Implantable Device Circuitry Adjacent to Header Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing design of implantable medical devices, where the header and its structures sit atop the primary device housing, contributes to a taller device height, which may not be suitable for all implantation conditions.
Innovation Solution
The circuit board with its associated circuitry is positioned adjacent to header-related structures such as lead bores and feedthroughs, rather than the entire header being atop the primary device housing, allowing for a more compact device footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the header and all related structures reside atop the primary device housing, then the electrical connector can be electrically coupled to the circuit board through the feedthrough, but the device height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the circuit board from a vertical arrangement (atop the housing) to a horizontal arrangement (within the housing, adjacent to the feedthrough). This dimensional change allows the electrical connector to maintain its electrical coupling function while eliminating the need for the header structures to extend vertically above the housing, thereby reducing device height.
2Length of stationary object
If the circuit board is positioned within the housing adjacent to the feedthrough, then the device height is reduced, but the electrical connector must extend through the feedthrough to maintain electrical coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is nested within the feedthrough structure, with the connector body positioned inside the feedthrough aperture and the contact extending through the feedthrough to engage with the circuit board. This nesting approach allows the connector to maintain its electrical coupling function while occupying minimal space, avoiding the need for complex external mounting structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
Implantable medical devices include circuitry positioned adjacent to header-related structures, rather than having the header and related structures sitting atop the position of the circuitry within a device housing. A circuit board within the device housing may be positioned adjacently to a lead bore of the header. Feedthrough conductors may extend from the circuitry to conductors of the header while being positioned adjacently to the circuit board. Lead frame conductors may extend to the electrical connectors of the lead bores while also being adjacent to the upper portion of the circuitry. Device height may be reduced by having the circuitry be positioned adjacent to one or more of the various header-related structures.