Split Connector Housing with Magnetic Alignment for Implantable Leads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable electrical stimulation systems face challenges in efficiently connecting and aligning lead extensions with control modules, particularly due to the limitations of conventional terminal arrays and connectors, which can lead to increased size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The development of a connector system with an elongated housing, magnetic elements, and a split proximal contact array, allowing for a reduced physical size and increased terminal count, facilitating easier alignment and connection of lead extensions with control modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional terminal arrays and connectors are used, then the connection structure is simple, but the device size increases and terminal count is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing is divided into a first portion and a second portion that can partially separate to receive the lead extension. This segmentation allows the connector to accommodate more terminals within a compact form factor by organizing contacts on both portions, effectively increasing terminal count without proportionally increasing overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by placing connector contacts on both the first and second portions of the housing. This multi-dimensional contact arrangement allows for increased terminal density within the connector volume, enabling more connections without simply expanding the connector linearly in one direction.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional connectors are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but alignment precision between lead and connector deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic elements are incorporated into the connector to provide magnetic attraction and alignment forces between the lead extension and connector housing. This magnetic mechanism supplements or replaces purely mechanical alignment features, enabling precise positioning of the lead within the connector lumen without requiring complex mechanical alignment structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic elements serve multiple functions: they provide alignment precision during insertion, maintain secure connection during use, and can assist in the assembly process. This multi-functionality achieves high alignment precision without adding separate dedicated alignment mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If connector housing is made compact, then device size is reduced, but ease of operation for lead insertion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing portions are designed to partially separate or open during the lead insertion process, creating a dynamic structure that facilitates easy lead entry. After insertion, the portions can close to secure the lead. This dynamic behavior allows compact dimensions while maintaining ease of operation during the insertion phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector lumen acts as an intermediary pathway that guides the lead extension into the correct position. The lumen provides a defined insertion route that simplifies the connection process, allowing the compact connector to maintain ease of operation by mediating the insertion action through its structured internal geometry.
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
This solution enables more efficient and compact electrical stimulation systems by reducing the size of terminal arrays and increasing the number of terminals that can be inserted into conventional connectors, enhancing the design for applications like deep brain stimulation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one connector magnetic element coupled to each of the first and second portions of the connector housing to couple to at least one corresponding magnetic element in the lead or lead extension to align the lead or lead extension within the connector lumen of the connector housing
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for an implantable electrical medical device can include a connector housing having a first portion and a second portion that can partially separate to receive a lead or lead extension into a connector lumen of the connector housing. The connector also includes at least one connector magnetic element coupled to each of the first and second portions of the connector housing to couple to at least one corresponding magnetic element in the lead or lead extension to align the lead or lead extension within the connector lumen of the connector housing. An electrical stimulation lead can include at least one lead magnetic element disposed along the proximal end of the lead body to couple to at least one corresponding magnetic element in a connector to align the lead within a connector lumen of the connector.