Implantable Electrode Interface for Stable Multi-Electrode Powering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active implantable medical devices with replaceable battery units face limitations due to complex connections between electrodes and power sources, especially when a large number of electrodes are required, necessitating improvements for long-term use and simple battery replacement.
Innovation Solution
An electrode device with a control unit in a biocompatible package, fixedly connected electrode leads, and an interface wire for power and communication, allowing power to be received from a separate powering device, eliminating the need for detachable connections and enabling a robust, long-term arrangement with a large number of electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of electrodes are connected to a replaceable battery unit through detachable connections, then the device can be powered and replaced, but the mechanical stability and reliability of connections deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate segments: a permanent electrode device with fixed connections and a replaceable powering device. This segmentation allows the electrode device to maintain permanent, reliable connections while the powering device can be independently replaced, resolving the contradiction between replaceability and connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
A connector block with connection elements serves as an intermediary between the electrode device and powering device. This intermediary enables detachable connection for power supply while maintaining mechanical stability through the robust connector design, allowing electrode replacement without compromising connection reliability.
2Ease of repair
If detachable connections are used between battery unit and electrodes, then battery replacement is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connection elements for multiple electrodes are merged into a single connector block assembly. This merging allows the battery unit to be replaced as a single integrated component rather than requiring individual wire disconnections, simplifying the replacement process while maintaining the ability to service multiple electrodes simultaneously.
3Reliability
If mechanical connections are made robust to support long-term use, then reliability improves, but ease of replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into permanent fixed connections for electrodes and a separate replaceable powering device. This allows robust mechanical connections where needed (electrode leads to control unit) while maintaining ease of replacement for the battery component through the separate powering device interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from static permanent connections to a dynamic hybrid system: permanent fixed connections for signal-critical electrode leads, and detachable connections for the powering device. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain stability where needed while enabling replacement where appropriate.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode device for implantation in a subject, said electrode device comprising: a control unit arranged in a biocompatible package configured to protect the control unit from an implant environment; an electrode arrangement comprising electrodes for providing electrical signals to and/or acquiring electrical signals from a body part of the subject; a plurality of electrode leads, each configured to connect the control unit with a respective electrode and each being fixedly connected to the control unit; and an interface wire configured to connect the control unit to a powering device, wherein the interface wire is configured to provide power from the powering device to the control unit and communication between the control unit and the powering device. An implantable system comprises the electrode device and the powering device.