Knitted Electrode Assembly for Active Implantable Medical Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing active implantable medical devices (AIMDs) face challenges in creating biocompatible, efficient, and durable electrode assemblies that can effectively deliver and receive electrical stimulation signals while maintaining a hermetically sealed environment.

Innovation Solution

A knitted electrode assembly is developed using biocompatible, electrically non-conductive and conductive filaments arranged in parallel rows, with the conductive filaments intertwined and configured to be electrically connected to an electronics module, allowing for flexible and customizable designs suitable for various medical applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional electrode assemblies are used, then electrical connection is achieved, but flexibility and biocompatibility are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidelectrical connection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining conductive and non-conductive filaments into a single knitted electrode assembly. The conductive filaments provide electrical pathways while the non-conductive filaments provide flexibility and biocompatibility, resolving the contradiction between electrical connection reliability and flexibility through material composition rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used for electrodes and connectors, then functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidassembly structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate components (electrodes, connectors, and supporting structures) into a single integrated knitted electrode assembly. The conductive filaments form both the electrode contacts and the connecting pathways within the same knitted structure, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid electrode structures are used, then structural stability is achieved, but tissue interface comfort is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidtissue irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible knitted structure made from biocompatible filaments that can conform to tissue contours. The non-conductive filaments provide the flexible matrix that allows the electrode assembly to adapt to curved tissue surfaces while maintaining structural integrity through the interlocking knit pattern, preventing tissue irritation while preserving stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Productivity

If conventional manufacturing methods are used, then production efficiency is maintained, but manufacturing precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidelectrode configuration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical assembly methods with a knitting-based manufacturing process. The knitting mechanism automatically interlocks conductive and non-conductive filaments in precise patterns, ensuring accurate electrode configuration and consistent electrical pathways are achieved directly during fabrication rather than through subsequent assembly steps, thereby improving both precision and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8923984B2Knitted electrode assembly for an active implantable medical device

Publication Date: 2014.12.30 SALUDA MEDICAL PTY LTD

AI summary

An active implantable medical device (AIMD). The AIMD comprises an electronics module; and a knitted electrode assembly comprising: at least one biocompatible, electrically non-conductive filament arranged in substantially parallel rows each stitched to an adjacent row, and at least one biocompatible, electrically conductive filament intertwined with the at least one non-conductive filament, and configured to be electrically connected to the electronics module.