Universal Implantable Lead Connector With Segmented Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable electrical stimulation systems face compatibility issues when upgrading or replacing components, as leads with different numbers of terminals and orientations are not readily compatible, leading to increased surgical complexity and potential device errors.
Innovation Solution
A connector system that can accommodate leads with varying numbers of terminals and orientations, featuring multiple connector contacts that align and couple with terminals in a way that ensures no two terminals on a lead make electrical contact with the same connector contact, allowing for flexible compatibility and reducing the need for adapters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a connector with fixed number of contacts is used, then manufacturing and design are simplified, but compatibility with leads having different numbers of terminals is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate leads with different numbers of terminals (e.g., 8-terminal or 16-terminal leads) using the same connector structure. The connector housing and contact arrangement are configured to universally receive various lead types without requiring different connector designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector contacts are segmented into multiple independent contacts (e.g., 16 contacts) that can selectively engage with terminals on leads having different numbers of terminals. This segmentation allows individual contacts to be activated or deactivated based on the specific lead configuration, enabling compatibility across multiple lead types.
2Ease of operation
If leads with different orientations are used, then surgical flexibility is improved, but alignment precision during connection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector and lead interfaces incorporate asymmetric features such as shaped connector housings, positioned pins, or keyed mechanisms that provide mechanical guidance and ensure correct orientation during insertion. This asymmetric design guides the lead into the proper alignment automatically, maintaining connection precision even when leads are placed in different orientations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connector contacts are used to accommodate different lead configurations, then compatibility is improved, but the risk of improper electrical coupling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates electrical continuity testing or feedback mechanisms that verify proper engagement between connector contacts and lead terminals before allowing operation. This feedback system detects improper coupling or misalignment and prevents operation until correct connection is achieved, ensuring reliable electrical coupling across different lead configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A lead-connection system includes a lead and a connector. The lead includes a distal end, a proximal end, a plurality of electrodes disposed at the distal end, a plurality of terminals disposed at the proximal end, and a plurality of conductor wires electrically coupling each of the plurality of electrodes to a different one of the plurality of terminals. The connector defines a port for receiving the proximal end of the lead and a plurality of connector contacts. The number of connector contacts is greater than the number of terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead. When the connector receives the proximal end of the lead, each of the terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead makes electrical contact with at least one of the connector contacts of the connector and no two terminals make electrical contact with a same one of the connector contacts.