Implantable Pulse Generator Connector Seal Alignment

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing neurostimulation systems face issues with misalignment between seals and spring housings in pulse generators, leading to compromised electrical connectivity and sealing, which can result in fluid leakage and increased insertion force when connecting stimulation leads.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a connector assembly with a cylindrical outer body and ring-shaped electrical connectors housed within, featuring an annular channel and shoulder configuration that provides an interference or snap-fit seating mechanism for cylindrical seal members, ensuring proper alignment and sealing between connectors and seals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If seals and spring housings are used in the header, then electrical connectivity and sealing function are provided, but misalignment between seals and spring housing occurs leading to fluid leakage and increased insertion force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivity and sealing efficacyVSAvoidfluid leakage and increased insertion force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The seal member is pre-positioned within the header structure at a predetermined location before lead insertion. The annular shoulder of the seal member is configured to engage with the lead terminal at a specific depth, ensuring proper alignment is established in advance rather than relying on post-insertion adjustment. This preliminary positioning prevents misalignment issues that cause fluid leakage and excessive insertion force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The annular shoulder structure acts as an intermediary element between the seal member and the lead terminal. This intermediate feature provides a mechanical interface that ensures proper alignment and sealing contact. The annular channel in the spring housing serves as another intermediary structure that guides and positions the seal member, facilitating precise alignment without direct contact between potentially mismatched components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If misalignment between seal and spring housing occurs, then sealing function is compromised, but this leads to fluid seepage through the connector

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing functionVSAvoidfluid seepage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The seal member is pre-positioned within the header structure at a predetermined location before lead insertion. The annular shoulder of the seal member is configured to engage with the lead terminal at a specific depth, ensuring proper alignment is established in advance rather than relying on post-insertion adjustment. This preliminary positioning prevents misalignment issues that cause fluid leakage and excessive insertion force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The annular shoulder structure acts as an intermediary element between the seal member and the lead terminal. This intermediate feature provides a mechanical interface that ensures proper alignment and sealing contact. The annular channel in the spring housing serves as another intermediary structure that guides and positions the seal member, facilitating precise alignment without direct contact between potentially mismatched components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If misalignment between seal and spring housing occurs, then electrical connectivity is negatively affected, but insertion force becomes undesirably high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidinsertion force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The seal member is pre-positioned within the header structure at a predetermined location before lead insertion. The annular shoulder of the seal member is configured to engage with the lead terminal at a specific depth, ensuring proper alignment is established in advance rather than relying on post-insertion adjustment. This preliminary positioning prevents misalignment issues that cause fluid leakage and excessive insertion force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The annular shoulder structure acts as an intermediary element between the seal member and the lead terminal. This intermediate feature provides a mechanical interface that ensures proper alignment and sealing contact. The annular channel in the spring housing serves as another intermediary structure that guides and positions the seal member, facilitating precise alignment without direct contact between potentially mismatched components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20220193424A1Electrical contact and seal interconnect assembly for implantable pulse generator

Publication Date: 2022.06.23 ADVANCED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

An electrical connector for an implantable medical device includes a connector member having a substantially cylindrical outer body and a ring shaped electrical connector housed within a central opening of the outer body and an annular channel formed on a first face of the cylindrical outer body. A substantially cylindrical seal member includes an annular shoulder formed on a first face thereof. The annular shoulder is configured to seat within the annular channel of the outer body with one or more of an interference fit or a snap-fit.