Low-profile control module for electrical stimulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implantable electrical stimulation systems often have a bulky design that limits implantation locations and causes cosmetic issues due to their size and shape, making it difficult to attach them to the patient's skull without invasive procedures and undesirable bulging.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile control module with an integrated electronics housing and power source housing, positioned adjacent to each other, and an interface that allows for a compact and hermetically sealed arrangement, enabling attachment to the patient's skull with minimal radial extension, and an overmold for protection and tissue contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional implantable electrical stimulation systems use separate power supply module and control module, then the system can provide sufficient power and control functions, but the overall device becomes bulky and limits implantation locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply module and control module into a single integrated control module. The power supply housing and electronics housing are positioned adjacent to each other with their long sides facing one another, eliminating the need for separate modules and reducing overall device volume, thereby enabling implantation in locations with limited space.
2Shape
If the control module is made compact to reduce bulging, then patient cosmetics are improved, but the device complexity increases due to tighter integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control module is divided into distinct functional segments: a power supply housing containing the power supply, an electronics housing containing the control circuitry, and an overmold housing providing structural support and tissue contact. These segmented housings are positioned adjacent to one another, allowing for compact integration while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply housing and electronics housing are nested within the overmold housing structure. The power supply housing is positioned with its long side facing the electronics housing, and both are contained within the larger overmold housing, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces overall profile height while simplifying integration.
3Length of moving object
If the control module uses traditional connector assemblies, then electrical connections are reliable, but the radial extension increases causing cosmetic issues
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assemblies are extracted from the traditional protruding configuration and repositioned to extend laterally from the electronics housing rather than radially outward. This repositioning reduces the radial extension that would cause cosmetic issues while maintaining reliable electrical connections through the connector contacts and conductors that remain functionally integrated.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A control module for an electrical stimulation system includes an electronics housing; an electronic subassembly disposed within the electronics housing; a power source housing disposed adjacent to, and in contact with, the electronics housing; a power source disposed within the power source housing; and an interface with at least one feedthrough pin extending to electrically coupled the power source and the electronic subassembly to provide power from the power source to the electronic subassembly.