Non-linear Feedthrough Conductor for Compact Implantable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices face challenges in minimizing size and maximizing hermeticity due to the need for electrically conductive paths through hermetic enclosures, which can compromise the biocompatibility and structural integrity of the devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of non-linear conductors within insulators that provide electrically conductive paths through hermetic enclosures, allowing for a reduction in device size without compromising the hermetic seal or structural integrity, by incorporating bends or changes in direction within the insulator to facilitate thinner and more compact implantable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If linear conductors are used in feedthroughs, then the device size is larger, but the hermetic seal and structural integrity are easier to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from linear conductors to non-linear conductors that extend through multiple dimensions of the insulator. The conductor enters through a first face and exits through a second face that is not parallel to the first face, utilizing three-dimensional space within the insulator to reduce the overall device footprint while maintaining hermetic integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-linear conductor is nested within the insulator in a compact configuration, with the conductor path folded back on itself multiple times within the insulator volume. This nesting approach allows the conductor to achieve the required electrical connection while occupying minimal space, thereby reducing device size without compromising the hermetic seal.
2Volume of moving object
If non-linear conductors are used in feedthroughs, then the device size is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-linear conductor is pre-formed with the required bent configuration before insertion into the insulator. This preliminary shaping of the conductor simplifies the assembly process, as the conductor is inserted in its final non-linear configuration rather than requiring complex in-situ forming operations within the hermetic feedthrough.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the conductor material, specifically employing materials with high ductility and formability that allow the conductor to be bent into non-linear configurations without compromising electrical conductivity or mechanical integrity. This material parameter selection enables easier manufacturing of the complex conductor geometry.
3Length of moving object
If the entry and exit faces are not parallel, then the device can be thinner and more compact, but the structural integrity of the feedthrough is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The feedthrough employs composite construction combining the insulator material with the conductor material in a integrated structure. The insulator provides mechanical strength and hermetic sealing, while the non-linear conductor provides electrical connection. This composite approach allows the entry and exit faces to be non-parallel and the device to be thinner while maintaining overall structural integrity through the synergistic combination of materials.
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 solution enables the production of thinner and more compact implantable medical device components while maintaining hermeticity and structural integrity, reducing the overall size of the device without compromising impact resistance or the hermetic seal.
Implementation Method 1
at least one non-linear conductor configured to extend, within the insulator, from the entry face to the exit face to provide the conductive path
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~5C
AI summary
The implantable medical device including a hermetic enclosure including at least one feedthrough having at least one electrically conductive path through the feedthrough. The at least one feedthrough includes an insulator having an entry face and an exit face, and at least one non-linear conductor is configured to extend, within the insulator, from the entry face to the exit face to provide the conductive path, wherein the entry and exit faces are not substantially parallel opposite faces of the insulator.