Wireless Charging Autoclavable Batteries Sterilizable Tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
In medical settings, particularly in surgical environments, there is a need to recharge electrochemical cells or battery packs without physically contacting them to maintain sterility and prevent contamination, as traditional charging methods can degrade cell performance and risk infection.
Innovation Solution
A wireless electrical energy charging system using near-field resonant inductive coupling, where a transmitting circuit wirelessly transfers alternating current electrical energy to a capture circuit, allowing for the charging of electrochemical cells or battery packs without physical contact, thereby minimizing contamination risks and maintaining optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional physical contact charging methods are used, then charging efficiency is improved, but sterility is compromised and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based charging system with a wireless electromagnetic induction charging system. The transmitting circuit in the tray and receiving circuit in the battery pack enable power transfer through electromagnetic fields without physical contact, eliminating contamination risk while maintaining charging functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer energy between the charging tray and battery pack. This intermediary allows power transfer without direct physical contact, preserving sterility while enabling charging operation
2Reliability
If autoclave sterilization process is applied to batteries, then sterility is achieved, but cell performance degrades due to heat-induced chemical reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery pack from the sterilization process by implementing wireless charging. The battery can be charged without entering the autoclave, separating the sterilization requirement (for the tray) from the battery charging function, thus avoiding heat-induced performance degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitting circuit is pre-integrated into the sterilizable tray, allowing the tray to be sterilized independently before use. The wireless charging function is already prepared and activated, enabling immediate charging of sterilized or non-sterilized battery packs without exposing them to autoclave heat
3Ease of operation
If batteries are removed from sterile field for recharging, then charging is enabled, but sterile field integrity is breached and infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the charging function directly into the sterile field by integrating the transmitting circuit into the tray that remains within the sterile environment. This allows batteries to be recharged in-place without leaving the sterile field, maintaining integrity while enabling continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack contains an integrated receiving circuit that autonomously receives power wirelessly when placed on the tray. The system serves itself by enabling self-charging without external physical connection or removal from the sterile environment
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
Enables efficient and sterile recharging of electrochemical cells or battery packs, reducing the risk of infection and extending their usable life by avoiding physical contact and heat-induced performance degradation.
Implementation Method 1
A wireless electrical energy charging system using near-field resonant inductive coupling, where a transmitting circuit wirelessly transfers alternating current electrical energy to a capture circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for wirelessly charging an electrical energy storage device such as secondary electrochemical cell or battery pack of at least two electrically connected secondary cells is described. The system comprises an electrical energy capture circuit and capture coil that is electrically incorporatable with an energy storage device. The system is primarily designed to be used with electrical power that is wirelessly transmitted by near field magnetic induction. The energy transmitting circuit and coil may be incorporated within a container designed to hold or enclose an energy storage device during an autoclave sterilization process. In addition, a wireless energy adapter configured with the energy capture circuit designed to facilitate wireless charging of an energy storage device is disclosed. Furthermore, a cart designed to provide a mobile wireless energy source is disclosed. The cart comprises at least one of the energy transmitting circuit, transmitting coil, energy capture circuit, and energy capture coil.