Implantable Lead Assembly Axial Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable lead assemblies with inner coil conductors face limitations due to axial movement of the connector pin, which affects manufacturing tolerances and alignment, necessitating a connector assembly without an inner coil conductor for improved lead delivery and durability.
Innovation Solution
An implantable lead assembly with a lead body featuring multiple cable conductors wound spirally, a connector pin, and a collar coupler for secure alignment, over-molded with a body segment to prevent rotation and ensure axial stability, allowing for secure electrical connections and reduced manufacturing steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inner coil conductor is used to connect the connector pin to the lead tip electrode, then electrical connection is provided, but axial movement of the connector pin occurs which affects manufacturing tolerances and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the inner coil conductor from the lead assembly, extracting the problematic component that caused axial movement. The connector pin is directly terminated to the coil conductor at the distal end without an inner coil conductor in between, eliminating the source of axial movement and alignment issues while maintaining electrical connectivity through the remaining conductor path.
2Ease of operation
If a connector pin is rotatably located in a header mating face, then connection is facilitated, but axial movement occurs which limits manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing the connector pin to be rotatably located in the header mating face (which causes axial movement), the patent inverts the approach by directly terminating the connector pin to the coil conductor at the distal end. This eliminates the rotational freedom that causes axial movement, thereby improving manufacturing tolerances while still facilitating connection.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable lead assembly is provided that comprises a lead body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, and having a length extending there between. A plurality of electrodes are disposed along the lead body. A plurality of cable conductors are contained within the lead body, the conductors extending from the electrodes to the proximal end portion. A lead connector is provided at the proximal end portion. The lead connector includes a connector pin configured to mate with a corresponding header contact; a first termination pin coupled to one of the plurality of cable conductors; a collar coupler securely and electrically coupling the connector pin and first termination pin in an axially offset alignment with one another; and a body segment that is elongated along a longitudinal axis and extends between a header mating face and a lead mating end. The body segment is over-molded about the connector pin, the first termination pin and the collar coupler, the connector pin extending from the header mating face, the first termination pin extending from the lead mating end.