Wireless Charging Interface for Mobile Medical Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile medical apparatuses with integrated accumulators face risks of tripping hazards from power cords and potential hygienic risks due to forgotten connections during surgical interventions, leading to unsafe and unreliable power supply.
Innovation Solution
A medical apparatus system with an integrated accumulator that automatically connects to a power supply via a cordless interface at a stationary location, utilizing inductive or plug-in connections to eliminate tripping hazards and ensure reliable power, featuring a room-side interface component, such as an underfloor component, and a medical apparatus-side interface component, which can include induction coils or plug connectors, for safe and efficient charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a power cord is used to connect the medical apparatus to the power supply, then the medical apparatus can be ensured to function during surgical intervention, but the medical personnel may trip over the power cord creating dangerous situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the power cord from the system by implementing wireless power transmission through electromagnetic induction. The mobile medical apparatus receives power inductively from a stationary power supply unit, removing the physical cord that causes tripping hazards while maintaining continuous power supply reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection (power cord) with an electromagnetic field-based power transmission system. The interface comprises a power supply unit with electromagnetic transmitter and a mobile medical apparatus with electromagnetic receiver, substituting mechanical contact with field-based energy transfer to eliminate tripping risks.
2Reliability
If the power cord connection is used, then power can be supplied to the medical apparatus, but the connection may be forgotten leading to the medical apparatus stopping functioning during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic connection management where the mobile medical apparatus autonomously establishes and maintains the power connection. The system includes automatic detection, connection initiation, and status monitoring without requiring manual intervention, ensuring the apparatus remains powered during surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the power connection status and automatically alert or correct connection issues. The control device receives feedback about the power supply state and can initiate reconnection procedures or alert medical personnel, preventing power interruption during surgery.
3Reliability
If the connection is established during the surgery, then the power supply can be restored, but this is accompanied with hygienic risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connection interface from the mobile medical apparatus and places it in a stationary power supply unit located outside the sterile surgical field. This allows power transmission through electromagnetic fields without requiring physical penetration of the sterile barrier, eliminating hygienic risks associated with establishing connections during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary medium for power transmission. The stationary power supply unit acts as an intermediary that can transmit power through walls or barriers without physical contact, allowing the mobile apparatus to receive power without breaking the sterile seal during surgical procedures.
4Reliability
If an extensive room-side interface component is provided, then power can be supplied to the mobile medical apparatus, but the installation becomes complex and barriers to access are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system into a stationary power supply unit with electromagnetic transmitter and a mobile medical apparatus with electromagnetic receiver. This segmentation allows the complex power transmission functionality to be distributed, with the stationary unit handling the interface complexity outside the surgical area while the mobile unit remains simple and easy to position.
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 provides a safe, comfortable, and reliable power supply by eliminating the risk of tripping hazards and forgotten connections, ensuring continuous operation of medical apparatuses during surgeries without the need for extensive room-side interfaces or complex installations, while maintaining a barrier-free environment and preventing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
the room-side interface component and the medical apparatus-side interface component respectively comprise inductively transmitting components configured to interact for transmitting electric power from the power supply device to the accumulator
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical apparatus system (1) is provided. The medical apparatus system (1) comprises a mobile component of a medical apparatus (2) comprising an integrated accumulator (7) for providing electric power for a control device (5) and for electric actuators (4) of the mobile component of the medical apparatus (2), and an interface (10) configured to automatically connect a power supply device (9) and the accumulator (7) only at a stationary connecting location, wherein the interface (10) comprises a room-side interface component (10') and a collaborating medical apparatus-side interface component (10").