Separable High-Density Connector for Replaceable Neural Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional neuromodulation devices face challenges in achieving high-density neural interfaces due to limitations in connector density and scalability, which restricts the number of electrodes and leads, affecting therapeutic effectiveness and battery life.
Innovation Solution
The development of a medical device with a header that includes a housing with retractable contacts and connection terminals, allowing for a scalable, non-permanent connection between the lead assembly and the electronics module, enabling higher electrode counts and miniaturization for more targeted therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of electrodes and channels is increased to achieve high-density neural interfaces, then the therapeutic effectiveness and battery life are improved, but the connector density and scalability are limited, making permanent connection necessary which prevents electronics replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separable components: a header attached to the electronics module and a connector attached to the lead assembly. This segmentation allows the electronics module to be replaced independently from the lead assembly, enabling electronics replacement while maintaining high-density connections through the separable interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector features nested contact arrays where multiple rows of contacts are arranged concentrically. The lead connector inserts into the header connector, with contacts nested within each other to achieve high connection density in a compact space, allowing numerous electrodes to connect without requiring permanent bonding.
2Adaptability or versatility
If retractable contacts are used to enable non-permanent connections, then electronics replacement is enabled, but contact reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable contacts are pre-loaded with spring force before connection is made. This prior cushioning of mechanical force ensures that when the connector is inserted, the contacts are already under optimal contact pressure, maintaining reliable electrical connection throughout the non-permanent attachment period.
Solution Approach 2:
The contacts are designed to be dynamically retractable rather than statically fixed. The spring-loaded mechanism allows the contacts to flex and maintain optimal contact pressure automatically, adapting to minor misalignments or movements while preserving connection reliability during the non-permanent attachment period.
3Quantity of substance
If multi-row contact arrays are implemented to increase connection density, then the number of connectable electrodes is increased, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The header and connector designs use standardized, repeating contact patterns that can be manufactured using the same processes for different channel counts. The multi-row array structure serves multiple functions: increasing connection density, maintaining compact size, and enabling scalable manufacturing through modular contact element repetition.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to implantable neuromodulation devices and methods of fabrication, and in particular to a separable high density connectors for implantable neuromodulation devices. Particularly, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a medical device comprising an electronics module and a header for connecting the electronics module to a lead assembly. The header includes: a housing that includes (i) a cavity having a central axis or plane and an internal surface, and (ii) an opening aligned with the central axis or plane of the cavity, an array of retractable contacts extending from the internal surface towards the central axis or plane of the cavity, and an array of connection terminals on the housing, where each connection terminal of the array of connection terminals is: (i) electrically connected to the electronics module, and (ii) electrically connectable to a retractable contact of the array of retractable contacts.