Internal Lead Connector for Implantable Device Volume Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of implantable active medical devices is hindered by the need for extensive resources and time due to the complex manufacturing processes and large size resulting from the use of traditional lead connector blocks and feedthrough assemblies, which define the device's shape and volume, and require significant redesign with each new generation.
Innovation Solution
An implantable medical device with a hermetic housing featuring an internal elongate lead connector that extends into the housing, reducing the device's size by integrating the connector within the cavity and simplifying the attachment method, thereby reducing the number of parts and assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional lead connector blocks and feedthrough assemblies are used, then reliable electrical coupling is achieved, but device size and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lead connector and feedthrough functions into a single integrated component. The lead connector block is directly hermetically bonded to the device housing, eliminating the separate feedthrough assembly. This consolidation maintains reliable electrical coupling while reducing overall device volume by removing redundant structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the traditional feedthrough assembly from the device architecture. By directly bonding the lead connector block to the housing, the separate feedthrough component is removed entirely, reducing part count and device volume while maintaining the essential electrical connection function.
2Reliability
If traditional lead connector blocks are used, then electrical coupling is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (lead connector, feedthrough, housing attachment) into a single integrated lead connector block. This reduces the number of discrete components and assembly steps, thereby decreasing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliable electrical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead connector block serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical coupling, acts as a hermetic barrier, and attaches to the device housing. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate components to perform these functions.
3Reliability
If traditional feedthrough assemblies are used, then hermetic sealing is achieved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hermetic sealing function with the lead connector block by directly bonding it to the device housing. This integration eliminates the separate feedthrough housing that traditionally provided hermetic sealing, thereby maintaining sealing reliability while reducing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the traditional feedthrough housing and assembly structure from the device. By directly bonding the lead connector block to the housing, the separate hermetic sealing component is eliminated, reducing device volume while maintaining the hermetic barrier function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If new device designs are developed with traditional connector blocks, then functionality is improved, but development time and resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized lead connector block design serves as a universal component across different device generations. This standardization allows new device functionalities to be developed by modifying only the necessary components while reusing the proven connector block, thereby reducing development time and resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the device into modular components, with the lead connector block as a standardized, reusable module. This segmentation allows independent development and optimization of different device functions without requiring redesign of the entire connector assembly, accelerating the development of new device generations.
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 allows for a more compact device design with reduced manufacturing costs and resources, enabling faster introduction of new device designs by standardizing the attachment method and eliminating the need for traditional feedthroughs, thus enhancing the efficiency of device development and size reduction.
Implementation Method 1
an open end extending through and hermetically joined to the hermetic housing
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable active medical device includes a hermetic housing defining an exterior surface and a hermetic cavity of an implantable active medical device. An elongate lead connector extends into the hermetic cavity. The elongate lead connector includes a closed end, an open end extending through and hermetically joined to the hermetic housing, an outer surface at least partially defining the hermetic cavity, and an inner surface defining a lead aperture.