Trans-Housing Transformer for Implantable Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implantable medical devices rely on hermetic feedthroughs for signal transfer, which are complex, costly, and prone to failure, necessitating a more reliable and cost-effective method for transferring electrical signals across a hermetically-sealed housing.
Innovation Solution
The use of a trans-housing transformer, comprising inductively coupled coils with a toroid core, eliminates the need for physical feedthroughs by inductively transferring electrical signals through the housing, minimizing eddy current losses and device failure rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hermetic feedthroughs are used for signal transfer, then electrical signals can be transferred through the housing, but the device complexity increases and failure rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes hermetic feedthroughs from the implantable medical device housing, extracting the problematic component that caused complexity and reliability issues. Signal transfer is achieved through alternative means (inductive coupling or capacitive coupling) that do not require physical penetration of the hermetic seal, thereby eliminating the feedthrough-related failure points and complex assembly requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (inductive coupling or capacitive coupling field) to transfer signals across the hermetic housing boundary without direct physical contact. This intermediary approach allows signal transfer while maintaining the integrity of the hermetic seal, avoiding the need for complex feedthrough structures that penetrate and potentially compromise the seal.
2Reliability
If hermetic feedthroughs are used for signal transfer, then electrical signals can be transferred through the housing, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes hermetic feedthroughs from the implantable medical device housing, extracting the problematic component that caused complexity and reliability issues. Signal transfer is achieved through alternative means (inductive coupling or capacitive coupling) that do not require physical penetration of the hermetic seal, thereby eliminating the feedthrough-related failure points and complex assembly requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex hermetic feedthroughs with simpler, more cost-effective components such as inductive or capacitive coupling structures. These alternative components are easier to manufacture, require less precise assembly, and eliminate the need for specialized feedthrough materials and sealing procedures, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs.
3Device complexity
If inductive coupling is used for signal transfer, then hermetic feedthroughs are eliminated, but eddy current losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using non-conductive or high-resistivity materials in specific locations where eddy currents would be generated. By strategically placing these materials in the magnetic flux path within the housing, the patent minimizes eddy current losses while maintaining the benefits of hermetic sealing and simplified structure. This localized approach addresses energy losses without requiring a complete redesign of the inductive coupling system.
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 reduces manufacturing costs and failure rates by eliminating the need for hermetic feedthroughs, while ensuring reliable bi-directional power and data transfer in implantable medical devices, such as hearing prostheses and other implantable medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
at least one trans-housing transformer configured to inductively transfer electrical signals through the housing
Implementation Method 2
inductively transferring electrical signals through the housing, minimizing eddy current losses
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable medical device having a hermetically-sealed biocompatible housing configured to be implanted in a recipient. The implantable medical device includes at least one trans-housing transformer configured to transfer electrical signals through the housing.