Implant Electrical Contact Stacking for Assembly Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implant manufacturing processes for medical devices like pacemakers and defibrillators are complex and costly due to the need for complex construction and automation, particularly in aligning electrical contacts at 90-degree angles.
Innovation Solution
The implant design features an energy store and electronics module with electrical contacts oriented in the same direction, allowing for stacking and simplified assembly, using a feedthrough for electrical connections and a biocompatible housing, facilitating automation and reducing production complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If electrical contacts are oriented at 90-degree angles to accommodate flat arrangement of elements, then the elements can be lined up flat next to each other, but the construction process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar (2D) arrangement of elements to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. By orienting the first and second contacts in the same direction and arranging the energy store, electronics module, and feedthrough in a stacked manner, the design eliminates the need for 90-degree angled contacts while maintaining compact form factor. This dimensional change simplifies the construction process by aligning all contacts along a single axis.
2Ease of manufacture
If electrical contacts are oriented at 90-degree angles, then element arrangement is simplified, but automation of production becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a vertical stacking arrangement where the energy store, electronics module, and feedthrough are positioned one above another along the contact direction. This three-dimensional configuration allows all electrical contacts to be aligned in the same direction, enabling automated assembly processes that can consistently position components along a single axis without requiring complex angular alignment procedures.
3Device complexity
If contacts are oriented in the same direction, then assembly is simplified and automation is enabled, but space utilization must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested stacked configuration where the electronics module is positioned between the energy store and the feedthrough along the contact direction. This vertical nesting arrangement allows all components to share the same footprint area while occupying different vertical spaces, effectively utilizing the available volume within the housing while maintaining aligned contacts for simplified assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an implant comprising an electrode connection device and a housing, wherein a cover for closing the housing is formed on the electrode connection device. A method for producing an implant is also disclosed.