Detachable High-Channel Neural Interface With Sealed Electrode Feed-Through
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fully implantable and detachable high channel neural interface devices face challenges in detachability and sealing performance, leading to high risks during operation and potential damage to the human body due to the integrated structure of the device body and electrode, and difficulty in isolating the internal circuit from the external electrode.
Innovation Solution
A fully implantable and detachable high channel neural interface device comprising an implantable case, a first feed-through plate, a flexible neural electrode, and an interposer connector, allowing for detachable electrical connections and sealing performance through a press cover and bottom shell configuration, with alignment mechanisms and conductive contacts to ensure reliable electrical connections and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the device body and high-flux electrode are formed as an integrated structure, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the detachability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separable parts: the implantable case (device body) and the flexible neural electrode. The electrode can be detached from the case through a feed-through plate structure, allowing independent replacement of each component. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling both structural simplicity during operation and detachability for maintenance or upgrades.
2Ease of manufacture
If the device body and high-flux electrode are formed as an integrated structure, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the replacement flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device architecture separates the implantable case from the neural electrode through a feed-through plate interface. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using optimized processes, and enables selective replacement of the electrode or case based on their different lifecycles and failure modes, thus improving both manufacturing efficiency and replacement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed-through plate is pre-configured with alignment features and connection interfaces that simplify the assembly process. By preparing the connection mechanism in advance during manufacturing, the device achieves easy manufacturability while maintaining replacement flexibility through the detachable design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device is designed to be detachable, then the replacement flexibility is improved, but the sealing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The feed-through plate serves as an intermediary component between the implantable case and the flexible neural electrode. It provides a sealed interface that maintains the hermetic barrier while enabling electrical and mechanical connection. The plate's design allows the electrode to be detached and reattached without compromising the sealing integrity of the implantable case, thus resolving the contradiction between replaceability and sealing performance.
4Ease of operation
If the device body and electrode are taken out together for replacement, then the operational simplicity is improved, but the operational risk and body damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable design allows the electrode to remain implanted in the neural tissue while only the implantable case is removed and replaced. This segmentation eliminates the need to extract the electrode, significantly reducing surgical risk and tissue damage. The feed-through plate enables simple connection of the new case to the existing electrode, maintaining operational simplicity while dramatically improving safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the replaceable component (implantable case) from the integrated structure, allowing it to be removed and replaced independently. The neural electrode remains in place, avoiding the harmful effects of electrode extraction and re-implantation. This selective extraction resolves the contradiction by simplifying the replacement procedure while minimizing surgical risk and body damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A neural interface device, a method for producing an electrode and a method for replacing a device are disclosed. The device includes an implantable case including a bottom shell and a press cover sealed with each other, a feed-through plate, a neural electrode and an interposer connector. The case accommodates a neural signal circuit. First conductive contacts of the plate is connected to the circuit. A distal electrode site portion of the electrode is electrically connected to a proximal contact portion. The proximal portion and the connector are sealed between the cover and the shell. An interconnect portion and the distal portion protrude out between the shell and the cover. The proximal portion is electrically connected to the conductive contact of the plate via the connector. The case is individually replaced, the electrode is kept in a tissue, detachability and sealing performance are balanced and operation risk is reduced.