Triple Helix Driveline Cable for Implantable Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional driveline cables for implantable mechanical circulatory support systems face challenges in maintaining electrical and mechanical integrity due to frequent movement and flexure, leading to potential breakage and compromised connections, which is costly and requires larger diameters and incisions.
Innovation Solution
A driveline cable configuration featuring multiple loosely packed uninsulated wire strands wound in a triple-helix configuration, providing flexibility and self-healing properties, with a central core and insulating layers for strength and protection, allowing for reduced diameter and cost while maintaining electrical integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high cost materials such as drawn filled tubing wire and metal-to-metal composites are used, then electrical and mechanical integrity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameters of the conductor from solid drawn-filled tubing to a stranded configuration with multiple wire strands. This parameter change allows the use of simpler, less expensive materials while achieving the same electrical and mechanical integrity through the distributed strand architecture that allows movement and stress distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor is segmented into multiple individual wire strands rather than using a single solid or tubed conductor. This segmentation allows each strand to move independently, distributing mechanical stress and preventing failure points, while using cost-effective materials for each individual strand.
2Reliability
If larger diameter cables are used, then electrical integrity is improved, but the form factor requires larger tunnels through tissues and larger incisions
Solution Approach 1:
The cable conductor is divided into multiple thin wire strands that are bundled together. This segmentation allows the cable to achieve the necessary electrical conductivity through the collective cross-section of many strands while maintaining a compact overall diameter that fits through smaller tissue tunnels and incisions.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple wire strands are nested within each other to form conductors, which are then nested within insulating layers and the cable structure. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of space, achieving high electrical conductivity within a minimal external diameter.
3Ease of operation
If the cable is subjected to frequent movement and flexure, then operational flexibility is improved, but electrical connection integrity deteriorates due to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The cable structure is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, with individual wire strands that can move and flex independently. This dynamic structure absorbs and distributes the stresses from frequent movement and flexure, preventing any single point from failing while maintaining electrical connection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor is segmented into multiple flexible wire strands that can move independently during cable flexure. This segmentation prevents stress concentration that would occur in solid conductors, allowing the cable to withstand frequent movement while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
Data Source
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AI summary
A power cable having improved durability and associated methods of assembly and use are described herein. In one aspect, the power cable is adapted for use in powering an implantable circulatory pump system. The cable includes one or more conductors of uninsulated wire strands that are loosely packed so as to move relative one another during cable flexure. The driveline cable may include a plurality of conductors, each comprised of multiple uninsulated bundles of uninsulated, loosely packed wire strands of a conductive material, that are wrapped about a central core. The cable may include at least six conductors, each conductor having at least 200 wire strands of a 30 gauge or higher. The cable may include the plurality of wire strands wound in a Litz style configuration to provide improved durability over many cycles of use at reduced cost, improved integrity of the electrical connection and reduced diameter.