Implantable Stimulation Connector Leaf Spring Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable electrical stimulation systems face challenges in securely and efficiently coupling electrodes to control modules, which can lead to instability and reduced effectiveness in delivering therapeutic electrical pulses.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a connector receptacle with corrugated leaf spring connective contacts that wrap around the inner surface, providing secure electrical coupling between the electrodes on a lead and the electronic subassembly within a control module, ensuring stable and reliable electrical stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid connectors are used to couple electrodes to control modules, then electrical coupling is achieved, but the connection becomes prone to instability and failure due to lack of flexibility and stress absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs flexible printed circuit board (FPC) technology to transform the rigid connector structure into a dynamic, flexible one. The FPC can bend and deform to accommodate movement and stress, maintaining reliable electrical connection between the lead and control module while absorbing mechanical stresses that would otherwise cause connection failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes flexible printed circuit board (FPC) which is a thin, flexible film structure to create the connector. This flexible film can conform to shape changes and absorb stress through bending, providing stable electrical coupling while accommodating the dynamic environment inside the human body without requiring complex rigid structures.
2Reliability
If the connector structure is made more complex to improve coupling stability, then connection reliability improves, but manufacturing difficulty and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of connector rigidity by adopting FPC technology. This parameter change allows the connector to achieve stability through flexibility rather than rigid fixation, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to complex rigid structures with multiple adjustment mechanisms while maintaining reliable electrical coupling.
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 enhances the stability and reliability of the electrical coupling, allowing for consistent and effective delivery of therapeutic electrical pulses to patient tissue, thereby improving the therapeutic outcomes of implantable electrical stimulation systems.
Implementation Method 1
Each leaf spring connective contact is corrugated and wrapped around at least a portion of an inner surface of the connector receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable control module of an electrical stimulation system includes a housing, an electronic subassembly disposed in the housing, and a plurality of conductors. The housing defines a connector receptacle configured and arranged to receive a proximal end of a lead. The housing further defines, within the connector receptacle region, a plurality of spaced-apart leaf spring connective contacts. Each leaf spring connective contact is corrugated and wrapped around at least a portion of an inner surface of the connector receptacle. Each conductor couples the electronic subassembly with at least one of the leaf spring connective contacts.