Sterile battery charging

Abstract

The invention provides a sterile battery charging for charging within a sterile zone. The battery charging assembly includes a base unit having a first interface and a second interface. The assembly also includes a high capacity battery connectable to the first interface and a low capacity battery connectable to the second interface. The base unit takes power from the high-capacity battery and transmits the power to the low-capacity battery. The high capacity battery and the low capacity battery can be interchangeably connected to the base unit.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application with application number 202080018378.8, application date February 27, 2020, and invention name “Sterile Battery Charging”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 790,076, filed on January 9, 2019, entitled “Sterile Battery Charging,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 812,276, filed on March 1, 2019, entitled “Sterile Battery Charging.” Background Art 1. Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to surgical power systems and, more particularly, to sterile battery charging devices and assemblies.

[0005] 2. Related technologies

[0006] Batteries used to power surgical instruments are typically sterilized before use so they can be used in a sterile field. When a battery becomes depleted, it is replaced with a new one. For small instruments, the battery life can be unreasonably short, requiring replacement one or more times during surgery. Because this can be time-consuming, it is useful to recharge the battery during surgery when the surgical instrument is not in use. This effectively extends the operating time of the surgical instrument before the battery needs to be replaced.

[0007] Placing a wired battery charger in the sterile field to accomplish this task presents several undesirable challenges. The power cord connected to the charger and plugged into an electrical outlet can create a tripping hazard for individuals who frequently move between the sterile field and the wall, such as surgeons and surgical nurses. Another challenge is the sterile field itself. Using a power cord between the sterile charger and a non-sterile electrical outlet can introduce contamination.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a standalone battery charger that has no external connections.

[0009] Related Art Section Disclaimer Description: With respect to specific patents / publications / products discussed above in the Related Art Section Description or elsewhere in this disclosure, such discussion should not be considered an admission that the discussed patents / publications / products are prior art for patent law purposes. For example, some or all of the discussed patents / publications / products may not be sufficiently early in time, may not reflect subject matter that was developed early enough in time, and / or may not be sufficient to achieve prior art equivalents for patent law purposes. With respect to specific patents / publications / products discussed above in the Related Art Section Description and / or throughout the application, their descriptions / disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a sterile battery charging device and assembly for charging within a sterile field. According to one aspect, the device includes a base unit having a first interface and a second interface. The first interface is configured to receive a first battery, and the second interface is configured to receive a second battery. The base unit draws power from the first battery and transfers power to the second battery. The first and second batteries are interchangeably attachable to the base unit.

[0011] According to another aspect, the assembly includes a base unit having a first interface and a second interface. The assembly also includes a high-capacity battery connectable to the first interface and a low-capacity battery connectable to the second interface. The base unit draws power from the high-capacity battery and transfers power to the low-capacity battery. The high-capacity battery and the low-capacity battery are interchangeably connectable to the base unit.

[0012] According to yet another aspect, the present invention is a method for charging a surgical battery. The method comprises the following steps: (i) providing power to a base unit in a sterile field; (ii) sterilizing a battery; (iii) placing the battery in the sterile field after sterilization; (iv) charging the battery in the sterile field using power from the base unit; (v) using the battery during a surgical procedure in the sterile field; and (vi) recharging the battery in the sterile field using power from the base unit.

[0013] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, as the disclosed subject matter may admit to other equally effective embodiments. Reference will now be made briefly to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective schematic diagram of a base unit according to one embodiment;

[0016] Figure 2 is a perspective schematic diagram of an adapter connected to a base unit according to one embodiment;

[0017] Figure 3 is connected to Figure 2 A perspective diagram of a low-capacity (device) battery of an adapter;

[0018] Figure 4 is a flow chart of a wireless charging platform according to one embodiment;

[0019] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a wireless charging method according to one embodiment;

[0020] Figure 6 is a perspective schematic diagram of a surgical power system according to one embodiment;

[0021] Figure 7A is a perspective schematic diagram of a high-capacity battery that slides into a base unit according to one embodiment;

[0022] Figure 7B is a perspective schematic diagram of a high capacity battery connected to a base unit according to one embodiment;

[0023] Figure 8 is a perspective schematic diagram of a high capacity battery according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0024] Figure 9 is a perspective schematic diagram of a high capacity battery attached to a large surgical instrument according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0025] Figure 10 yes Figure 2 a perspective schematic diagram of the adapter; and

[0026] Figure 11 is a perspective schematic diagram of a low-capacity electromagnetic according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The various aspects of the present invention and certain features, advantages and details thereof are explained more fully below with reference to the non-limiting examples shown in the accompanying drawings. Descriptions of known structures are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention in detail. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific non-limiting examples, while indicating aspects of the present invention, are given by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation. In light of this disclosure, various replacements, modifications, additions and / or arrangements within the spirit and / or scope of the basic concepts of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0028] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, Figure 1 The base unit 12 of the sterile battery charging device 10 is shown. The base unit 12 is shown as being removably attached or secured to a surgical power system 14. The exemplary surgical power system 14 is In the depicted embodiment, the surgical power system 14 is Lithium charger( Figure 6 ). The surgical power system 14 has one or more base units 12 connected thereto. An embodiment of a lithium charger exists that is connected to The four base units 12 of the lithium charger 14, such as Figure 6 The surgical power system 14 can be positioned on a table or wall mounted for use in surgical procedures.

[0029] Still refer to Figure 1 , the base unit 12 is generally planar and rectangular. In the depicted embodiment, the base unit 12 has a plate 16 that connects to a surface 18 of the surgical power system 14. The base unit 12 also includes a first interface 20 and a second interface 22. The first interface 20 is used to connect to a high-capacity battery 24 for drawing power from the battery 24. Thus, the first interface 20 serves as a power source for the sterile battery charging device 10 and is responsible for providing charging power. The second interface 22 is used to connect to a low-capacity battery 26. Due to the interchangeable attachment of the high-capacity battery 24 and the low-capacity battery 26 to the base unit 12, power can be drawn from the high-capacity battery 24 and then transferred to the low-capacity battery 26.

[0030] In an embodiment, the first interface 20 is one or more battery rails. Specifically, as Figure 1As shown in FIG, the first interface 20 is a pair of spaced-apart battery rails connected to the plate 16 of the base unit 12. The battery rails 20 extend generally parallel to each other along and / or above the plate 16 of the base unit 12. The battery rails 20 are designed to connect to a sterilizable high-capacity battery 24. The high-capacity battery 24 is used with large surgical instruments, such as saw-type handpieces. The large surgical instruments provide consistent, long-lasting power for large bone and total joint replacements. An exemplary sterilizable high-capacity battery 24 is shown in FIG. Figure 8 High capacity battery 24 (including Figure 8 The embodiment shown in ) is fully autoclavable and can be a lithium battery.

[0031] In order to draw power from the high capacity battery 24, the high capacity battery 24 is attached to the base unit 12. Specifically, as Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown in FIG. 1 , the high capacity battery 24 slides between the battery rails 20 on the base unit ( Figure 7A ) until the bulk battery 24 locks into place or otherwise reaches the discharge / charge position ( Figure 7B ). The battery rails 20 hold the high capacity battery 24 in place while the base unit 12 draws power from the high capacity battery 24.

[0032] Still refer to Figure 1 , the second interface 22 is one or more battery contacts. In the depicted embodiment, there are two battery contacts 22 on the base unit 12. The battery contacts 22 are adapted to connect to low-capacity batteries 26 that can be sterilized. The low-capacity batteries 26 are used with small, delicate surgical instruments such as drill bits, razor blades, and drills. These low-capacity batteries 26 are compact and lightweight. The low-capacity batteries provide powerful, reliable power for surgical procedures including small bones, sports medicine, and minor trauma. An exemplary sterilizable low-capacity battery 26 is shown in FIG. Figure 11 Low capacity battery 26 (including Figure 11 The embodiment shown in ) is fully autoclavable and can be a lithium battery.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, the base unit 12 is adapted for wireless charging (e.g., inductive charging via a primary coil in the base unit 12). (As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the secondary coil would extend through the low-capacity (instrument) battery 26). Using wireless charging is advantageous because the low-capacity (instrument) battery 26 can remain connected to the surgical instrument (e.g., a razor blade) during charging. The surgical instrument with the connected low-capacity (instrument) battery 26 must simply be placed near the sterile battery charging device 10 (i.e., the base unit 12) for charging.

[0034] Now go to Figure 4 , shows a flow diagram of a wireless charging platform 100 according to an embodiment. The wireless charging platform 100 can be powered by a universal USB 102, a common wall adapter power source (e.g., AC-DC) 104, a rechargeable battery power pack 106, or an independent power source integrated into the platform hardware 100A. The above power alternatives provide power to the wireless charging platform 100 via a wireless platform power input 108. Although this technology may involve the use of cables or wires, it allows for the flexibility of using a variety of input power arrangements. The platform hardware can be incorporated into support devices such as surgical tables and instrument stands (e.g., Mayo stands). Wireless charging accessories may include (but are not limited to): battery-powered foot controls, tablets and / or laptops for sterile use, remote controls for console controls (e.g., cameras, pumps, light sources), and surgical lights and LEDs (e.g., handpiece lighting, helmets, and space suits).

[0035] refer to Figure 5 The flowchart in FIG2 shows and describes a method 200 for wireless charging in a sterile field. First, a non-sterile battery (or other power source), such as one of a high-capacity battery 24 and a low-capacity battery 26, is obtained (step 202) and cleaned outside the sterile field (step 204). The batteries 24 and 26 can then be charged outside the sterile field (step 206). Thereafter, the batteries 24 and 26 are sterilized (step 208). Sterilization can be accomplished using an autoclave or any other similar, approved sterilization technique. After sterilization, when the batteries 24 and 26 are rechargeable near the base unit 12, they are charged in the sterile field (step 210). Thereafter, the batteries 24 and 26 can be used in surgical procedures (step 212). When the batteries 24 and 26 have low power or otherwise have low energy levels, the batteries 24 and 26 are placed near the rechargeable portion of the base unit 12 to recharge within the sterile field (steps 214 and 210).

[0036] Alternatively, the physical size of the battery pack can be reduced by using a hybrid power system. A hybrid power system comprises smaller rechargeable cells or batteries to which a supercapacitor boost circuit is connected. Supercapacitors can be charged quickly (<10 seconds) compared to rechargeable cells or batteries. This type of powered surgical system can be charged on a typical instrument stand with a charger platform.

[0037] Now go to Figure 2 , shows a perspective schematic diagram of an adapter 28 according to an embodiment. The adapter 28 allows the connection of a low-capacity battery 26 to be charged (if necessary; in another embodiment, the low-capacity battery 26 can be connected directly). Figure 2In the embodiment shown, the adapter 28 is a L3500 Mini Lithium Power Adapter ( Figure 10 ). The adapter 22 is configured to connect to the low-capacity battery 26 for charging. Figure 10 In the embodiment shown, the L3500 Small Bone Lithium Power Adapter 28 is adapted to connect to a sterilizable low capacity (device) battery 26, such as Figure 11 is shown in .

[0038] Now refer to Figure 3 , shows a perspective schematic diagram of a low capacity battery 26 connected to an adapter 28. A partially discharged low capacity (instrument) battery 26 is connected to the adapter 28, thereby initiating a charging effect. In one embodiment, due to the number of base units 12 attached and available on the surgical power system 14, the high capacity battery 24 is depleted while the low capacity battery 26 is charging. Multiple high capacity batteries 24 can be used to increase the run time of one low capacity battery 26. Alternatively, multiple low capacity batteries 26 can be charged at once. The connection to the low capacity battery 26 can be through a physical connection (e.g., pins on the base unit 12) or through a wireless connection. A wireless connection does not require the low capacity battery 26 to be removed from the surgical instrument, as would be the case with a wired connection.

[0039] The advantages of using an existing high-capacity battery 24 as the charger power source are twofold. First, the high-capacity battery 24 is already available due to its use in complementary devices. Second, it is designed to be sterilized. Therefore, the number of batteries 24, 26 used in a procedure can be reduced, as depleted batteries 24, 26 can be replaced with fully charged ones, thereby reducing the time required to interrupt surgery to replace batteries 24, 26.

[0040] While embodiments of the present invention have been particularly shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes of detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims as supported by the written description and the accompanying drawings. In addition, where exemplary embodiments are described with reference to a certain number of elements, it will be understood that the exemplary embodiments may be practiced with fewer or greater than the certain number of elements.

Claims

1. A method for charging a surgical battery, the method comprising the steps of: wirelessly providing power to the base unit in the sterile field from a sterile power source; Sterilize the battery; After sterilization, placing the battery in the sterile area; charging the battery in the sterile field using power from the base unit; using the battery during a surgical procedure in the sterile field; as well as The battery is recharged in the sterile field using power from the base unit.

2. The method for charging a surgical battery of claim 1 , wherein the base unit includes a primary coil and the battery has a secondary coil.

3. The method for charging a surgical battery of claim 2, wherein the primary coil charges the secondary coil wirelessly.

4. The method for charging a surgical battery of claim 1 , wherein the battery is connectable to the base unit.

5. The method for charging a surgical battery of claim 1 , further comprising the step of connecting the battery to a surgical instrument.

6. The method for charging a surgical battery according to claim 1 , further comprising the steps of: placing a rechargeable battery into the sterile area; attaching the rechargeable battery to the base unit in the sterile field; as well as Power is drawn from the rechargeable battery via the base unit to recharge the battery.

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