Electronics module for integration into medical device hand grips, hand grips and medical devices

Abstract

To provide an electronic device module with geometric dimensions suitable for integration into a handgrip, which is resistant to the frequent sterilization processes performed on the handgrip. [Solution] The electronic module (20) comprises a two-part PCB (24) in which a first part (24a) and a second part (24b) are interconnected, electronic components (22) provided on the PCB (24), and an encapsulation material (26) made of a material resistant to sterilization processes that encapsulates the PCB (24). The first part (24a) is at least the same width as the second part (24b). The second part (24b) is positioned in a plane different from the plane of the first part (24a) and is included within the width of the first part (24a) in a top view of the first part (24a), at least in the width direction (W).

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device module for integration into a handgrip of a medical device, particularly a sensor data logger, a handgrip of a medical device comprising such an electronic device module, and a medical device comprising such a handgrip.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, electronic device modules for integration into the handgrips of medical devices, such as sensor data logger devices, have been developed, which are adapted to record usage data of the corresponding medical device and store and / or transmit said data for further processing. One particular example of such a device relates to integrating an accelerometer into each handgrip, which can detect drops and impacts on the medical device in order to monitor its use and predict its potential for damage. However, other types of sensors may be used to ensure that the corresponding device is not potentially exposed to harmful conditions.

[0003] These types of electronic device modules are preferably capable of independent operation such that they can perform their functions even if the handgrip itself is not mechanically and electrically connected to the upper structure of the medical device, and require the integration of an independent power source. Also, over its lifetime, such a handgrip needs to be periodically subjected to sterilization processes such as steam sterilization, plasma sterilization, or treatment in an automatic washer disinfector, which can damage the electronic components if not properly protected.

[0004] Therefore, on the one hand, there is a need for an electronic device module for integration into a handgrip of a medical device that meets the requirements regarding size and geometric shape so as to be able to be integrated into the small inner space of such a handgrip, and on the other hand, it is necessary that the electronic device module does not malfunction or get damaged during the sterilization process of the handgrip itself. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2024 / 173660 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2024 / 322654 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 11191428 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 330341 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device module, a handgrip, and a medical device having geometric dimensions suitable for integration into a handgrip, which can perform its intended function while also being resistant to the frequent sterilization processes performed on the handgrip throughout its lifespan. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To this end, the present invention provides an electronic module for integration into a handgrip of a medical device, in particular a sensor data logger, the electronic module comprising a two-part printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as PCB) having a first part and a second part interconnected, electronic components provided on the PCB, and an encapsulation material comprising a material resistant to sterilization processes and enclosing the PCB, wherein the first part of the PCB is at least the same width as the second part of the PCB, the second part is positioned in a plane different from the plane of the first part, and is included within the width of the first part, at least in the width direction, in a top view of the first part.

[0008] In this way, by distributing the PCB containing electronic components onto two different planes, which may be stacked on top of each other in the width direction of the first portion, and further encapsulating the entire PCB in a suitable encapsulation material, both a compact design and high resistance to external influences and especially to sterilization processes can be achieved.

[0009] In certain embodiments, selected electronic components may protrude from the encapsulation material, such as an antenna for communicating with an external communication device, and may extend beyond the PCB, and it should be noted that they are less sensitive to the sterilization process than other electronic components.

[0010] To enable the electronic device module according to the present invention to achieve the independent operation described above, the electronic device module may further comprise at least one energy storage unit, in particular a battery, such as a primary coin cell, for supplying power to the electronic components. In different embodiments, other types of energy storage units, such as rechargeable batteries and / or supercapacitors, may also be provided. By providing such energy storage units, electrical coupling between the PCB of the electronic device module and an external power source or primary medical device is not required.

[0011] Regardless of the specific type of energy storage unit used in the electronic device module, the at least one energy storage unit may also be enclosed by an enclosure material such that, in the case of a rechargeable energy storage unit, the charging interface needs to extend outward from the enclosure material or the capability for contactless charging needs to be provided.

[0012] While different encapsulation materials are known in the art that are resistant to sterilization processes such as steam sterilization, plasma sterilization, and processing in automatic washer sterilizers, the encapsulation material for the electronic module according to the present invention may be, for example, a silicone compound or a duromer plastic compound, both of which are relatively inexpensive and easy to apply to each component to be protected. Such encapsulation materials are preferably applied in a low-temperature process so as not to degrade the electronic components, as well as possible solder joints and energy storage units.

[0013] In order to achieve not only independent operation of the electronic device module but also the transmission of data from the electronic component to an external communication device, the electronic component may be equipped with an antenna system and wireless functionality for wireless communication with the external communication unit incorporated within the electronic component. For this purpose, known communication standards and frequencies may be used, or proprietary protocols may be used, and different transmission frequencies with corresponding dimensions of the antenna system may be selected depending on the specific embodiment of data transfer.

[0014] As briefly mentioned above, electronic components may be adapted for periodic collection of sensor data by at least one sensor unit contained therein, particularly with respect to temperature, pressure, humidity, acceleration, bending force, mechanical force, and / or the presence of chemicals. By providing such a sensor unit, the usage status of a corresponding medical device can be recorded over time to ensure that the medical device is not exposed to irregular conditions that could cause damage.

[0015] Regarding the arrangement of the first and second parts of the PCB, the plane of the first part of the PCB may be parallel to the plane of the second part of the PCB, but different angles between the two parts are also possible, depending on the specific geometric constraints given to the electronic equipment module at the mounting position of the electronic equipment module in the corresponding handgrip.

[0016] The first and second parts of the PCB may further be formed as two components of a single flexible or bendable PCB, but they may also be embodied by separate substrates interconnected at their longitudinal end regions, particularly by flexible PCB connectors. However, other types of connections between the two parts of the PCB, such as wiring in its longitudinal central portion, may also be implemented.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a handgrip for a medical device, comprising an outer shell portion defining an inner space of the handgrip, and an electronic device module according to the present invention positioned within the inner space of the handgrip, preferably adjacent to the inner wall of the outer shell portion. Furthermore, a partition wall may be provided inside the inner space of the handgrip, and the partition wall, together with the outer shell portion, defines a compartment of the inner space in which the electronic device module is housed. Additional partitions may be provided at the longitudinal ends of the compartment to further enclose the electronic device module on all sides thereof, and at least one of the partitions may be openable to improve access to the electronic device module.

[0018] In particular, the encapsulating material may substantially fill the entire compartment with respect to at least the longitudinal cross-section of the inner space of the handgrip, and / or the partition wall may be positioned inside the inner space of the handgrip such that, in a cross-sectional view, the compartment occupies less than half of the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner space.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, the outer shell portion may have a substantially circular cross-section, such that when positioned radially outward adjacent to the inner wall of the outer shell portion, the electronic equipment module may have a encapsulation in the form of a cylindrical notch.

[0020] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a medical device equipped with the handgrip according to the present invention, in particular to a video laparoscope.

[0021] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of its embodiments when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These are particularly shown in the following drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a cross-sectional view of a handgrip of a medical instrument according to the present invention having an electronic device module in an inner space. [Figure 2] It is a side view of the electronic device module of FIG. 1.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a handgrip 10 of a medical instrument that may be grasped by a user. The medical instrument may be, for example, a video laparoscope. Usually, an optical guide and further video components as well as mechanical components pass through the handgrip 10.

[0024] For this purpose, the handgrip 10 comprises an outer shell 12 that defines an inner space 14 of the handgrip 10 and may be made of, for example, a plastic material. The inner space 14 is divided by a partition wall 16 into a main part 14a and a compartment 14b. In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, it can be seen that the cross-sectional area occupied by the compartment 14b is smaller than, for example, the remaining free space of the main part 14a where an optical guide and video connections as well as mechanical components may be installed. Further, the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the handgrip 10 are represented by arrows L and W in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively.

[0025] An electronic device module according to the present invention is accommodated within the compartment 14b that may be further defined at its longitudinal ends in the extending direction of the handgrip 10. This is generally indicated by reference numeral 20 and is shown again in a schematic side view in FIG. 2.

[0026] The electronic device module 20 may be, for example, a sensor data logger, or may include a sensor data logger comprising electronic components such as a sensor, a control unit, an antenna system, and a battery cell, which are generally referred to by reference no. 22 and are mounted on a two-part printed circuit board (PCB) 24 (hereinafter referred to as PCB24). In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the two-part PCB24 comprises a first portion 24a that is wider in the width direction W and a second portion 24b that is narrower, extending in parallel planes and fitting into the available space within the inner compartment 14b of the handgrip 10. Here, in a top view of the first portion 24a, corresponding to the radial direction toward the center of the circular outer shell 12, in Figure 1, the second portion 24b is completely housed within the first portion 24a with respect to both the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W.

[0027] In one of these longitudinal end regions, the first portion 24a and the second portion 24b of the PCB 24 are connected by a flexible PCB connector 24c, but in an alternative modification of the present invention, a flexible PCB bent into a shape including two corresponding portions 24a and 24b may also be used instead.

[0028] Furthermore, the PCB 24 and electronic components 22 are enclosed in a containment material 26 that fills the entire compartment 14b where the PCB 24 is located, at least in part of the longitudinal extension L of the handgrip 10. By using a containment material that is resistant to the sterilization processes that are expected to be applied to the handgrip 10 during a normal use cycle, it is possible to ensure that the electronic module 20 is not affected by such processes and that the operation of the electronic module 20 is not adversely affected by the repeated sterilization processes applied to the handgrip 10. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0029] 10 Hand Grips 12 Outer shell 14 Interior space 14a Main part Section 14b 16 Partition Wall 20 Electronic Equipment Modules 22 Electronic Components 24 Printed circuit boards (PCBs) 24a Part 1 24b Second part 24c flexible PCB connections 26. Encapsulation materials L Longitudinal direction W (width direction)

Claims

1. An electronic module for integration into the handgrip of a medical device, A two-part printed circuit board in which the first part and the second part are interconnected, Electronic components provided on the aforementioned printed circuit board, It comprises a material resistant to sterilization processes and an encapsulation material for enclosing the printed circuit board, The first portion has at least the same width as the second portion. An electronic device module, wherein the second portion is positioned in a plane different from the plane of the first portion, and is included within the width of the first portion in a top view of the first portion, at least in the width direction.

2. The electronic device module according to claim 1, further comprising at least one energy storage unit for supplying power to the electronic components.

3. The electronic device module according to claim 2, wherein the at least one energy storage unit is enclosed by the sealing material.

4. The electronic device module according to claim 1, wherein the encapsulating material is a silicone compound or a duromer plastic compound.

5. The electronic device module according to claim 1, wherein the encapsulating material is applied to a low-temperature process.

6. The electronic device module according to claim 1, wherein the electronic component comprises an antenna system and a wireless function for wireless communication with an external communication unit.

7. The electronic module according to claim 1, wherein the electronic component is adapted to the periodic collection of sensor data by a sensor unit with respect to temperature, pressure, humidity, acceleration, bending force, mechanical force and / or the presence of chemical substances.

8. The electronic device module according to claim 1, wherein the plane of the first portion is parallel to the plane of the second portion.

9. The electronic device module according to claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion are interconnected at their longitudinal end regions by a flexible PCB connector.

10. It is a handgrip for medical devices, The outer shell portion defines the inner space of the handgrip, The electronic device module according to claim 1, positioned within the inner space of the handgrip Includes a hand grip.

11. The hand grip according to claim 10, further comprising a partition wall within the inner space of the hand grip, wherein the partition wall, together with the outer shell portion, defines a section of the inner space, and the electronic device module is housed within the section.

12. The hand grip according to claim 11, wherein the sealing material substantially fills the entire compartment with respect to at least the longitudinal cross-section of the inner space of the hand grip.

13. The hand grip according to claim 11, wherein the partition wall is positioned inside the inner space of the hand grip such that, in a cross-sectional view, the compartment occupies less than half the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner space.

14. The hand grip according to claim 10, wherein the outer shell portion has a substantially circular cross-section.

15. A medical device comprising a handgrip according to any one of claims 10 to 14.

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