Surgical Power Bus Switching for Short-Term Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical systems, such as surgical systems, are vulnerable to short-term power losses which can adversely affect the efficacy and results of procedures, particularly during complex surgeries where maintaining a continuous power supply is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A power loss mitigation system that includes a power supply subsystem with a main power supply, a power bus, an alternate power supply, and a circuit that monitors voltage, automatically connecting to the alternate power supply when the main power supply drops below a reference voltage, and disconnecting when restored, using capacitors to maintain a continuous power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a main power supply is used for surgical systems, then the system can operate with standard AC mains power, but the system is vulnerable to short-term power losses that can adversely affect surgical performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary action by pre-charging capacitors to stored voltage levels before power loss occurs. The capacitors are continuously charged from the main power supply during normal operation, so that when a power interruption happens, the stored energy is immediately available to maintain system operation. This preliminary energy storage resolves the contradiction by ensuring reliability through advance preparation without requiring complex real-time power conversion systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses capacitors as an intermediary energy storage device between the main power supply and the surgical system load. The capacitors act as a buffer that can rapidly discharge energy during power interruptions, mediating the transition between main power and system consumption. This intermediary approach provides reliable power continuity while keeping the overall system relatively simple, as capacitors are straightforward components compared to complex UPS systems.
2Reliability
If voltage monitoring and automatic switching to alternate power supply is implemented, then power continuity is maintained during voltage drops, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the main power supply voltage and comparing it against a predetermined threshold. When the voltage drops below the threshold, the monitoring circuit automatically triggers switching to the alternate power supply (capacitors). This feedback mechanism ensures reliable power continuity by responding to voltage changes in real-time, while keeping the circuit relatively simple through the use of basic voltage comparison and automatic switching logic rather than complex control systems.
3Speed
If capacitors are used as alternate power supply, then rapid response to power loss is achieved, but the energy storage capacity is limited compared to battery systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using capacitors to provide power for only the critical short-term interruption period rather than attempting to cover all possible durations. The system is designed to handle brief power losses (seconds to minutes) where capacitors provide sufficient energy, while accepting that longer interruptions would require different solutions. This approach achieves rapid response capability with capacitors without the complexity and size of battery systems, as the capacitor bank is sized appropriately for the expected interruption duration rather than maximum possible duration.
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 system ensures continuous power to surgical systems during short-term power losses, minimizing adverse effects on surgical performance and patient safety by maintaining stable power levels.
Implementation Method 1
the alternate power supply may include a capacitor configured to provide a continuous power supply during a power loss
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, circuits, and methods to mitigate effects of short-term power losses in medical systems are provided. An exemplary surgical system includes a fluidics subsystem, a surgical instrument subsystem that couples to a surgical instrument and a power supply subsystem coupled to the surgical instrument subsystem. The power supply subsystem includes a main power supply connectable to AC mains to generate a voltage, a power bus connected to the main power supply, an alternate power supply, and a circuit that monitors the voltage on the power bus for powering the surgical instrument subsystem. The circuit automatically connects the power bus to the alternate power supply when the voltage drops below a reference voltage due to a power loss from the main power supply.