VARTA Microbattery powers technology in sports medicine
Fitness trackers are bang on trend. Whether it is calorie consumption, number of steps or other physical and performance data – wristbands, smartphones and even headphones can measure how sporty we are and tell us where we ought to tweak our training. Lots of people also share their progress in social networks and encourage each other to up their game. Sports medicine technology is also a key theme at this year’s Medica. The leading international trade show for the medical sector has decided to focus, among other things, on how physiotherapy, sports medicine and wearables are helping people get fit and stay fit. Of course, to ensure they can reliably measure and document physical activity, all these wearables and hearables need a suitable power supply. From 13 to 16 November 2017 in Düsseldorf, Germany, VARTA Microbattery exhibits high-performance microbatteries, standardised and customised power packs, and hydrogen gas generating cells. “Medical technology is an increasingly important field of application for our lithium-ion batteries,” says Herbert Schein, CEO of VARTA AG. “From our point of view, the focus is on safety and durability.”
Batteries need to be smaller, lighter and more powerful, particularly for applications such as medical products, wearables and hearables. VARTA Microbattery showcases the successful CoinPower series at its stand. This rechargeable lithium-ion button cell is used in the Cosinuss One, for example, a device that looks like a wireless headphone but actually measures the wearer’s pulse at the ear and also tracks heart rate variations and body temperature. After training, data can be downloaded to a smartphone or smartwatch.
The CoinPower product series comprises the CP 1254, CP 1454 and CP 1654. “Their compact and stable design, coupled with exceptional performance, makes the CoinPower cells a perfect power source for all wearables and hearables,” explains Schein. Their cylindrical shape and high energy density are claimed to make them ideal for these kinds of applications. Rapid recharging, high resilience and a sturdy design round out the profile of the CoinPower series. Another highlight at the trade show are the primary lithium, alkaline manganese and silver oxide button cells, which exhibit a reliability and durability that are reported to make them the optimum power solution for compact medical devices.
Caption: VARTA Microbattery focuses increasingly on wearables and new medical devices (photo: VARTA Microbattery)