Medical devices are often built to remain in service for many years, but the battery technology inside them may not have the same lifespan. Components can become obsolete, suppliers may discontinue products and changing technical requirements can make an original battery harder to source.
At Lincad, we design and manufacture batteries for medical devices and other specialist applications, helping customers find practical solutions when an existing power source is no longer available or no longer suitable.
An Obsolete Battery Can Create a Bigger Problem
When an original battery reaches end of life, replacing it is not always as straightforward as finding a product with the same voltage and dimensions.
The battery may need to meet specific requirements relating to capacity, discharge performance, charging, communication, physical size and connection points. In some cases, the original cells or electronic components may no longer be manufactured at all.
For medical equipment manufacturers, this can create a risk to continued product support, servicing and production.
Can an Existing Medical Device Be Redesigned Around a New Battery?
In many cases, yes. A bespoke battery solution can be developed around the requirements of the existing device. This may involve reviewing the original battery specification, available space, electrical interfaces and the way the battery interacts with the charger and wider system.
At Lincad, our design and manufacturing capabilities allow us to develop custom battery packs and associated charging solutions for demanding applications.
Where appropriate, modern battery technology can also offer opportunities to improve runtime, reduce weight or enhance monitoring compared with an older battery design.
Compatibility Matters
Replacing a battery is not simply about physical fit.
The new battery must operate correctly with the device and, where relevant, its existing charging system. Battery management electronics, protection features and communication systems may all need to be considered as part of the redesign.
A carefully engineered replacement can help extend the usable life of equipment while avoiding the disruption and cost associated with replacing an entire device solely because its original battery is obsolete.
Planning Ahead for Long Product Lifecycles
The availability of a battery is an important consideration for any medical device expected to remain in use for an extended period.
By considering component availability, battery chemistry and future support at the design stage, manufacturers can reduce the risk of unexpected obsolescence later in the product lifecycle.
At Lincad, we work with customers from initial design through to manufacture, supporting the development of reliable, bespoke power solutions for specialist equipment.
If your medical device has outlived its original battery, a custom battery redesign may provide a practical route to keeping that equipment in service for longer.