Multi-lead Stimulation Connector with Cam Lock Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector technologies for neurostimulation systems are bulky, restricting patient mobility and posing risks of lead disconnection during trial stimulation phases, which are invasive and require multiple surgeries for implantation and explantation.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile multi-lead connector system with cam lock assemblies that securely hold stimulation leads without excessive force, ensuring proper electrical connectivity and preventing accidental disconnection, utilizing a housing with cam lock assemblies and cantilevered conductive spring contacts for stable engagement with external pulse generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing connector technologies are used, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the connectors are bulky and restrict patient mobility while posing risks of lead disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate functional modules: a housing, a cam lock assembly for mechanical securing, and spring contacts for electrical connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall bulk while maintaining connection stability and preventing lead disconnection during patient mobility.
2Reliability
If cam lock assemblies are used to securely hold stimulation leads, then lead disconnection risk is reduced, but the connector structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cam lock assembly is designed to be self-securing through a simple rotational motion that automatically engages locking surfaces and activates spring contacts. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for additional control systems or complex actuation mechanisms, maintaining reliability while limiting complexity growth.
3Ease of operation
If a low-profile connector design is implemented, then patient mobility is improved, but the challenge of securing multiple leads without excessive force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates flexible spring contacts that dynamically adapt to the insertion force applied during lead connection. This dynamic design allows the spring contacts to engage terminal contact electrodes securely without requiring excessive insertion force, enabling a low-profile design that maintains ease of operation and patient mobility while effectively securing multiple leads.
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 multi-lead connector system provides secure, stable, and efficient electrical connectivity, reducing patient discomfort and the risk of lead disconnection, while facilitating easier handling and evaluation of stimulation therapies during trial phases without the need for invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of cantilevered conductive spring contacts mounted to a substrate securely disposed in the housing, the plurality of cantilevered conductive spring contacts operative to make electrical contact with the plurality of terminal contact electrodes
Implementation Method 2
at least one cam lock assembly at least partially enclosed in the housing, the at least one cam lock assembly comprising a cam knob rigidly coupled to a cam shaft, the cam knob and the cam shaft having a longitudinal channel along a common axis
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-lead stimulation lead connector for facilitating electrical and mechanical connectivity between one or more stimulation leads and a pulse generator, e.g., an EPG used in a test stimulation system. One or more cam lock assemblies are disposed in a housing, each cam lock assembly comprising a cam knob and a cam shaft and having a longitudinal channel defined therein for accepting a proximal end of a respective stimulation lead, the proximal end having a plurality of terminal contact electrodes. By actuating a rotational movement of the cam knob, the cam lock assembly is unlocked in a first direction for guiding the proximal end and locked in a second direction for securely holding the proximal end and effectuating electrical connectivity with a plurality of conductors encapsulated in a cable for interfacing with the EPG.