Battery Pack Circuit Interrupter for Polarity-Safe Surgical Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical instruments face challenges in providing efficient and reliable power sources for motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening operations, particularly in scenarios where battery life and interchangeability are critical.

Innovation Solution

A battery pack system is designed for surgical instruments, featuring a removable power pack with Lithium Ion batteries and a DC brushed or brushless motor, allowing for reversible polarity control and manual backup, integrated with a motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a removable battery pack is used to enable easy replacement and recharging, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential connection issues and polarity reversal risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of battery replacementVSAvoidelectrical connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A circuit interrupter is introduced as an intermediary component between the battery pack and the surgical instrument. This circuit interrupter includes a housing with a receptacle that receives the battery pack, and internally contains polarity detection circuitry and switching mechanisms that automatically detect and correct polarity reversals, thereby maintaining reliable electrical connection while preserving the removable battery design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual polarity verification and correction mechanisms with an automated electronic system. The circuit interrupter uses electronic polarity detection circuitry to automatically identify reversed polarity and activates switching mechanisms to correct the connection, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing the risk of connection errors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If polarity reversal protection is added to prevent damage, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional circuitry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against polarity reversalVSAvoidcircuit interrupter structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit interrupter combines multiple functions into a single integrated unit: battery receptacle, polarity detection circuitry, switching mechanisms, and protection features are all merged into one compact housing. This consolidation provides comprehensive polarity reversal protection while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by integrating components rather than adding separate systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The battery pack system provides reliable power for motor-driven surgical operations, ensuring consistent performance and allowing for easy replacement or recharging, enhancing the efficiency and versatility of surgical instruments.

Implementation Method 1

A battery pack system is designed for surgical instruments, featuring a removable power pack with Lithium Ion batteries

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP3758093B1Battery pack including a circuit interrupter
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 ETHICON INC
  • EP3758093B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3758093B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3758093B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A battery pack for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The battery pack comprises a battery housing, batteries positioned in the battery housing, and an interruption member. The battery housing includes electrical contacts configured to electrically couple the battery pack to the surgical instrument when the battery pack is attached to the surgical instrument. The interruption member is movable from a first position where the interruption member electrically disconnects at least one battery from another battery and a second position. The batteries are electrically connected to the surgical instrument when the interruption member is moved from the first position to the second position and the battery pack is attached to the surgical instrument.