Sterile Medical Device Charging via Inductive Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply devices and methods are unable to safely charge medical equipment and instruments located in a sealed and sterile environment, as they are susceptible to contamination and lack a sterile power supply.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for supplying power to a portable device with chargeable batteries, involving sealing the device in a sterile environment using microbial barriers, charging the device within this environment, and using a power supply to charge the batteries, either wirelessly or through a wired connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing power supply devices are used to charge medical equipment, then power can be supplied to the device, but the device cannot be charged in a sealed sterile environment and is susceptible to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the charging function into two separate components: a sterile sealed package containing the medical device and battery, and an external power supply unit. This segmentation allows the device to be charged in a sterile environment without compromising sterility, as the power transfer occurs through the sealed barrier via inductive coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sterile barrier (sealed package) as an intermediary between the sterile medical device and the external power supply. This intermediary enables power transfer while maintaining sterility, solving the contradiction between needing external power access and maintaining a sealed sterile environment.
2Reliability
If the portable device is sealed in a sterile environment, then sterility is maintained, but power supply becomes difficult and charging capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical electrical contact (cables, connectors) with electromagnetic induction for power transfer. This substitution allows power to be transmitted through the sterile barrier without physical penetration, maintaining sterility while enabling full battery charging capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the battery to be charged to full capacity before the sterile package is opened, ensuring the device has sufficient power for its intended use. This preliminary charging action eliminates the need for partial charging (10-50% capacity) that was previously necessary.
3Quantity of substance
If the device is charged before opening the sterile environment, then full capacity can be achieved, but the charging process requires external power access through the sealed barrier
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed package acts as an intermediary that enables full battery charging while maintaining sterility. The package's barrier properties allow electromagnetic power transfer without compromising the sterile environment, achieving both full charge capacity and sterility maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed package serves multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains sterility, enables power transfer, and allows full battery charging. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate charging and sterilization processes, despite the increased complexity of the power transfer mechanism.
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 solution ensures that medical equipment can be safely and fully charged in a sterile environment, maintaining the sterility and safety of the equipment and protecting patient health.
Implementation Method 1
sealing the portable device in a sterile environment using a first microbial barrier, and the first microbial barrier may maintain the sterile environment
Implementation Method 2
a power supply may be arranged to supply power to the at least one chargeable battery contained in the portable device
Data Source
AI summary
A portable device and method of supplying power to the portable device may provide a sterile environment that may protect the health and safety of patients on whom the device is employed. The portable device may be charged inside of the sterile environment. The portable device may be charged using at least one chargeable battery that may be arranged internal and/or external to a portion of the portable device, or internal and/or external to the portable device. A power supply may be connected to the at least one chargeable battery and power the portable device for use. The portable device may be charged up to 100% and/or or fully charged prior to opening the sterile environment.