Biopsy Driver Motion-Activated Control Circuit for Battery Conservation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Biopsy devices with battery power sources face challenges in conserving battery life during prolonged procedures due to continuous operation, leading to potential malfunctions from power depletion.

Innovation Solution

A biopsy driver assembly equipped with a control circuit that includes a motion detector, timer circuit, and battery dwell circuit to conserve battery power by providing electrical power only after a predetermined time following physical movement detection, turning off power to unnecessary components when not in use, and resuming power when movement is detected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the biopsy driver assembly remains powered on for the duration of prolonged procedures, then the device is ready for immediate use and can respond to operational commands, but the battery power is depleted faster leading to potential malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereadiness for useVSAvoidbattery power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on detected motion. When motion is detected, the system transitions to a fully powered state with all components operational. When no motion is detected for a predetermined period, the system transitions to a power-saving state, creating a dynamic adaptation between readiness and power conservation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The motion detector continuously monitors for physical movement and triggers periodic power state changes. The system alternates between full-power operational mode and power-saving mode based on the periodic detection of user interaction, ensuring readiness when needed while conserving power during idle periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Speed

If the control circuit provides continuous power to all components, then the device responds immediately to operational commands, but the battery life is reduced during prolonged procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The motion detector continuously monitors for user interaction in advance, detecting motion before operational commands are issued. This preliminary detection allows the system to activate power to components just in time for operation, maintaining quick response capability while minimizing overall power consumption during idle periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power supply parameter dynamically based on detected motion. When motion is detected, power is restored to electrical components. When idle for a predetermined time, power is reduced or shut off to components, creating parameter changes that balance response time with battery life extension

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If the system shuts down power to components during idle periods, then battery power is conserved, but the device may not be ready for immediate operation when needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery power conservationVSAvoidoperational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The motion detector provides continuous feedback about user interaction with the device. This feedback loop allows the control circuit to make informed decisions about power management, restoring power to components when motion is detected, thus maintaining operational reliability while conserving battery power during genuine idle periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own motion detection capability to automatically manage its power state without external intervention. When the device is picked up or moved, the system self-activates by restoring power to components. When placed down and idle, it self-deactivates to conserve power, making the system self-regulating

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4257060B1Biopsy driver assembly having a control circuit for conserving battery power
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 CR BARD INC
  • EP4257060B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4257060B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4257060B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A biopsy driver assembly (12) includes a biopsy driver housing (24). An electrical assembly (200) is coupled to the biopsy driver housing. The electrical assembly includes at least one electrical drive (361, 362) configured for drivably engaging a biopsy probe assembly. A battery (34) is coupled to the biopsy driver housing. A control circuit (702) is coupled to the biopsy driver housing. The control circuit is electrically coupled to the battery and to the electrical assembly (700). The control circuit has a motion detector (704), a timer circuit (706) and a battery dwell circuit (708). The control circuit is configured to conserve the battery by providing electrical power only to the motion detector after a predetermined time following a last detected physical movement of the biopsy driver assembly and to provide electrical power from the battery also to the electrical assembly when a physical movement of the biopsy driver assembly is detected.