Interlocked Electrode Lead Structure for Compact Directional Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode lead structures face challenges in achieving optimal trade-offs between features such as small size, multiplicity of contacts, directionality, structural rigidity, and cost, due to inherent physical constraints, limiting their effectiveness in applications like electrical stimulation and monitoring of bodily tissues.
Innovation Solution
The development of electrode leads made from interlocked filaments with a conductive core coated in a non-conductive material, using techniques like braiding, knitting, or weaving, allowing for precise control of contact size and positioning, increased charge capacity, and improved directionality through the use of a thread interlocking machine that can fabricate structures with vertical and horizontal threads, enabling accurate and customizable electrode designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional electrode lead structures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the ability to achieve small size with multiple contacts and improved directionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode lead is segmented into multiple independent filaments, each capable of being individually positioned and configured. This segmentation allows multiple contacts to be created along the lead length while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly of the filament structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional planar electrode contacts to three-dimensional contact arrangements by positioning conductive elements at different spatial coordinates along the lead. This dimensional expansion enables improved directionality and multiple contact points without proportionally increasing overall lead size.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of contacts is increased, then sensing and stimulation capability is improved, but the lead size and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple conductive filaments are merged into a single integrated lead structure through interlocking mechanisms. This combining approach allows numerous contacts to be packed into a compact volume while maintaining the ability to independently address each contact for sensing and stimulation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where conductive filaments are positioned within and among insulating matrix materials. This nesting arrangement maximizes the number of contacts that can be accommodated within a given lead volume by efficiently utilizing three-dimensional space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If thread interlocking techniques like weaving and knitting are used, then structural flexibility and customization are improved, but the fabrication complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive filaments are pre-positioned and pre-configured in their final spatial arrangement before being locked into the insulating matrix. This preliminary action simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for complex post-assembly operations to achieve the desired contact geometry and directionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking mechanism between filaments and matrix structure provides self-alignment and self-securing properties during fabrication. This self-service characteristic reduces the need for complex external tooling and manufacturing steps, thereby simplifying production while maintaining structural customization capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides interlocked thread electrode leads, methods of fabrication thereof, and thread interlocking machines.