Implantable Lead Collet Locking for Tool-Free Secure Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical systems face challenges in securely connecting implantable leads to connector ports without the need for additional tools or components, which can lead to unintentional disconnection and require complex mechanisms for securement.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a collet assembly within the connector port, featuring an angled outer circumference and inner surface, along with bearings that frictionally engage the implantable lead, provides a secure and automatic locking mechanism that maintains the lead in place without additional tools, using a biasing member to ensure compressive forces are applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a collet assembly with bearings is used to frictionally engage the implantable lead, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collet assembly automatically secures the implantable lead through frictional engagement with the bearings when the lead is inserted into the connector port, without requiring additional tools or components for securement. The biasing member maintains continuous contact pressure, creating a self-securing mechanism that improves reliability while avoiding complex manual securement procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The bearings act as intermediary elements between the collet assembly and the implantable lead, providing frictional engagement that secures the connection. This intermediary mechanism enables reliable securement through controlled friction rather than direct mechanical fastening, reducing the need for additional components like set screws
2Strength
If additional tools or components like set screws are used for securement, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector port with collet assembly automatically secures the implantable lead through frictional engagement when inserted, without requiring additional tools or components. The biasing member maintains continuous contact pressure, creating a self-securing mechanism that provides strong connections while eliminating complex manual securement procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the need for additional securement components like set screws or torque wrenches by integrating the securement function directly into the connector port through the collet assembly and bearings. This extraction of unnecessary components simplifies the operation while maintaining connection strength through the frictional engagement 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
This solution ensures a secure connection of the implantable lead to the header, reducing the risk of unintentional removal and simplifying the design and manufacturing process by eliminating the need for additional components like set screws, while maintaining easy attachment and detachment.
Implementation Method 1
one or more bearings arranged about a circumference of the collet assembly and configured to contact an inner surface of the connector port
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an implantable medical device including a housing, a header, a connector port, and a collet assembly. The header can be arranged with the housing. The connector port can be arranged within the header and configured to couple an implantable lead to the header. The collet assembly can be arranged within the connector port and configured to frictionally engage a portion of the implantable lead and to secure the implantable lead with the header in response to insertion of the portion of the implantable lead into the connector port.