Pass-through Assembly Two-Material Seal for Implantable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable electronic component pass-through assemblies face challenges in achieving secure and biocompatible fluid-tight seals, particularly in distributing stress and strain on elongated structures like wires or cables extending through housing walls, which can lead to damage or disengagement.
Innovation Solution
A pass-through assembly utilizing a two-material system where a soft biocompatible silicone sealant is applied around the elongated structure, followed by a stiffer and more biocompatible epoxy material to form a secure attachment, limiting stress and strain on the structure and enhancing biocompatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single soft biocompatible sealant material is used to seal around the elongated structure, then biocompatibility and flexibility are improved, but the strength and stress distribution capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining two distinct materials with complementary properties: a soft biocompatible sealant (first material) that provides flexibility and biocompatibility, and a stiffer epoxy (second material) that provides structural strength and stress distribution. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by allowing each material to fulfill its optimal function within the unified pass-through assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different material properties to different regions of the pass-through assembly. The first material (soft sealant) is applied directly around the elongated structure where flexibility and biocompatibility are needed, while the second material (stiffer epoxy) is applied in regions requiring structural support and stress distribution. This spatial differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between softness and strength.
2Strength
If a stiffer epoxy material is used to provide secure attachment, then strength and adhesion are improved, but biocompatibility and stress distribution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The composite material system allows the stiffer epoxy to provide secure adhesion and structural attachment while the soft biocompatible sealant maintains direct contact with biological tissues. This resolves the contradiction by distributing the functional requirements across two materials rather than requiring a single material to satisfy all competing demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the stiffer epoxy material locally in regions where strong adhesion and structural support are required, while the soft biocompatible sealant is applied in regions requiring direct biological compatibility. This localized application strategy allows each material to optimize its performance for its specific functional role.
3Device complexity
If a single material is used for the pass-through assembly, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide both sealing and secure attachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials consisting of a first material (soft sealant) and a second material (stiffer epoxy) that work together to provide both sealing and secure attachment functions. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by demonstrating that increased material diversity can actually improve overall system reliability when each material is selected for its specific functional advantages.
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 solution provides a secure and biocompatible interface that prevents damage to the elongated structures and maintains a reliable connection, ensuring effective sealing and attachment while minimizing stress and strain, thus preventing disengagement during implantation.
Implementation Method 1
a first material contacting the first wall and the elongated structure so as to at least partially seal the opening
Implementation Method 2
the second material adhering to the elongated structure and the first wall
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A pass-through assembly including a first wall 110d having oppositely-directed inner and outer sides, 112, 114, the first wall 110d defining a first opening 116 extending from the inner side 112 to the outer side 114; an elongated structure 118 extending into the opening 116 from the outer side 114 of the first wall 110d; a first material 130 contacting the first wall 110d and the elongated structure 118 so as to at least partially seal the opening 116, and a second material 140 different from the first material 130, the second material 140 overlying the first material 130 on the outer side 114 of the wall 110d, the second material 140 adhering to the elongated structure 118 and the first wall 110d, the second material 140 having at least one physical property different than a corresponding physical property of the first material 130.