Implantable Lead Connector Collet Assembly for Reliable Tool-Free Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical systems face challenges in securely connecting implantable leads to connector ports without requiring additional tools or causing noise issues due to improperly torqued set screws.
Innovation Solution
A connector port assembly with a collet assembly and a release tool mechanism that uses a collet body with a curved outer surface, bearings, and a spring element to securely engage and release implantable leads, eliminating the need for additional tools like set screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a collet assembly with bearings is used to secure the implantable lead, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collet assembly is nested within the connector block bore, with bearings arranged about the collet body. This nested configuration allows multiple functional components (collet body, bearings, spring element) to be integrated within a compact structure, achieving reliable lead securing while minimizing overall device complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element automatically biases the collet body toward the proximal end of the connector block, creating self-actuating engagement. When the implantable lead is inserted, the bearings translate and the collet body moves axially to clamp against the lead, all without requiring external actuation mechanisms, thereby improving reliability while keeping the system simple.
2Strength
If set screws are used to secure the implantable lead, then the connection strength is improved, but noise issues occur due to improper torquing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical screw-and-torque-wrench system with a collet-and-bearing mechanism. The bearings translate axially to uniformly compress the collet body against the implantable lead, eliminating the need for manual torquing operations that generate noise. This substitution maintains strong mechanical connection while removing the noise-generating step.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element acts as an intermediary that mediates the force application between the collet body and the implantable lead. Instead of direct manual compression or screw torque, the spring provides controlled, progressive force that ensures reliable engagement without the noise associated with manual fastening operations.
3Ease of operation
If additional components like set screws and torque wrenches are used, then the ease of manufacture is worsened, but the ease of operation is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (set screw, torque wrench, retaining features) into an integrated collet assembly where the collet body, bearings, and spring element work together as a unified mechanism. This consolidation simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of discrete parts that need to be sourced, assembled, and quality-checked, while maintaining ease of operation through the automatic spring-biased engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components (set screws, torque wrenches, complex retaining features) from the system, retaining only the essential elements needed for secure lead connection. This extraction simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing part count and assembly steps, while the core functionality remains intact through the collet-and-bearing mechanism.
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
Facilitates secure and easy attachment of implantable leads, reduces noise, and simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating unnecessary components, while maintaining reliable connection integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element disposed within the connector block bore and about the distal end portion of the collet body, the spring element configured to bias the collet body toward the proximal end of the connector block
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of bearings arranged about the collet body between the distal end portion and the forward end portion of the collet body and configured to contact an inner circumference of the connector block. The plurality of bearings translate toward the distal end of the connector block in response to insertion of the portion of the implantable lead into the connector block bore
Data Source
AI summary
A connector port assembly for releasably securing an implantable lead to a header of an implantable medical device comprises a connector block having a connector block bore and an access hole extending radially through the connector block and oriented orthogonally to an axis of the connector block bore and sized to receive a shaft of a release tool, and a collet assembly including a collet body and a plurality of bearings arranged about a circumference of the collet body, the collet body including a forward end portion having a curved outer surface, and a distal portion opposite the forward end portion, wherein the access hole of the connector block is positioned such that a shaft of the release tool can engage the curved outer surface of the forward end portion of the collet body.