Electronic medical device with external power supply

Abstract

Electronic medical device (100), wherein the medical device (100) is an electronic blood pressure monitor (300) or an electronic nebulizer (400), comprising an energy supply device (200) designed to supply the medical device (100) with energy, characterized in that the energy supply device (200) comprises an energy supply device (210) which is designed to supply the medical device (100) with the energy required for operation by means of an external energy supply element (220).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of medical technology and in particular to electronic medical devices, such as electronic blood pressure monitors and electronic nebulizers. State of the art

[0002] Common medical devices such as electronic blood pressure monitors or nebulizers are typically powered by an integrated power supply such as integrated rechargeable batteries, replaceable batteries, or AC adapters. However, these power supply solutions come with disadvantages, such as the need for regular battery replacement, charging times, limited operating time, and increased space requirements for battery compartments, as well as the need for a mains power supply for recharging the batteries or for operation via the AC adapter. At the same time, batteries generate maintenance costs and disposal costs.

[0003] At the same time, modern mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets are widespread and equipped with powerful energy sources. However, the use of these devices as energy sources in medical technology has not yet been explored. Object of the invention

[0004] It is the object of the present invention to provide a medical device that overcomes the disadvantages of previous medical devices and that can be operated without its own internal power supply, while simultaneously minimizing the electrical and mechanical complexity. Solution to the task

[0005] This object is achieved by an electronic medical device 100, wherein the medical device 100 is an electronic blood pressure monitor 300 or an electronic nebulizer 400, comprising a power supply device 200 designed to supply the medical device 100 with power, characterized in that the power supply device 200 comprises a power supply device 210 designed to supply the medical device 100 with the power required for operation by means of an external power supply element 220.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the energy supply device 210 is an interface designed to connect the medical device 100 to the external energy supply element 220 and to supply it with the energy required for operation.

[0007] The interface serves, on the one hand, for the electrical connection to the external power supply element 220 and, on the other hand, transmits the power required to operate the medical device 100. This significantly simplifies the integration of the power supply into the device, reduces production costs, and increases the reliability of the system because fewer mechanical and electronic components are required. Furthermore, the interface design enables a particularly compact design and promotes the ease of maintenance of the medical device 100.

[0008] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the power supply device 210 is a USB interface, particularly preferably a USB-C interface according to the USB Type-C standard.

[0009] The use of a USB-C interface offers several advantages: Firstly, it enables a robust, space-saving, double-sided connection to the external power supply unit 220, thus increasing user-friendliness. Secondly, the USB-C standard – unlike previous USB generations – supports bidirectional power delivery and higher currents. This ensures reliable operation even of power-intensive components of the medical device 100, such as pumps for pressure build-up in electronic blood pressure monitors 300. Furthermore, the standardized design allows the use of commercially available connecting cables and reduces both production and maintenance costs.

[0010] The widespread use of the USB-C standard in mobile devices also ensures high compatibility, which expands the possible applications of the Medical Device 100 and increases its mobility.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the external power supply element 220 is selected from the group consisting of a mobile phone, a smartphone or a tablet.

[0012] Due to their widespread use, constant availability, and mobile usability, these devices are particularly well-suited for flexibly supplying medical devices with energy. They typically feature powerful batteries. Using a smartphone or tablet as the energy source eliminates the need for separate chargers or power supplies, reducing system complexity and costs and simplifying operation for the user. The use of mobile devices as an energy source also allows the medical device 100 to be operated virtually anywhere, independent of a stationary power supply. This is a significant advantage, particularly at home, while traveling, or in emergency situations. Users also benefit from high interoperability, as USB-C cables and mobile devices are usually already available and do not need to be purchased separately.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the external power supply element 220 supports the USB-OTG mode.

[0014] The USB OTG ("On-The-Go") mode enables the external device to dynamically switch between host and peripheral roles and to supply actively connected devices with power. For the medical device 100 according to the invention, this means that no additional power supply or adapter is required, since, for example, a commercially available smartphone can function directly as a power source in OTG mode. This results in an extremely user-friendly application, as the user only needs a standard USB-C cable to operate the device. Furthermore, the mobility of the medical device 100 is significantly improved, as it can be used without additional accessories anywhere an OTG-capable mobile device is available. This results in significant advantages in terms of power availability and system integration, particularly in the home or outpatient setting, but also when traveling or in emergency situations.By using standardized USB-C connections with OTG support, no proprietary charging infrastructure is required.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the USB-C interface of the medical device 100 has a first resistor between the configuration channel CC1 and the ground GND and a second resistor between the configuration channel CC2 and the ground GND.

[0016] These resistors—preferably with a value of 5.1 kΩ each—serve a central function for initializing power transfer in USB OTG mode. They signal the external power supply element 220, such as a smartphone, that the connected device should be treated as a power-consuming peripheral. This activates the external device's VBUS line and provides a stable power supply.

[0017] The key advantage of this design is the automated and reliable power supply without manual switching or additional hardware such as OTG adapters. The resistors enable a passive, robust, and standards-compliant solution for activating OTG mode and are easily integrated into existing electronic designs. Manufacturing costs remain low while ensuring reliable detection by the host device. Furthermore, this technical measure improves usability, as no special software configuration or additional user interaction is required.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the power supply device 200 does not have an additional internal power supply element 230 integrated into the medical device 100 itself. The device is entirely designed to be powered by an external power supply element 220, such as a smartphone or tablet, via the USB-C interface.

[0019] The elimination of an internal energy storage device—for example, in the form of a rechargeable battery—brings several advantages: Firstly, the housing of the Medical Device 100 can be designed more compactly, lighter, and mechanically simpler, as no space is required for batteries, charging electronics, or battery compartments. Secondly, the need for regular maintenance or battery replacement by the user is eliminated. This increases the long-term reliability of the device and reduces total operating costs.

[0020] Furthermore, ecological advantages arise because the use of potentially environmentally critical battery components is avoided. The inventive design thus enables a particularly resource-efficient and user-friendly solution for the mobile operation of medical devices – especially in applications where a USB-C-capable device is always available and an autonomous power supply is not necessary or available.

[0021] In an alternative embodiment, the energy supply device 200 has an additional internal energy supply element 230 integrated into the medical device 100 itself.

[0022] In an alternative embodiment, the energy supply device 200 is configured to include an additional internal energy supply element 230 integrated into the medical device 100 itself. This can be configured, for example, as a rechargeable accumulator, supercapacitor, or buffer battery.

[0023] An advantage of this design is the increased operational reliability and flexibility of the medical device 100. The internal energy supply element 230 serves as a buffer and enables continued operation in the event of a brief interruption of the external energy supply or during the establishment of a connection with the external energy supply element 220. In addition, it can cover starting currents or buffer the energy supply if the connected external device (e.g., a smartphone) activates its power output with a delay.

[0024] Furthermore, the internal power supply element 230 can be automatically charged by the external power source, allowing the device to be kept operational at all times when not in use. This design is particularly advantageous when the medical device 100 is regularly used in a mobile capacity, but the connection to the external power supply element 220 is not maintained permanently or is delayed. The additional internal power supply element 230 also contributes to system stability during energy demand peaks, such as when a pump starts up.

[0025] In a first alternative embodiment, the medical device 100 according to the invention is an electronic blood pressure monitor 300, further comprising: a cuff 310 designed to be applied to an arm or other body part of a patient, a pressure build-up and pressure reduction device 320 designed to adjust a pressure within the cuff 310, a pressure measuring device 330 designed to measure the pressure within the cuff 310, a blood pressure monitor control unit 340 designed to control the pressure within the cuff 310 by means of the pressure build-up and / or pressure reduction device 320, a calculation device 350 designed to calculate blood pressure values ​​based on the pressure values ​​measured by the pressure measuring device 330, for example the pressure oscillations, a display unit 360 designed to display information, such as the calculated blood pressure values, a storage device 370 designed to store the calculated blood pressure values.

[0026] The combination of these components in conjunction with the inventive power supply via an external device (e.g. smartphone) creates a compact, low-maintenance and particularly user-friendly electronic blood pressure monitor 300. It is suitable for both home use and mobile applications, for example in the context of telemedicine or nursing care.

[0027] A particular advantage of this design is the ability to operate the device without its own accumulators or batteries, which reduces weight, maintenance effort and costs while maintaining high functionality and medical significance.

[0028] In a second alternative embodiment, the medical device 100 according to the invention is an electronic nebulizer 400 for administering a liquid medicament as an aerosol, further comprising: a medication container 410 for holding a liquid medication, a nebulizer unit 420 with a nebulization technology selected from the group consisting of a piezo-ultrasonic membrane, a vibrating sieve, or a jet nebulizer, a nebulizer control unit 430 which is designed to control the nebulizer unit 420 to generate an aerosol, an air guide channel 440 for supplying the generated aerosol to a patient outlet which is connected to a mouthpiece or a mask, at least one sensor 450 for detecting operating parameters, wherein the sensor 450 is selected from the group consisting of a pressure sensor, an air flow sensor, a temperature sensor, a display and control element 460 for controlling the operating state by the user.

[0029] A significant advantage of this embodiment lies in the combination of the described components with the inventive power supply via an external power supply element 220, such as a smartphone or tablet. This enables a particularly compact design of the electronic nebulizer 400, since a separate charger or built-in battery is dispensed with. Operation can be immediate and flexible, e.g., in home care, while traveling, or on the go – without restrictions due to a lack of power supply.

[0030] By reducing the device's mass and volume and eliminating maintenance-intensive battery components, the electronic nebulizer 400 is particularly user-friendly, low-maintenance and cost-effective.

[0031] The invention will be explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 Schematic representation of an electronic medical device 100 with a power supply device 210, which is designed to supply the medical device 100 with the power required for operation by means of an external power supply element 220. Fig. 2 The pin assignment of a connector according to the USB Type-C standard. Fig. 3 The connection diagram according to an exemplary embodiment in which resistors R1 and R2 are installed on the configuration channels CC1 and CC2 against ground GND. Fig. 4 The connection diagram according to a further exemplary embodiment in which, in addition to the resistors R1 and R2, spark suppression capacitors are installed at the VBUS terminals against ground GND. Examples of implementation

[0032] The basic function and design of electronic blood pressure monitors and electronic nebulizers are known to the expert.

[0033] The present invention is explained below using several exemplary embodiments. These serve merely to illustrate the invention and do not limit it. Detailed example of the technical implementation of a power supply via USB-C interface

[0034] As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a standard-compliant USB-C interface, designed as a power supply device 210, is used to supply power to the medical device 100. This interface serves both as a physical connection to the external power supply element 220—for example, a smartphone, mobile phone, or tablet—and as an initialization of the power supply according to the USB OTG ("On-The-Go") standard.

[0035] The USB-C interface according to the USB Type-C standard is familiar to experts. The pin assignment of a connector according to the USB Type-C standard is described in Fig. 2. It includes several functional elements that are essential for energy transfer: VBUS supply line, via which a standardized supply voltage (typically 5V) is provided. GND Common ground line. CC1 / CC2 Configuration channels via which the connected device signals its role (e.g. “Device”), power requirement and connection direction to the external power supply element 220. D+ / D- data lines for an optional communication interface according to the USB 2.0 standard (not necessarily used for pure power supply in this application).

[0036] In order for the medical device 100 to be recognized as a power-consuming peripheral device, the USB-C interface is preferably wired internally such that a resistor, preferably of 5.1 kΩ, is installed on the configuration channels CC1 and CC2 to GND. According to the USB standard, these resistors serve as "pull-down" resistors and signal the external power supply element 220 that a power-consuming device has been connected. As a result, the external device activates the VBUS line, providing a supply voltage of 5 V. A connection diagram according to an exemplary embodiment is shown in the Fig. 3 shown.

[0037] To ensure the safe functioning of the energy transmission and to protect the devices involved, additional electronic protective devices can be provided: Reverse polarity protection, e.g. through Schottky diodes, to prevent damage due to incorrect plug assignment. Overvoltage protection, e.g. through TVS diodes (Transient Voltage Suppression), to divert short-term voltage peaks. Spark protection, e.g., by ceramic capacitors, fuses, or other passive components, to protect the USB components. A connection diagram of an exemplary embodiment with additional spark suppression capacitors is shown in Fig. 4 shown.

[0038] The described solution enables a particularly compact, lightweight, and low-maintenance design of the medical device 100, as an additional integrated internal power supply element 230, such as an accumulator or batteries, can be completely dispensed with. This is particularly advantageous for mobile applications in which the device is to be operated quickly and flexibly via a smartphone or tablet.

[0039] As long as the device's power consumption does not exceed the limits specified by USB, typically a maximum of 500mA for USB 2.0 or 900mA for USB 3.0 without USB Power Delivery (PD), stable and safe operation can be guaranteed. However, in alternative embodiments, an internal energy buffer element can be provided to bridge short-term interruptions in the power supply.

[0040] This technical implementation represents a simple, robust, and standards-compliant solution that enables universal power supply through commercially available mobile devices and thus contributes to the dissemination of cost-effective, user-friendly medical devices. Detailed embodiment of an electronic blood pressure monitor with USB-C power supply without internal power supply element

[0041] In a first exemplary embodiment of the invention, the medical device 100 according to the invention is designed as a compact electronic blood pressure monitor 300 that is powered exclusively by electrical energy via an external power supply element 220. The device comprises a power supply device 210 in the form of a USB-C interface, via which the electronic blood pressure monitor 300 can be connected to a mobile device—in particular, a smartphone, mobile phone, or tablet.

[0042] The USB-C interface is wired in such a way that a 5.1 kΩ resistor is provided between the configuration channel CC1 and ground (GND), as well as between the configuration channel CC2 and ground (GND). These resistors serve to clearly identify the device as a power-consuming peripheral by the external power supply element 220, which supports USB OTG (On-The-Go) mode. In OTG mode, the external device activates its VBUS line and supplies the electronic blood pressure monitor 300 with a stable voltage of 5 V.

[0043] An internal power supply element 230, such as a battery or accumulator, is deliberately omitted in this exemplary embodiment. The device is thus completely focused on the external power supply element 220. This enables a particularly compact, lightweight, and cost-effective design of the device, since neither charging electronics nor a battery housing or associated protective circuits are required. At the same time, maintenance is simplified, since no battery replacement or charging process by the user is necessary.

[0044] The electronic blood pressure monitor 300 also includes the following functional components: A cuff 310 designed to be attached to the arm or other part of the body of a patient, and which is inflatable and can be securely fastened, for example, by elastic or Velcro fasteners. A pressure build-up and pressure reduction device 320, consisting of a miniature pump (e.g. diaphragm pump) and a valve, which can specifically increase or release the pressure in the cuff 310. A pressure measuring device 330, for example in the form of a piezoresistive pressure sensor, continuously records the current cuff pressure and thus serves as the primary measurement variable for blood pressure analysis. A blood pressure monitor control unit 340 coordinates the measurement process, including the control of the pump and valve, according to a predefined cycle (e.g., inflation, holding phase, relief). A calculation device 350 processes the measurement data according to a suitable algorithm (e.g. oscillometric method) to determine systolic and diastolic blood pressure values ​​as well as the pulse rate. A 360° display unit—e.g., an LCD or OLED display—shows the measured values ​​in a user-friendly manner. Warnings or other information can also be displayed. A storage device 370 serves to store the measurement results. This can be implemented, for example, as a ring buffer (e.g., for storing the last 30 measurements) or as a chronologically structured database.

[0045] The electronic blood pressure monitor 300 according to the embodiment does not require any integrated rechargeable batteries or batteries, but is supplied as needed by an external device that is already available in everyday use.

[0046] The elimination of an internal power supply element 230 and associated electronics significantly reduces the size, weight and complexity of the electronic blood pressure monitor 300.

[0047] In addition, manufacturing costs are significantly reduced by eliminating batteries, charging electronics and protective mechanisms.

[0048] This leads to improved sustainability without the need for battery disposal or maintenance and to environmentally friendly operation by utilizing existing energy sources.

[0049] The design allows for high mobility and is particularly suitable for mobile applications, travel or emergency operations - wherever a smartphone or tablet is available.

[0050] The special wiring of the USB interface of the electronic blood pressure monitor 300 ensures safe, automatic power supply without the user having to use additional adapters (e.g. OTG cable). Detailed design example of an electronic nebulizer with USB-C power supply without internal power supply element

[0051] In a second exemplary embodiment of the invention, the medical device 100 according to the invention is configured as an electronic nebulizer 400, which serves to administer a liquid medication as a finely atomized aerosol. The electronic nebulizer 400 is designed to be particularly compact, lightweight, and energy-efficient, as it operates without an internal power supply element 230 integrated into the device.

[0052] The power supply device 210 is designed as a USB-C interface. This interface is internally wired such that a resistor with a value of 5.1 kΩ is provided between the configuration channel CC1 and ground (GND) and between CC2 and ground (GND). This configuration causes a connected external power supply element 220—in particular a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet—to recognize the electronic nebulizer 400 as a power-consuming USB OTG peripheral device and activate the VBUS for power supply.

[0053] The power supply is provided exclusively by the external device; no integrated rechargeable battery or battery storage 230 is provided in the electronic nebulizer 400. This enables a particularly space-saving and low-maintenance design of the electronic nebulizer 400.

[0054] The device includes the following functional components: A medication container 410 for holding the liquid medication. It is made of, for example, transparent, medically safe plastic or glass and can be designed to be replaceable or refillable.

[0055] The 420 nebulizer unit is based on a nebulization technology, for example, selected from the group consisting of piezo-ultrasonic membrane, vibrating screen, or jet nebulizer. These technologies enable the generation of a finely dispersed aerosol with optimized droplet size distribution for efficient pulmonary drug absorption.

[0056] A nebulizer control unit 430 controls the nebulizer unit, regulating the operating frequency, turn-on time, and, if necessary, automatic shutdown procedures. It can support manual or automatic control modes.

[0057] An air duct 440 directs the generated aerosol from the medication container 410 to the patient outlet, where a mouthpiece or breathing mask can be connected. The duct is shaped to minimize flow losses and enable hygienic cleaning.

[0058] At least one 450 sensor is integrated to record relevant operating parameters, such as temperature, airflow, or pressure in the air duct. This data can be used to control nebulization performance or for safety monitoring.

[0059] A display and control element 460 enables the user to control the device, for example by start / stop function, mode selection or display of operating states and warnings.

[0060] The electronic nebulizer 400 according to the exemplary embodiment is entirely designed for power supply via an external mobile device, resulting in a particularly compact and lightweight design. This minimizes maintenance effort, as no battery changes or charging cycles are necessary. Power is supplied by a device that is usually already present (e.g., a smartphone).

[0061] Eliminating batteries, charging electronics, and associated protective circuits reduces material costs and complexity in manufacturing.

[0062] The nebulizer 400 according to the invention is ideal for use on the go or outside of clinical environments, e.g. for home inhalation therapy, when traveling or in everyday care.

[0063] The wiring with 5.1 kΩ resistors on CC1 and CC2 ensures automatic power supply by the external device according to the USB-C standard.

[0064] By using the USB OTG standard, broad compatibility with modern smartphones and tablets is guaranteed - without the need for additional accessories such as OTG adapters.

[0065] The integration of all functional elements while simultaneously dispensing with an integrated internal power supply element 230 results in a particularly user-friendly, low-maintenance and compact medical device 100 with a high level of user comfort. List of reference symbols 100 medical devices 200 power supply device 210 Energy supply facility 220 External power supply element 230 Internal power supply element 300 Electronic blood pressure monitor 310 cuff 320 Pressure build-up and pressure reduction device 330 Pressure measuring device 340 Blood pressure monitor control unit 350 Calculation device 360 display unit 370 storage device 400 electronic nebulizer 410 medication containers 420 nebulizer unit 430 Nebulizer control unit 440 air duct 450 Sensor 460 Display and control element

Claims

[1] Electronic medical device (100), wherein the medical device (100) is an electronic blood pressure monitor (300) or an electronic nebulizer (400), comprising a power supply device (200) designed to supply the medical device (100) with power, characterized by , that the energy supply device (200) comprises an energy supply device (210) which is designed to supply the medical device (100) with the energy required for operation by means of an external energy supply element (220). [2] Medical device according to claim 1, wherein the energy supply device (210) is an interface which is designed to connect the medical device to the external energy supply element (220) and to supply it with the energy necessary for operation. [3] Medical device according to claim 2, wherein the power supply device (210) is a USB interface, preferably a USB-C interface. [4] Medical device according to one of claims 1-3, wherein the external power supply element (220) is selected from the group consisting of a mobile phone, a smartphone or a tablet. [5] Medical device according to one of claims 1-4, wherein the external power supply element (220) supports the USB-OTG mode. [6] Medical device according to one of claims 3-5, wherein the USB-C interface has a first resistor between the configuration channel CC1 and the ground GND and a second resistor between the configuration channel CC2 and the ground GND. [7] Medical device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the energy supply device (200) does not have an additional internal energy supply element (230) integrated in the medical device (100) itself. [8] Medical device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the energy supply device (200) has an additional internal energy supply element (230) integrated in the medical device itself. [9] Medical device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the medical device (100) is an electronic blood pressure monitor (300), further comprising: a cuff (310) adapted to be applied to an arm or other body part of a patient, a pressure build-up and pressure reduction device (320) designed to adjust a pressure within the cuff (310), a pressure measuring device (330) designed to measure the pressure inside the cuff (310), a blood pressure monitor control unit (340) configured to control the pressure within the cuff (310) by means of the pressure build-up and / or pressure reduction device (320), a calculation device (350) designed to calculate blood pressure values ​​based on the pressure values ​​measured by the pressure measuring device (330), a display unit (360) adapted to display information such as the calculated blood pressure values, a storage device (370) configured to store the calculated blood pressure values. [10] Medical device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the medical device (100) is an electronic nebulizer (400) for administering a liquid drug as an aerosol, further comprising: a medication container (410) for holding a liquid medication, a nebulizer unit (420) with a nebulization technology selected from the group consisting of a piezo-ultrasonic membrane, a vibrating sieve, or a jet nebulizer, a nebulizer control unit (430) which is designed to control the nebulizer unit (420) to generate an aerosol, an air duct (440) for supplying the generated aerosol to a patient outlet connected to a mouthpiece or a mask, at least one sensor (450) for detecting operating parameters, wherein the sensor (450) is selected from the group consisting of a pressure sensor, an air flow sensor, a temperature sensor, a display and control element (460) for controlling the operating state by the user.

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