Micro-conductor Strand Connection for Implantable Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting isolated micro-conductors in multi-strand cables to electrodes is challenging due to the small size of conductive strands and thin insulators, leading to unreliable and unstable electrical contacts, especially in biological environments where mechanical stress and biodegradation of conductive adhesives are concerns.
Innovation Solution
A method involving cutting and lifting a strand to expose it partially, stripping the insulation, and using a conductive element or metal hypotube for reliable welding, which avoids polymer-related issues and enhances long-term robustness of the electrical junction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conductive adhesive is used to connect the micro-conductor to the electrode, then the connection can be made, but the adhesive is likely to be biodegraded in biological environment, affecting the electrical contact reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the conductive adhesive from the connection process entirely. Instead of using adhesive, the method employs mechanical lifting of the strand end followed by direct contact with the electrode, eliminating the biodegradation issue while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical action (lifting the strand end) between the micro-conductor and electrode. This intermediary step enables direct metal-to-electrode contact without requiring adhesive, thereby ensuring long-term reliability in biological environments
2Reliability
If the strand end is lifted and stripped to improve welding quality, then the electrical contact reliability improves, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by lifting the strand end and stripping insulation before the welding/connection step. This preparation ensures that the welding zone is free of polymer interference, guaranteeing reliable electrical contact while keeping the overall process straightforward
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by selectively stripping the insulation only at the specific location where welding will occur, rather than stripping the entire strand. This localized approach improves weld quality without unnecessarily complicating the manufacturing process
3Ease of manufacture
If successive layers of metallic material are added to contact the micro-cable, then the connection can be made, but the accuracy of contact and stability depend on mechanical part tolerances and insulation thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex multi-layer metallic structure and replaces it with a simple direct contact approach. By lifting and stripping the strand end, the method achieves accurate contact without relying on multiple metallic layers or tight mechanical tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding multiple layers to reach the conductor (as in prior art), the patent inverts the approach by removing the insulation layer to expose the conductor directly. This inversion simplifies the structure and improves contact accuracy by eliminating dependence on layer thickness tolerances
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 method achieves a low-resistance, durable, and reliable electrical contact by ensuring accurate and stable welding, even under mechanical stress, and improves the reliability of the electrical junction between the micro-conductor and the electrode.
Implementation Method 1
step a) and c) may comprise laser cutting and/or laser ablation
Implementation Method 2
connecting at least a portion of the stripped end of the strand to the conductive element
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for connecting a strand of a multi-strand cable to an electrode of an implantable medical device. The method includes cutting a strand of the multi-strand cable lifting at least one of the free ends, stripping the end of the lifted strand, placing an electrode around the multi-strand cable to partially cover the end of the lifted and stripped stand, and connecting at least one portion of the stripped end of the strand to the electrode.