Implant Connector Enclosure With Angled Lead Passageway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices face challenges in miniaturization due to the design complexities of connector enclosure assemblies, particularly in managing excess medical lead length and maintaining electrical connectivity while keeping the device size small.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a connector enclosure assembly with an angled lead passageway relative to the base plane, combined with advanced machining techniques like wire EDM and milling, allows for a compact design while ensuring secure electrical connectivity and isolation from external conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the device size is reduced for miniaturization, then the implantable medical device becomes smaller and less obtrusive, but the connector enclosure assembly design becomes more complex and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an angled lead passageway that extends at an angle relative to the base plane of the connector enclosure assembly. This angular configuration allows the lead to exit the device at an optimized angle, reducing the need for excessive lead length and simplifying the management of excess lead within the implantation pocket, thereby resolving the complexity issue associated with miniaturization
2Volume of moving object
If the device size is reduced, then the implantable medical device becomes smaller, but the pocket size required for implantation is reduced which complicates the management of excess lead length
Solution Approach 1:
By configuring the lead passageway at an angle rather than perpendicular to the base, the patent optimizes the trajectory of the lead as it exits the device. This angular arrangement allows for more efficient routing of the lead within the reduced implantation pocket, improving ease of operation for excess lead management despite the smaller device and pocket dimensions
3Manufacturing precision
If advanced machining techniques like wire EDM and milling are used, then the connector enclosure assembly can be precisely manufactured with angled lead passageway, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the manufacturing process into distinct stages: first forming the base structure of the connector enclosure assembly, then creating the angled lead passageway through precise wire EDM or milling operations. This segmentation allows each machining operation to be optimized independently, managing the overall manufacturing complexity while achieving the required precision for the angled passageway
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable medical device includes an enclosure sleeve and a top cap. The enclosure sleeve comprises an enclosure wall with at least a portion of the enclosure wall comprising the grade 5 titanium and having a thickness between 0.007 inches and 0.009 inches. The enclosure sleeve includes an open top end and an open bottom end that is opposite the open top end. The top cap includes a feedthrough block, a first top cap end portion, and a second top cap end portion. The first top cap end portion is configured to couple to the open top end of the enclosure sleeve, and the second top cap end portion configured to be positioned within the enclosure sleeve.