Terminal Housing Assembly for Feedthrough-Free PCB Lead Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active medical devices (AMDs) face limitations in miniaturization due to in-line lead attachment configurations, which restrict their size and customization for patient-specific implantation procedures, leading to potential trauma and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A terminal housing assembly with alternating insulator rings and terminal housings, connected to a printed circuit board without a feedthrough, allows for detachable connection to a lead, providing high-density electrical contacts within a compact form factor, facilitating implantation and reducing patient trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If an in-line lead attachment configuration is used, then the device can provide electrical connection to the lead, but the device size cannot be reduced below a certain limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from an in-line (one-dimensional) lead attachment configuration to a radial (multi-dimensional) configuration where terminal housings are distributed around the circumference of the device. This dimensional change allows electrical contacts to be arranged in a circular pattern perpendicular to the lead axis, enabling high-density connections without increasing the device's longitudinal profile and thus reducing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead attachment interface is segmented into multiple independent terminal housings distributed around the circumference, each capable of receiving a lead. This segmentation allows for high-density electrical contacts (up to 24 terminals) while maintaining a compact radial layout, avoiding the need for a larger in-line arrangement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of electrical contact housings is increased, then the device can provide more stimulation and sensing channels, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges terminal housings in a radial configuration around the circumference of the device, utilizing the circular dimension rather than extending linearly. This allows up to 24 electrical contact housings to be packed into a compact radial space, providing high-density stimulation and sensing channels without proportionally increasing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Each terminal housing is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate different lead types and configurations. The standardized radial terminal housings can support various stimulation and sensing channel configurations, allowing the device to provide up to 24 channels while maintaining a consistent compact form factor.
3Volume of moving object
If a conventional in-line terminal housing arrangement is used, then the device can be manufactured with current technology, but the device cannot be miniaturized further
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a radial arrangement of terminal housings perpendicular to the lead axis, utilizing the circumferential dimension rather than extending linearly. This dimensional reconfiguration enables miniaturization by packing more terminals (up to 24) into a smaller longitudinal profile, while the modular radial design remains compatible with current manufacturing technologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into modular terminal housings that can be independently manufactured and then assembled in a radial configuration. This segmentation allows each terminal housing to be produced using conventional techniques while the overall radial assembly achieves miniaturization that would be difficult with a monolithic in-line design.
Data Source
AI summary
An AMD has a main housing closed by an end cap. A PCB supports electrical contacts connected to electronic components. An electrical power source powers the electronic components. A metallic sleeve connected to an inner surface of the end cap has a sleeve lumen aligned with a cap lead opening. A terminal housing assembly has a number of insulator rings connected to a number of the metallic terminal housings in an alternating sequence extending distally from the sleeve. The insulator rings support silicone ring seals and the terminal housings support canted coil springs. Jumper wires connect the terminal housings of the terminal housing assembly to the electrical contacts of the PCB without an intermediate feedthrough. In use, the electrical contacts of a lead are moved through the sleeve lumen and into the terminal housing assembly to connect the electrical contacts to the canted coil springs of the terminal housings.