Removable Feedthrough Pin Connector for Hermetic AIMD Rework
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting feedthrough wires to circuit boards in active implantable medical devices (AIMDs) are costly and irreversible, making it difficult to replace defective components once the AIMD is hermetically sealed, leading to significant waste and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A removable terminal pin connector assembly that allows for multiple insertions and retractions of feedthrough terminal pins without affecting reliability, enabling rework or pre-assembly testing, using a connector housing with elastically resilient termination structures that maintain a secure grip on the terminal pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If soldering or welding attachment process is used to permanently connect terminal pin to circuit board, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but component replaceability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the connection system into three separable components: the terminal pin (hermetically sealed to the device), the connector housing (mounted on the circuit board), and the intermediate connection interface. This segmentation allows the circuit board and connector housing to be removed and replaced independently while leaving the terminal pin intact, thus enabling component replaceability while maintaining reliable electrical connections through the standardized connector interface.
2Stability of the object's composition
If permanent electrical connection is made between terminal pin and circuit board, then connection stability is improved, but rework capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a dynamic connection system where the connector housing can be repeatedly attached to and detached from the terminal pin through compression springs that maintain electrical contact. This dynamic capability allows for multiple insertion and removal cycles during manufacturing and testing, providing rework capability while maintaining stable electrical connections during operation through the spring-loaded contact mechanism.
3Reliability
If hermetic seal is established around terminal pin, then device reliability is improved, but component access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the circuit board and connector housing from the hermetically sealed interior of the device, positioning them in an accessible location outside the sealed enclosure. The terminal pin maintains its hermetic seal while extending through the seal to provide electrical connection. This extraction allows the connector to be accessed, attached, and removed from the exterior without compromising the hermetic integrity of the device interior.
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
Enables cost-effective and reliable electrical connections that allow for the replacement or rework of defective components within AIMDs, reducing waste and manufacturing costs by allowing for the removal and reinstallation of circuit boards and header blocks without damaging the components.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrically conductive elastically resilient termination structure supported by the connector housing, the at least one termination structure contacting and compressed against the terminal pin
Data Source
AI summary
A hermetic feedthrough terminal pin connector for an active implantable medical device (AIMD) includes an electrical insulator hermetically sealed to an opening of an electrically conductive ferrule. A feedthrough terminal pin is hermetically sealed to and disposed through the insulator, the feedthrough terminal pin extending outwardly beyond the insulator on the inside of the casing of the AIMD. A circuit board is disposed on the inside of the casing of the AIMD. A terminal pin connector includes: an electrically conductive connector housing disposed on the circuit board, wherein the connector housing is electrically connected to at least one electrical circuit disposed on the circuit board; and at least one electrically conductive prong supported by the connector housing, the at least one prong contacting and compressed against the feedthrough terminal pin, the at least one prong making a removable electrical connection.