An infographic has been created to help original equipment manufacturers make decisions on power requirements for medical devices in the home. Available to download from Accutronics’ website, it displays the thought processes that OEMs should go through when designing applications requiring batteries, specifically for choosing between primary and secondary batteries.
The global homecare medical equipment (HME) market is estimated to reach $35,183 million by 2023, growing from 7.1% since this year. This presents medical manufacturers with an opportunity, as well as challenges to overcome.
“As a professional battery manufacturer, we have years of experience in supplying off-the-shelf batteries for the medical market, as well as delivering bespoke designs,” explained Michele Windsor, global marketing manager at Accutronics. “As such, we have seen the mistakes that are commonly made by OEMs when choosing a power source for their medtech device. Most often, OEMs consider the power source far too late in the design process, making it difficult for battery manufacturers to provide the right battery in terms of power requirements.”
Especially since the device is out of reach from medical professionals for long periods of time, OEMs must consider the power requirements in the earliest possible stage of the design cycle. In the market research period of the project, OEMs must determine how often the device will be used in order for battery manufacturers to find the right fit for the device.
“We find that OEMs sometimes have failed to consider how the device should be powered,” continued Oliver. “The infographic allows OEMs to consider whether they need rechargeable (secondary) or non-rechargeable (primary) batteries, removable or non-removable batteries. OEMs can ensure a successful and effective product simply by considering these things sooner in the design cycle.
“In the home healthcare market there is a lot at stake when supplying a device, so it is important that the power supply to the device is well thought out. For example, should a monitoring device really have a rechargeable battery, if it is to be given to a senior citizen that may not be comfortable with technology? Or if a replaceable battery is used, the manufacturer must be sure that the right type and quality of battery will be used as a replacement.
“However, another device may require a rechargeable battery if it is constantly in use, meaning that the patient must not constantly go back to their medical practitioner.”