Monolithic EMI Filter for Implantable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromagnetic interference filters for implantable medical devices are complex, costly, and time-consuming to manufacture, and are susceptible to damage during assembly, which compromises their reliability and effectiveness in shielding against unwanted electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic electromagnetic interference filter design featuring a plurality of signal electrodes arranged in an array with ground electrodes interposed between them, using dielectric material as an insulator, and metallization for interconnection, which is grounded internally and externally to provide effective shielding against electromagnetic interference while simplifying manufacturing and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional feed-through filter is used with multiple electrode plates and vias, then electromagnetic shielding is provided, but manufacturing complexity and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrode plates and vias into a single monolithic filter structure. The filter is formed as one integrated piece with internal conductive pathways that replace the need for multiple separate plates and via connections, thereby maintaining EMI shielding effectiveness while dramatically simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic filter is designed with internal segmented conductive regions that function as separate electrode plates and shielding layers. These internal segments are created during a single manufacturing process, providing the functional separation of multiple components without requiring multiple assembly steps.
2Reliability
If conventional feed-through filters with multiple electrode plates are used, then capacitance effect is produced for EMI shielding, but numerous intricate manufacturing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent produces the capacitance effect and EMI shielding functionality in a single manufacturing operation rather than through multiple intricate steps. The monolithic structure is formed in one process, integrating what would otherwise require sequential fabrication of multiple plates, vias, and connections.
3Reliability
If conventional feed-through filters are used, then EMI shielding is provided, but manufacturing cost increases due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic design consolidates multiple bill of materials items into a single component, reducing material costs, assembly costs, and quality control costs. The filter maintains full EMI shielding effectiveness while becoming more cost-effective to manufacture due to reduced complexity and streamlined production.
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
The filter effectively prevents electromagnetic interference from affecting implantable medical devices, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while enhancing installation reliability and shielding performance.
Implementation Method 1
dielectric material disposed between the signal electrodes and ground electrodes to act as insulator material between adjacent electrodes
Implementation Method 2
The feed-through filter 15 can act as a capacitor such that the each of the feed wires 12 of the device is electrically connected to a respective set of electrode plates 16 and 17 within the feed-through filter by the electrically conductive via 18
Implementation Method 3
Implantable electronics can be shielded from external sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI) using a filter
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic interference filter for various electronic devices such as implantable medical devices is provided. A plurality of signal electrodes can be configured in an array, where each signal electrode extends vertically from a top surface to a bottom surface of the filter such that the signal electrodes are flush with the top and bottom surface. Ground or common electrodes can have a parallel arrangement and be interposed between the signal electrodes. The ground electrodes can be grounded internally, externally, or both internally and externally. Dielectric material can be disposed between signal electrodes and ground electrodes to act as an insulator between adjacent electrodes.