Implantable Hydrogen Getter Coating for Feedthrough Ferrules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical devices face challenges in effectively managing hydrogen gas accumulation due to the cost and handling requirements of traditional hydrogen getters, which are often separate components within the device.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen getter is integrated into the device by coating a titanium layer with a thin layer of palladium or platinum, allowing hydrogen to pass through while preventing oxidation, thus utilizing the titanium as a getter without forming an impermeable oxidation layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional separate hydrogen getter component is used, then hydrogen management function is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hydrogen getter function with the ferrule component by coating the ferrule surface with a hydrogen-absorbing material. This integration eliminates the need for a separate hydrogen getter component, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the hydrogen management function. The ferrule serves dual purposes: mechanical sealing and hydrogen absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrule is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing mechanical support for the feedthrough assembly, creating hermetic sealing, and absorbing hydrogen gas through the coated surface. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the device structure while ensuring reliable hydrogen management.
2Reliability
If a traditional separate hydrogen getter component is used, then hydrogen management function is provided, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the hydrogen getter function into the ferrule component through surface coating, the patent eliminates the need to manufacture, handle, and assemble a separate hydrogen getter component. This reduces manufacturing steps and associated costs, including special handling requirements and assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrule component serves its own additional function by incorporating the hydrogen absorption capability directly into its structure through coating. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate hydrogen management components and their associated manufacturing and assembly costs.
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
This solution reduces the need for separate hydrogen getters, lowers costs, and ensures effective hydrogen management within the implantable medical device, enhancing its operational reliability and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
the selected metal and chosen thickness being permeable to hydrogen and substantially impermeable to oxygen
Implementation Method 2
preventing oxidation of the titanium layer in the location of the layer of selected metal
Implementation Method 3
allowing the un-oxidized titanium to act as a hydrogen getter
Data Source
AI summary
Hydrogen getters are provided in active implantable medical device by applying a layer of selected metal with a chosen thickness over an un-oxidized portion of a base metal. The base metal may be titanium, and the selected metal may be palladium or platinum, with a thickness of less than 250 nanometers, where the selected metal acts as a passivation layer relative to oxidation but allows hydrogen capture by the base metal. The getter may be a separate component or may be formed as part of an existing component such as a feedthrough ferrule.