Implantable Neurostimulator Header with Nested Telemetry Coil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable neurostimulators face challenges in optimizing performance with an increased number of electrodes while maintaining a small, rounded configuration for patient comfort, and addressing issues related to the placement and complexity of telemetry coils, which affect hermeticity and manufacturing quality.
Innovation Solution
The neurostimulator design includes a telemetry coil positioned on a spacer within the case, electrically and mechanically coupled to the circuit board, and a charging coil also in the case, allowing for more efficient use of space and reducing the need for feedthroughs, along with a flex circuit and feedthrough assembly that electrically couples the connector assemblies to the circuit board, enhancing the device's compactness and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the header includes more electrode contacts (e.g., thirty-two contacts) to allow for greater range in stimulation parameters, then the stimulation capability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into multiple individual connectors, each with multiple contacts. This segmentation allows the header to accommodate a large number of contacts (e.g., thirty-two) while maintaining manageable complexity through modular organization, where each connector can be independently managed and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement within the header, stacking connectors and arranging contacts in multiple layers and orientations. This dimensional approach allows dense packing of numerous contacts without proportionally increasing the header's external dimensions, thus accommodating more electrodes while controlling complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If the case and header are made as small as possible for patient comfort, then the implantability and comfort are improved, but the space available for components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Components are nested within the compact case structure, with the circuit board positioned to accommodate other components in available spaces. The connector assembly is integrated into the header in a nested arrangement, maximizing space utilization. This nesting allows the device to maintain a small overall volume while accommodating numerous contacts and electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The design utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by arranging components in multiple layers and orientations within the case. The circuit board is positioned vertically or at angles, and connectors are stacked, allowing maximum component density within a small volume, thus maintaining compact size while accommodating versatile functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the telemetry coil is positioned in the header with feedthroughs, then the wireless communication capability is achieved, but the hermeticity and manufacturing quality are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The telemetry coil is extracted from the header and repositioned within the case body. This extraction eliminates the need for feedthroughs that would compromise hermeticity, as the coil can be mounted on the circuit board or a separate substrate inside the sealed case environment, maintaining both wireless capability and hermetic sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board serves as an intermediary substrate for mounting the telemetry coil within the case. This intermediary approach allows the coil to be electrically connected to the external world through the hermetic seal via the circuit board's trace routing, eliminating the need for penetrating feedthroughs that would compromise the seal integrity.
4Reliability
If feedthroughs are used to couple the telemetry coil to circuit components, then the electrical connection is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and error potential increase
Solution Approach 1:
The telemetry coil is extracted from the header and repositioned within the case body, eliminating the need for feedthroughs entirely. This extraction removes the complex manufacturing steps associated with installing and sealing feedthroughs, while the electrical connection is achieved through standard circuit board mounting techniques that are simpler and more reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical feedthrough connection system is replaced with an electrical circuit board trace connection system. The telemetry coil is electrically coupled to circuit components through printed circuit traces on the circuit board, which eliminates the need for mechanical feedthrough installations and their associated sealing and alignment complexities.
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 configuration enables improved performance with a higher number of electrodes, reduces device complexity, enhances hermeticity, and simplifies manufacturing, resulting in a more reliable and comfortable implantable neurostimulator with increased space for other components.
Implementation Method 1
a telemetry coil positioned in the case that is electrically coupled to the circuit board... and a charging coil positioned in the case that is electrically coupled to the circuit board
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an implantable neurostimulator, comprising a shell having a first transverse line extending between first opposing ends of the shell, and a second transverse line extending between second opposing ends of the shell, wherein the first transverse line is shorter than the second transverse line, at least one upper connector assembly and at least one lower connector assembly housed in the shell, each configured for receiving a neurostimulation lead, wherein the at least one upper connector assembly is longitudinally aligned along the first transverse line, and the at least one lower connector assembly is longitudinally aligned along the second transverse line, and at least one upper strain relief member longitudinally aligned along the first transverse line and extending between an end of the at least one upper connector assembly and one of the first opposing ends of the shell, and at least one lower strain relief member longitudinally aligned along the second transverse line and extending between an end of the at least one lower connector assembly and one of the second opposing ends of the shell, wherein the at least one upper strain relief member has a shorter length than the at least one lower strain relief member.