Hermetic Lead Connector Axial Ring Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for manufacturing implantable active medical devices require a separate feedthrough connector block, which increases the number of parts and connections, and hinders the reduction of device size due to the need for a conventional feedthrough assembly.
Innovation Solution
The method involves manufacturing an internal hermetic lead connector by fixing electrically insulating rings between conducting contact rings to form a hermetic ring subassembly, which is then aligned axially to create a hermetic seal within the device housing, eliminating the need for a separate feedthrough connector block and allowing direct electrical connection to the electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional feedthrough connector block is used to provide electrical connection between hermetic housing and lead connector, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but device size increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hermetic housing and lead connector into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for a separate feedthrough connector block. The lead connector is directly formed as part of the hermetic housing, with electrical contacts integrated within the housing itself, thereby reducing device size while maintaining reliable electrical connections between the electronics and external leads.
Solution Approach 2:
The hermetic housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection for the electronics, establishes the hermetic seal, and integrates the electrical connection function through built-in contact rings. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated feedthrough components, reducing overall device volume while maintaining connection reliability.
2Reliability
If a separate feedthrough connector block is used, then electrical connection is established, but the number of parts increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate components into a single integrated hermetic housing structure. The housing itself incorporates the electrical connection function through integrated contact rings, eliminating the need for separate feedthrough connector blocks, brackets, and multiple assembly steps, thereby reducing the number of parts and simplifying assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The hermetic housing is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical protection, hermetic sealing, and electrical connection. This multi-functionality consolidates what were previously separate components into one universal element, reducing part count and simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Reliability
If conventional feedthrough assembly is used, then hermetic seal is maintained, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hermetic sealing function with the electrical connection function into a single integrated structure. The lead connector is formed as an integral part of the hermetic housing, with the hermetic seal extending continuously over the connector, eliminating the need for separate feedthrough assemblies that would increase device volume while compromising seal integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a hermetic lead connector includes fixing an electrically insulating ring between an electrically conducting contact ring and an electrically conducting spacer ring to form a hermetic ring subassembly, and fixing a plurality of the hermetic ring subassemblies in axial alignment to form a hermetic lead connector. The hermetic lead connector includes an open end, an outer surface, and an inner surface defining a lead aperture. The hermetic lead connector provides a hermetic seal between the outer surface and the inner surface.