Pacemaker Electrodes Using Carbon Nanotube Composites

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pacemaker electrodes made of metal or alloy have low mechanical strength and toughness, limiting their effectiveness in stimulating tissues.

Innovation Solution

The use of carbon nanotube composite structures in pacemaker electrodes, where carbon nanotubes are integrated with a matrix to enhance conductivity and mechanical strength, and are oriented to increase the contact area with tissues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metal or alloy electrodes are used in pacemakers, then electrical conductivity is achieved, but mechanical strength and toughness are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidelectrode durability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining carbon nanotubes with metal or alloy matrices to create electrodes that exhibit both high mechanical strength and adequate electrical conductivity. The carbon nanotube reinforcement phase provides exceptional tensile strength and toughness, while the metal matrix maintains electrical conductivity, resolving the contradiction between strength and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If electrode diameter is reduced, then tissue stimulation precision is improved, but mechanical strength decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestimulation precisionVSAvoidelectrode strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The carbon nanotube composite structure enables the electrode to maintain high strength at reduced diameters. The high strength-to-weight ratio of carbon nanotubes allows the electrode to be thinner and more precise for targeted tissue stimulation while compensating for the strength loss that would normally accompany diameter reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating carbon nanotube reinforcement at critical stress points and interfaces within the electrode structure. This localized enhancement of mechanical properties allows the electrode to maintain strength at reduced overall dimensions, enabling precise tissue stimulation without sacrificing durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 carbon nanotube composite electrodes provide improved durability, conductivity, and increased contact efficiency with tissues, enhancing the overall performance of the pacemaker.

Implementation Method 1

carbon nanotubes are integrated with a matrix to enhance conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS9272134B2Pacemakers and pacemaker electrodes

Publication Date: 2016.03.01 HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO LTD

AI summary

A pacemaker includes an electrode line having a lead and an electrode. The electrode includes a carbon nanotube composite structure having a matrix and a carbon nanotube structure located in the matrix. The matrix comprises a first surface and a second surface substantially perpendicular to the first surface. The carbon nanotube structure includes a first end electrically connect to the lead. The carbon nanotube structure is substantially parallel to the second surface of the matrix. A distance between the carbon nanotube structure and the second surface of the matrix is less than 10 micrometers.