System and method for extending the storage duration of a rechargeable battery of an infusion pump
Inventors
Stodola, David Scott • Luzbetak, Mark Andrew
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12427250-B2
Publication Date
2025-09-30
Expiration Date
Abstract
A method for extending the storage lifetime of a battery located in a device is disclosed. The battery lifetime extension method includes providing a device that derives its power from a rechargeable battery. The method further includes providing a rechargeable battery that is capable of communicating with the device. When the device is powered off by a user, a computer implemented program utilized by the device communicates with the battery and automatically powers up the device into a lower power mode upon expiration of a variable duration timer monitored by the computing unit that continuously repeats according to the programed duration cycle, evaluates the state of charge of the rechargeable battery, determines whether the state of charge of the rechargeable battery is above or below a variable programed threshold, and communicates a command to the rechargeable battery to remain in a low power state until a charge is applied to the rechargeable battery.
Core Innovation
The patent describes a rechargeable-battery control method for extending a storage lifetime of a rechargeable battery in a device. The device derives its power from the rechargeable battery and includes a computing unit capable of executing a computer implemented program. The rechargeable battery can communicate with the device, and the method commands the rechargeable battery to enter a lower power state after the device is manually powered down by a user.
After manual power down, the computing unit automatically powers the device into a low power mode from the lower power state after expiration of a variable duration timer. The timer triggers the computing unit to evaluate a state of charge of the rechargeable battery, and the evaluating is continuously repeated according to a programed duration cycle. While the computing unit is powered in the low power mode, the method evaluates the state of charge of the rechargeable battery.
The patent uses the state of charge to determine whether a remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery is above or below a variable programed threshold. A command is communicated to the rechargeable battery to remain in an off or low power state until a charge is applied after determining the remaining capacity is below the variable programed threshold. The device and the rechargeable battery are then woken after detection of an alternate power source.
Claims Coverage
The document provides three independent claims that share the same core logic: manual power-down into a lower power state, recurring low-power wakeups via a variable duration timer to evaluate state of charge, threshold-based command to keep the battery off or low power until charge is applied, and waking upon detection of an alternate power source.
Manual power-down command to enter lower power state
After receiving a command via the user interface to manually power down, the computing unit commands the rechargeable battery to enter a lower power state.
Variable duration timer state-of-charge evaluation in low power mode
The computing unit automatically powers into a low power mode from the lower power state after expiration of a variable duration timer that triggers evaluation of a state of charge of the rechargeable battery, and continuously repeats according to a programed duration cycle.
Variable programmed threshold remaining-capacity determination
The computing unit determines whether a remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery is above or below a variable programed threshold using the state of charge.
Command to remain off or low power until charge is applied
The computing unit communicates a command to the rechargeable battery to remain in an off or low power state until a charge is applied after determining the remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery is below the variable programed threshold.
Alternate power source detection and waking
The device and the rechargeable battery are woken after detection of an alternate power source.
Battery control apparatus with computing unit and user interface
An apparatus includes a rechargeable battery, a user interface, and a computing unit communicatively coupled to the user interface and the rechargeable battery, the computing unit configured to execute a computer implemented program to perform the low-power evaluation, threshold determination, off or low-power command, and waking behavior.
The inventive coverage centers on recurring low-power wakeups using a variable duration timer to evaluate state of charge, comparing remaining capacity to a variable programmed threshold, commanding the rechargeable battery to remain off or low power until charge is applied when the threshold condition is met, and waking upon detection of an alternate power source. The claims also cover an apparatus with a user interface and a computing unit.
Stated Advantages
Extend a storage lifetime of a rechargeable battery.
Documented Applications
Infusion pumps, including peristaltic pumps, syringe pumps, and ambulatory pumps, using a rechargeable-battery control scheme to extend storage lifetime.
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