Peripheral Stimulator Lead Connector With Resilient Contact Blade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neurostimulation systems face challenges such as discomfort, muscle fatigue, limited efficacy, and difficulty in stimulating deep nerves due to surface electrode limitations, as well as the need for invasive surgical procedures for deeper tissue stimulation, which restrict patient mobility and increase costs and risks.
Innovation Solution
A compact lead connector system that establishes reliable electrical contact between electrodes and signal generators, featuring a detachable cover with a contact blade that strips and severs insulation, allowing for the use of thicker cable extensions and reducing the need for small, fragile wiring, while facilitating easy connection and disconnection with a cradle for secure attachment to the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If surface electrodes are used for electrical stimulation, then the therapy can be delivered externally without surgery, but stimulation-induced pain and muscle fatigue occur limiting patient tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces percutaneous leads as an intermediary component that penetrates the skin to deliver electrodes closer to the target nerves. This mediator allows electrical stimulation to be delivered externally while avoiding direct skin surface contact, thereby reducing stimulation-induced pain and muscle fatigue while maintaining external delivery capability
2Ease of manufacture
If surface electrodes are used to stimulate deep nerves, then external delivery is possible, but overlying superficial nerves are unintentionally stimulated
Solution Approach 1:
Percutaneous leads serve as a precise intermediary pathway that can be directed to specific deep nerve targets. The lead structure allows controlled insertion and positioning of electrodes at the desired depth and location, enabling accurate stimulation of deep nerves while avoiding unintended stimulation of overlying superficial nerves
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode placement through percutaneous leads enables localized stimulation at the specific target site. By positioning electrodes directly at the deep nerve location rather than on the skin surface, the stimulation effect is concentrated at the intended target, improving targeting accuracy and avoiding spread to adjacent superficial nerves
3Manufacturing precision
If invasive surgical procedures are performed for deep tissue stimulation, then deep nerves can be stimulated effectively, but patient mobility is restricted and costs and risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
Percutaneous leads act as a minimally invasive intermediary that bridges the gap between external application and deep tissue access. Rather than requiring extensive surgical implantation, the percutaneous approach allows needle-like insertion through the skin to deliver electrodes to deep nerves, achieving effective deep nerve stimulation while minimizing surgical complexity and patient mobility restrictions
4Volume of moving object
If thin, fragile wiring is used in neurostimulation devices, then compact design is achieved, but connection reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar connections to three-dimensional spatial arrangement with percutaneous leads extending through the skin. This dimensional change allows thicker, more reliable wiring to be routed externally through the percutaneous path, improving connection reliability while maintaining device compactness through optimized spatial configuration
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
The system enhances patient mobility and comfort by providing effective and reliable peripheral nerve stimulation with reduced discomfort and invasive procedures, improving the robustness and ease of use of neurostimulation devices.
Implementation Method 1
A blade-like connector establishes and maintains electrical contact between the lead and the cable
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a base and a detachable cover. Ports on separate sidewalls receive an extension cable and a lead. A blade assembly maintains electrical contact between the cable and the lead, while providing a surface to strip insulation and/or sever the lead. Further, the blade is resilient so as to maintain sufficient contact with the lead when the cover is attached and/or locked to the base.