Implantable Device Support Structure for Battery Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design of implantable medical devices, particularly those using primary batteries, faces challenges due to the larger size of primary batteries compared to rechargeable batteries, necessitating a compact and robust construction that does not increase the device's size while ensuring mechanical robustness and electrical isolation.
Innovation Solution
The use of a support structure that integrates the battery, communication coil, and printed circuit board, providing electrical isolation and mechanical robustness, along with a method of adhering these components to the device case using glue drops or tape, allowing for a compact and efficient design that accommodates a larger primary battery without increasing the device's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a primary battery is used in the IPG, then the battery life may exceed patient life expectancy and reliability is improved, but the battery size increases making the device larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension by positioning the battery circumferentially around the central axis, with the communication coil and PCB stacked vertically along the central axis. This three-dimensional arrangement allows the larger primary battery to be accommodated without increasing the overall device envelope, effectively using vertical stacking and radial positioning to manage volume constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the communication coil and PCB are positioned within the central space created by the circumferential battery arrangement. The battery forms an outer ring, while the coil and circuit board are nested in the inner cylindrical space, allowing compact integration of all components without increasing overall device size.
2Quantity of substance
If the battery size is increased to accommodate a primary battery, then battery capacity is improved, but the device becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear arrangement to a radial and vertical stacking configuration. The battery is positioned circumferentially around the central axis, utilizing the radial dimension, while the communication coil and PCB are stacked vertically along the central axis. This multi-dimensional arrangement maximizes battery capacity while maintaining a compact cylindrical device envelope.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the device into distinct functional segments: the circumferential battery section, the central vertical stack containing the coil and PCB, and the hermetic seal at the interface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its function while fitting within the overall compact device volume.
3Volume of moving object
If components are closely positioned to maintain compact size, then device compactness is improved, but electrical isolation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hermetic seal as an intermediary barrier between the battery and the communication coil/PCB assembly. This hermetic seal provides both mechanical sealing and electrical isolation, allowing components to be positioned closely for compactness while maintaining reliable electrical isolation through the intermediate hermetic barrier layer.
4Strength
If a support structure is added to provide mechanical robustness, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the hermetic seal component: it provides mechanical support between the battery and the coil/PCB assembly, creates electrical isolation, and provides hermetic sealing. This merging of support, isolation, and sealing functions into a single component reduces overall device complexity while maintaining mechanical robustness.
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
The solution results in a mechanically robust and compact implantable pulse generator (IPG) that effectively manages the larger primary battery, ensuring electrical isolation and preventing short circuits, while maintaining the device's size and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
adhering the battery and support structure to the case using an adhesive material
Data Source
AI summary
Designs and methods of construction for an implantable medical device employ an internal support structure. The single-piece support structure holds various electronic components such as a communication coil and a circuit board, and further is affixed to a battery, thus providing a subassembly that is mechanically robust. The support structure further provides electrical isolation between these and other components. A method of construction allows for the subassembly to be adhered to a case of the implantable medical device at the support structure, and possibly also at the battery, without electrically shorting the battery to the case.