Ti-15Mo Contact Ring for Low-Force Implant Lead Insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical device lead receptacle contacts face challenges in manufacturing complexity and increased electrical resistance due to multiple point contacts, leading to high power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A titanium alloy contact ring element with a low modulus and large elastic elongation, specifically a Ti-15Mo alloy, is used to form a contact ring with resiliently deflectable elements, reducing insertion force and maintaining secure contact without permanent deformation, thereby minimizing electrical resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a garter spring contact configuration is used, then reliable electrical contact is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases and multiple contact points increase electrical resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the contact function and spring function into a single integrated contact ring element. The contact ring includes both the contact surface and resiliently deflectable elements as one unified component, eliminating the need for separate garter spring and contact structure, thus reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable electrical contact
Solution Approach 2:
The contact ring element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical contact, mechanical resilience, and positioning guidance. The resiliently deflectable elements enable the contact ring to accommodate lead insertion while maintaining electrical connection, combining multiple functions into a single universal component
2Reliability
If a garter spring contact configuration is used, then contact resilience is achieved, but electrical resistance increases due to multiple contact points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the contact surface and resilient elements into a unified contact ring structure, creating a single continuous electrical contact path instead of multiple discrete contact points. This merging reduces electrical resistance at the contact interface while maintaining the resilient deflection capability needed for reliable contact
3Strength
If conventional materials are used for contact ring elements, then structural strength is maintained, but insertion force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the contact ring by using a beta titanium alloy with specific mechanical properties (Young's modulus of 10-13 Mpsi and yield strength of 100-130 ksi). These parameter changes enable the material to provide sufficient structural strength while allowing greater elastic deformation during lead insertion, thereby reducing insertion force
4Strength
If conventional materials are used for contact ring elements, then structural integrity is maintained, but elastic range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition and mechanical parameters by selecting a beta titanium alloy with controlled Young's modulus (10-13 Mpsi) and yield strength (100-130 ksi). This parameter optimization expands the elastic range to at least 0.7%, allowing the contact ring to undergo greater elastic deformation while maintaining structural integrity and returning to its original shape after lead insertion
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 facilitates easy lead insertion with reduced power consumption and improved electrical coupling, 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
a titanium alloy contact ring element having low modulus and large elastic elongation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A method of forming a medical device contact element includes 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 and an elastic range or strain of at least 0.7%. Then forming a contact ring element from the annealed rod and assembling the contact ring element into a medical device. Contact rings and lead receptacles including the same are also described.