Ti-15Mo Contact Ring Element for Low-Force Lead Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical device lead receptacle contacts face challenges in manufacturing complexity and increased electrical resistance due to the spring configuration, leading to high power consumption and difficulty in achieving reliable electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A contact element formed from a titanium alloy with a low modulus and large elastic elongation, specifically a Ti-15Mo alloy, is used to create a contact ring element with resiliently deflectable elements that reduce insertion force and provide a secure, low-resistance electrical connection, formed through annealing and quenching processes to achieve specific mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a garter spring configuration is used for contact elements, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases and electrical resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using a titanium alloy with specifically controlled elastic modulus (6-14 Mpsi) and yield strength (40-100 ksi). This parameter optimization allows the contact element to achieve reliable electrical connection while eliminating the need for complex spring configurations, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite material solution by using a titanium alloy base material enhanced with specific elastic properties. This alloy composition provides both the mechanical compliance needed for reliable contact and the electrical conductivity required, eliminating the need for separate spring components and reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If a garter spring configuration is used for contact elements, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but electrical resistance increases leading to high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the material parameters by selecting a titanium alloy with specific electrical conductivity properties combined with appropriate elastic modulus. This parameter optimization reduces electrical resistance at the contact interface, thereby lowering power consumption while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional materials are used for contact ring elements, then manufacturing is straightforward, but insertion force is high and elastic range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using a titanium alloy with optimized elastic modulus (6-14 Mpsi) and yield strength (40-100 ksi). These parameter changes reduce the insertion force required while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard forming processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elastic behavior by using a titanium alloy with enhanced elastic range (at least 0.7%). This dynamic property allows the contact element to deform elastically during insertion and recovery, reducing insertion force while maintaining contact reliability.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional materials are used for contact ring elements, then manufacturing is straightforward, but elastic range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes material parameters by selecting a titanium alloy with specifically controlled elastic modulus and yield strength, achieving an elastic range of at least 0.7%. This parameter optimization extends the elastic range while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite material approach with a titanium alloy that combines appropriate strength, elasticity, and manufacturability. This material composition achieves extended elastic range while remaining compatible with conventional manufacturing techniques.
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 titanium alloy contact ring element offers reduced insertion force, extended elastic range, and secure electrical coupling with reduced power consumption, ensuring reliable and efficient operation of implantable medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
annealing an elongated rod of Ti-15Mo alloy material to form an annealed rod having a Young's Modulus of less than 13.5 Mpsi (93.1 GPa) and an elastic range of at least 0.7%
Implementation Method 2
resiliently deflectable elements extending from the tubular body in to the cavity, each of the resiliently deflectable elements having a lead contacting portion configured to contact a lead
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of forming a contact ring element comprising: annealing an elongated rod of Ti-15Mo alloy material to form an annealed rod, wherein the annealed Ti-15Mo material has less than 3 weight percent alpha-phase titanium and a mean average grain size value of less than 30 micrometers; and forming a contact ring element (300) from the annealed rod configured for electrically coupling a medical lead. Furthermore, a contact ring element is disclosed.