Medical Lead Ring Electrode Snap-Fit Header Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical implantable leads face manufacturing inefficiencies due to the need for adhesive curing times and variable positioning of the ring electrode, leading to increased production costs and yield losses, as well as the requirement for additional components and steps for electrical insulation and connection.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a coupling member and header into a single unitary piece made of electrically insulating material, featuring a quick fixating connection such as a clamp or snap-fit attachment, allows for instant fixation of the ring electrode without adhesive curing, reducing the number of components and assembly steps, and eliminating the need for separate insulation layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a separate coupling member is used to mount the ring electrode on the header, then the ring electrode can be positioned at a suitable distance from the distal electrode, but the manufacturing process must be suspended for adhesive curing time and the position of the ring electrode varies
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member and header are merged into a single unitary component made of electrically insulating material. This integration eliminates the need for separate adhesive bonding steps and curing time, while the unitary structure provides built-in positioning features that ensure consistent ring electrode placement without variation.
2Strength
If the header and coupling member are made of electrically conducting material, then they provide structural strength, but a separate electrically insulating layer must be provided to insulate the ring electrode
Solution Approach 1:
The material parameter of the header is changed from electrically conducting to electrically insulating material. This single material change simultaneously provides both the required structural strength and the necessary electrical insulation, eliminating the need for separate insulating layers and reducing overall device complexity.
3Device complexity
If the ring electrode is placed directly on the header without a coupling member, then fewer components are needed, but the position and orientation of the ring electrode cannot be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member's positioning functionality is merged into the header structure itself. The unitary header incorporates integrated positioning features such as recesses, grooves, or shaped surfaces that directly guide and secure the ring electrode in the precise position and orientation required, eliminating the need for a separate coupling member while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a medical implantable lead for monitoring and/or controlling of an organ inside a human or animal body, comprising two electrical conductors (6, 9), each connected to a respective electrode for receiving or transmitting of electrical signals from or to the organ, and a tubular header (14) in a distal end of the lead. One electrode (3) is positioned in the outermost distal end of the lead whereas the other is a ring formed electrode (16), which is mounted by means of a coupling on the outside of the header. The coupling and the header (14) are integrated into one unitary piece of an electrically insulating material having a coupling portion (15) and the coupling portion is adapted for quick fixating connection of the ring electrode to the header. The quick fixating connection is a snap fit connection. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing of a medical implantable lead.