Reinforced battery for a surgical instrument

• US 9,931,118 B2
• Filed: 02/27/2015
• Issued: 04/03/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 02/27/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery LLC (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Shelton, IV, Frederick E., Yates, David C., Swayze, Jeffrey S., Harris, Jason L., Beckman, Andrew T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Chukwurah, Nathaniel
• Application Number:
  US14/633,542
• Publication Number:
  US 20160249908A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,131 Days
• Field of Search: 2271751, 2271761, 227 19
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/068 Surgical staplers , e.g. containing multiple staples or clampsstaplers containing only one staple A61B17/10; magazines or containers for staples A61B17/105; for performing anastomosis A61B17/115; staplers in general B25C5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/072 for applying a row of staples in a single action , e.g. the staples being applied simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/07207 the staples being applied sequentially
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/105 Wound clamp magazines for packaging sharps A61B50/3001
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1155 Circular staplers comprising a plurality of staples
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1628 Motors; Power supplies
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/2909 Handles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00017 Electrical control of surgical instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0003 of parts of the instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00084 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00115 with audible or visual output with imaging means A61B90/37, A61B34/20
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00199 with a console, e.g. a control panel with a display
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00221 with wireless transmission of data, e.g. by infrared radiation or radiowaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00398 using powered actuators, e.g. stepper motors, solenoids
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00402 Piezo electric actuators
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0046 with a releasable handle; with handle and operating part separable for prosthetic joint-implanting tools A61F2/4603
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00464 for use with different instruments with hole for different instruments A61B2017/22072
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00469 for insertion of instruments, e.g. guide wire, optical fibre
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00473 Distal part, e.g. tip or head A61B2017/00464 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00477 Coupling A61B2017/0046 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00716 : simulating physical properties
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00725 : Calibration or performance testing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00734 : battery operated
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07214 : Stapler heads
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07271 : characterised by its cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07285 : characterised by its cutter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2925 : Pistol grips
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1226 : powered by a battery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0803 : Counting the number of times an instrument is used
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0809 : Indication of cracks or breakages
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0811 : for the position of a particular part of an instrument with respect to the rest of the instrument, e.g. position of the anvil of a stapling instrument
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0812 : indicating loosening or shifting of parts of an instrument, signaling maladjustment of parts
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0813 : Accessories designed for easy sterilising, i.e. re-usable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0814 : Preventing re-use
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0214 : of power generation or supply
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 50/33 : Trays
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/70 : Cleaning devices specially adapted for surgical instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/98 : using electromagnetic means, e.g. transponders
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/26 : Accessories or devices or components used for biocidal treatment
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/28 : Devices for testing the effectiveness or completeness of sterilisation, e.g. indicators which change colour apparatus involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M1/34; methods involving enzymes or microorganisms C12Q1/00
• CPC Class Codes: B25F 3/00 : Associations of tools for different working operations with one portable power-drive means; Adapters therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B25F 5/006 : Vibration damping means
• CPC Class Codes: B25H 3/006 : Storage means specially adapted for one specific hand apparatus, e.g. an electric drill
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/20 : for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities, e.g. managing hospital staff or surgery rooms
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/40 : for the management of medical equipment or devices, e.g. scheduling maintenance or upgrades
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/0445 : Multimode batteries, e.g. containing auxiliary cells or electrodes switchable in parallel or series connections
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/4257 : Smart batteries, e.g. electronic circuits inside the housing of the cells or batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/46 : Accumulators structurally combined with charging apparatus circuits for charging H02J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/613 : Cooling or keeping cold
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/6235 : Power tools
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/658 : by thermal insulation or shielding
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2220/30 : Batteries in portable systems, e.g. mobile phone, laptop
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/213 : adapted for cells having curved cross-section, e.g. round or elliptic H01M50/209, H01M50/216 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/24 : adapted for protecting batteries from their environment, e.g. from corrosion thermal insulation H01M10/658
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/242 : adapted for protecting batteries against vibrations, collision impact or swelling
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/247 : specially adapted for portable devices, e.g. mobile phones, computers, hand tools or pacemakers
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/262 : with fastening means, e.g. locks
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/267 : having means for adapting to batteries or cells of different types or different sizes
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2207/40 : adapted for charging from various sources, e.g. AC, DC or multivoltage
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/23 : The load being a medical device, a medical implant, or a life supporting device
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00 : Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00036 : Charger exchanging data with battery
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00047 : with provisions for charging different types of batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0013 : acting upon several batteries simultaneously or sequentially H02J7/1423 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0014 : Circuits for equalisation of charge between batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0042 : characterised by the mechanical construction
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0045 : concerning the insertion or the connection of the batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0048 : Detection of remaining charge capacity or state of charge [SOC]
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/005 : Detection of state of health [SOH]
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/342 : The other DC source being a battery actively interacting with the first one, i.e. battery to battery charging with circuits for polarity protection H02J7/0034
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 : Energy storage using batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 70/50 : Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product

Abstract

A battery assembly is disclosed which includes a housing and one or more battery cells position in the housing. The battery assembly further comprises features configured to absorb an impact force and protect the battery cells. The battery assembly further comprises features configured to accommodate the thermal expansion of the battery cells.

Claims

1. A surgical instrument, comprising:

a housing;

a motor; and

a battery assembly attachable to said housing of said surgical instrument, said battery assembly comprising;

a battery cell configured to provide electrical energy to said motor; and

a battery housing, comprising;

a support housing configured to support said battery cell; and

a shock absorbing element configured to absorb shock provided by an impact force, wherein said shock absorbing element is configured to crumple when an impact force is applied to said shock absorbing element,

wherein said shock absorbing element is replaceable, and

wherein said shock absorbing element comprises attachment means configured to permit said shock absorbing element to be attached to said battery assembly in a snap-fit fashion.

2. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein said attachment means comprises an adhesive.

3. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein said battery housing further comprises an aperture, and wherein said attachment means comprises a protrusion configured to be received by said aperture in said battery housing in a wedge-fit fashion.

4. A surgical instrument, comprising:

a housing;

a motor; and

a battery assembly attachable to said housing of said surgical instrument, said battery assembly comprising;

a battery cell configured to provide electrical energy to said motor; and

a battery housing, comprising;

a support housing configured to support said battery cell; and

a shock absorbing element configured to absorb shock provided by an impact force, wherein said shock absorbing element is configured to crumple when an impact force is applied to said shock absorbing element,

wherein, when said shock absorbing element crumples, said shock absorbing element deforms in an inward direction which still permits the attachment of said battery assembly to said housing of said surgical instrument after said shock absorbing element has been impacted.

5. The surgical instrument of claim 4, wherein said shock absorbing element is replaceable.

6. The surgical instrument of claim 4, wherein said shock absorbing element comprises a lattice structure.

7. The surgical instrument of claim 4, wherein said shock absorbing element crumples when the impact force is greater than a threshold force.

8. The surgical instrument of claim 4, wherein said battery assembly further comprises a plurality of corners, wherein said battery housing further comprises a plurality of said shock absorbing elements, and wherein said plurality of said shock absorbing elements are positioned at each said corner.

9. The surgical instrument of claim 8, wherein said battery housing comprises:

an electrical contact configured to transmit electrical energy from said battery cell to said motor; and

a bottom face associated with said electrical contact, wherein each said shock absorbing element comprises an end portion extending beyond said bottom face of said battery housing to protect said electrical contact.

10. The surgical instrument of claim 8, wherein each said shock absorbing element comprises a bottom end and a top end, and wherein said battery assembly further comprises a shock absorbing cap positioned at the top ends of said shock absorbing elements.

11. A battery assembly for use with a surgical instrument, said battery assembly comprising:

a battery cell;

an electrical contact configured to transmit electrical energy provided by said battery cell to the surgical instrument when said battery assembly is attached to the surgical instrument;

a first housing configured to support said battery cell;

a second housing configured to house said first housing; and

a shock absorbing layer positioned between said first housing and said second housing, wherein said shock absorbing layer comprises a lattice structure,

wherein said lattice structure comprises a plurality of cells, said plurality of cells comprising;

an inner cell comprising an inner planar wall, wherein said inner planar wall is oriented at least substantially parallel said first housing; and

an outer cell comprising an outer planar wall, wherein said outer planar wall is oriented at least substantially parallel said second housing.

12. A battery assembly for use with a surgical instrument, said battery assembly comprising:

a battery cell;

an electrical contact configured to transmit electrical energy provided by said battery cell to the surgical instrument when said battery assembly is attached to the surgical instrument;

a first housing configured to support said battery cell;

a second housing configured to house said first housing; and

a shock absorbing layer positioned between said first housing and said second housing, wherein said shock absorbing layer comprises a lattice structure,

wherein said battery assembly further comprises a shock absorbing cap, said shock absorbing cap comprising;

an outer lattice; and

an inner lattice, wherein said outer lattice is more dense than said inner lattice.

13. The battery assembly of claim 12, wherein said shock absorbing layer comprises a foam-like material.

14. The battery assembly of claim 12, wherein said shock absorbing layer comprises a plurality of dampening elements.

15. A battery assembly for use with a surgical instrument, said battery assembly comprising:

a battery cell configured to provide power to the surgical instrument;

a housing, comprising;

a heat reflecting shell;

a heat sink layer; and

a compressible layer positioned between said heat sink layer and said heat reflecting shell, wherein said compressible layer is configured to flex in response to expansion of said battery cell.

16. The battery assembly of claim 15, wherein said compressible layer is further configured to dissipate impact energy absorbed by said heat reflecting shell.

17. The battery assembly of claim 15, wherein said compressible layer comprises a lattice structure.

18. The battery assembly of claim 17, wherein said lattice structure is a closed lattice structure defined by said heat reflecting shell and said heat sink layer.

19. The battery assembly of claim 15, wherein said heat reflecting shell comprises a first thermal expansion coefficient, wherein said heat sink layer comprises a second thermal expansion coefficient, and wherein said first thermal expansion coefficient is less than said second thermal expansion coefficient.