Multilayer Structure with Discrete Ceramic Adhesion Mediators

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Solution Overview

Problem

The adhesion between biocompatible polymer layers in multilayer structures used for implantable neurostimulation devices deteriorates when exposed to saline solutions or implanted in a mammalian body, leading to instability and potential failure of the device.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating discrete ceramic members between the first and second polymer layers to enhance adhesion, ensuring the multilayer structure remains secure and functional even when exposed to saline solutions or implanted in a human body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If biocompatible polymer layers are used to surround electrically conductive tracks, then biocompatibility is improved, but adhesion between layers deteriorates when exposed to saline solutions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiocompatibilityVSAvoidadhesion between polymer layers

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A ceramic layer is introduced as an intermediary between the first and second polymer layers. This ceramic layer acts as a mediator that maintains adhesion between the polymer layers even when exposed to saline solutions, preventing the deterioration that would otherwise occur at the polymer-polymer interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The multilayer structure combines different materials (polymer and ceramic) to create a composite construction. The ceramic layer provides chemical stability and adhesion properties that complement the biocompatibility of the polymer layers, creating a composite structure that overcomes the limitations of polymer-polymer interfaces in saline environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If discrete ceramic members are added between polymer layers to enhance adhesion, then adhesion is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion between polymer layersVSAvoidmultilayer structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ceramic component is divided into discrete members or particles rather than forming a continuous layer. This segmentation allows the ceramic adhesion-enhancing function to be distributed throughout the polymer matrix or at strategic interfaces, providing effective adhesion while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and avoiding the complexity of forming continuous ceramic barriers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10507321B2Multilayer structure and method of manufacturing a multilayer structure

Publication Date: 2019.12.17 MEDTRONIC BAKKEN RES CENT

AI summary

In some examples, a medical device system a thin film including at least one electrically conductive track extending between at least one electrode and at least one electrical contact, a first and second polymer layer; wherein, at a portion of the thin film between the at least one electrode and the at least one electrical contact, the first polymer layer and second polymer layer surround the at least one electrically conductive track; and at least one discrete ceramic member located between the first and second polymer layers at a portion of the thin film between the at least one electrode and the at least one electrical contact, wherein the at least one discrete ceramic member does not surround the at least one conductive track, and wherein the at least one discrete ceramic member is configured to increase adhesion between the first polymer layer and second polymer layer.