat within the header when the corresponding connector is received within the at least one bore and is communication with the implantable medical device.