Machined Enclosure with Integral Features for Implantable Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stamped metallic enclosures for implantable medical devices lack the ability to incorporate integral features, necessitating separate components for attachment and assembly, which complicates the process and increases the device's volume and assembly risks.
Innovation Solution
The development of a machined enclosure with integral features such as shelves, attachment tabs, and weld protection features, which are formed during the manufacturing process to integrate components and reduce the need for additional parts like plastic nests and weld protection bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If stamped metallic enclosures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the ability to incorporate integral features is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the enclosure body with integral features (such as attachment tabs, shelves, and weld protection features) into a single monolithic structure. This combining of previously separate components into one integrated enclosure eliminates the need for additional parts while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through advanced stamping and forming processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate components are added to achieve integral features, then component functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional features (attachment tabs for component mounting, shelves for component support, weld protection features for manufacturing protection) directly into the enclosure structure itself. This integration reduces the total component count and simplifies assembly while maintaining all necessary functionalities.
3Ease of operation
If separate plastic nests are used to fix inner components, then component positioning is achieved, but assembly process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates positioning shelves and attachment tabs directly into the metallic enclosure structure, eliminating the need for separate plastic nest components. These integral features provide precise positioning and fixation for inner electronic components during assembly, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining accurate component placement.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If additional weld protection bands are added, then component protection during welding is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates weld protection features directly into the enclosure structure itself, such as raised flanges or integrated shielding elements formed as part of the enclosure. This integration provides necessary protection for internal components during the welding process while eliminating the need for additional separate protection bands that would increase device volume.
Data Source
AI summary
In various examples, an enclosure for an implantable medical device includes a first enclosure portion and a second enclosure portion, wherein at least the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion are joined together to form the enclosure. At least one feature is configured for attachment of at least one component of the implantable medical device to the enclosure. The at least one feature is integrally formed with the enclosure. In some examples, the enclosure is formed by machining.