Intermediate Power Cell for Wireless Device Recharging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical systems with wireless devices face challenges in providing a reliable and continuous power source, especially in environments where devices are not constantly connected to a power source, and there is a need for effective battery health monitoring and reporting to ensure safe and continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
A power management subsystem that includes an intermediate power cell for recharging wireless devices, allowing for in-situ battery recharging, monitoring, and reporting battery health and status, even when the device is not connected to a power source, using a combination of wired and wireless modes for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless devices use internal batteries for operation, then wireless communication capability is achieved, but power reliability deteriorates due to limited battery life and lack of continuous power source
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit pre-charges the portable device's battery before the device is needed for use. The system accumulates energy in advance during periods when the device is docked and connected to AC power, ensuring the device is ready for immediate wireless operation without waiting for external charging during critical periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit acts as an intermediary power source between AC power and the portable device. It includes a power cell that stores energy and a controller that manages power transfer, mediating the power supply to ensure continuous operation even when the device is away from the base unit.
2Ease of operation
If the device is moved away from the base unit for use, then wireless mobility is achieved, but power availability deteriorates since the base unit may not have a power source
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging of the portable device's battery when the device is docked at the base unit and AC power is available. This advance preparation ensures that sufficient energy is stored in the device's battery before it is moved away for wireless operation, eliminating the need for continuous connection to power sources during use.
3Ease of operation
If battery recharging is only available at the end of the day, then device portability is maintained, but operational continuity deteriorates due to potential power depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous power availability by charging the portable device's battery multiple times throughout the day whenever the device is returned to the base unit and AC power is available. This continuous recharging cycle ensures the device never depletes its battery, maintaining uninterrupted operational continuity while preserving full portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit proactively charges the device battery in advance of when it might be needed, rather than waiting until the end of the day. This preliminary charging action occurs whenever the device is docked, ensuring the device is always ready for extended operation without power concerns.
4Reliability
If the base unit is unplugged from AC power for storage, then safety and proper storage are achieved, but power management capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit's power management system operates autonomously to charge the portable device whenever AC power is available and the device is docked. The controller automatically manages power transfer without requiring user intervention, and the system naturally adapts to being unplugged - it simply doesn't charge during those periods, maintaining safety while preserving full power management capability when needed.
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
Ensures reliable and continuous power to wireless medical devices, providing real-time battery status monitoring and alerting users to recharge, thus ensuring safe and consistent operation even in environments without constant power availability.
Implementation Method 1
providing a charge to an intermediate power cell by electrically connecting the intermediate power cell to a power source, disconnecting the intermediate power cell from the power source, and electrically connecting the wireless device to the intermediate power cell
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for wireless device power management is provided. The method comprises providing a charge to an intermediate power cell by electrically connecting the intermediate power cell to a power source, disconnecting the intermediate power cell from the power source, and electrically connecting the wireless device to the intermediate power cell. Such electrical connecting enables power cell recharging within the wireless device.