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What This Guide Helps With
This guide assists Clinical Engineering in troubleshooting situations where a Mindray TE Series ultrasound system battery is not charging or shows very short runtime. Common symptoms include:
- Battery indicator showing not charging
- Battery percentage not increasing while plugged in
- System only functioning while connected to AC power
- Rapid battery depletion after disconnecting from AC
This guide focuses on verifying external power sources, connections, and configuration issues before assuming internal battery or charging circuit failure.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety First
- Confirm the ultrasound system is not actively being used on a patient.
- If the system is needed for imaging, move the patient to another ultrasound system before troubleshooting.
- Ensuring uninterrupted patient care should always be the first priority.
Verify the AC Power Source
- Confirm the ultrasound system is connected to a working hospital-grade outlet.
- Plug another device into the same outlet to confirm power.
- If connected to a power strip or cart outlet, verify the strip is powered.
- A failed outlet or switched power strip can prevent the system from charging even though the system may still run briefly on battery.
Inspect the Power Cord and Adapter
- Check the power cord and AC adapter for loose connections.
- Inspect for bent pins, frayed cable insulation, or damaged connectors.
- Ensure the power cable is fully seated in both the wall outlet and the system power input.
- If available, try a known-good power cord.
Confirm the System Detects AC Power
- Power on the ultrasound system and observe the power or battery indicator.
- Look for an AC power indicator light.
- Check for a battery charging icon.
- Look for any system message indicating external power is detected.
- If the system does not detect AC power, the issue may be related to the power adapter, input connector, or internal power supply.
Perform a System Power Cycle
- Shut the system down normally.
- Disconnect AC power.
- Wait 30–60 seconds.
- Reconnect AC power.
- Restart the system.
- Charging management systems can occasionally lock up and reset after a full power cycle.
Check Battery Status in System Settings
- If accessible, check the system's battery status screen.
- Look for battery health warnings.
- Look for battery not detected messages.
- Look for extremely low battery capacity.
- These indicators may point to a degraded or failed battery pack.
Inspect for Heat or Physical Battery Issues
- Check for excessive heat from the battery compartment.
- Look for swelling or deformation.
- Check for any unusual smell.
- If any of these are observed, immediately remove the device from service.
Test System Runtime on Battery
- If the battery shows some charge, disconnect AC power.
- Observe whether the system continues operating.
- Note how long the battery lasts.
- If runtime is only a few minutes, the battery may be end-of-life.
Reconnect AC and Monitor Charging
- Reconnect AC power and observe the charging behavior for several minutes.
- If the battery percentage does not increase or the charging indicator never appears, the charging system or battery is likely faulty.
If the Problem Persists
If external power sources, cables, and system resets have been verified and the battery still does not charge, common external causes have been ruled out.
The issue is likely related to:
- Failed battery pack
- Internal charging circuit
- Internal power supply components
At this point the device should be:
- Removed from service
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for repair or bench evaluation
Knowing when to stop prevents unnecessary risk and protects the equipment.
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot battery or power issues while the ultrasound system is being used on a patient.
If the device is needed for patient care:
- Move the patient to another ultrasound system
- Ensure imaging continuity before removing the device from service.
Patient care should always take priority.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
“Staff reported the ultrasound system battery would not charge and the unit only operated when plugged into AC power.”
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
“Battery percentage remained at 3% despite being connected to AC power. System recognized external power but charging indicator never appeared.”
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
“Verified outlet and power cable were functional. Performed system power cycle with no change. Removed unit from service and scheduled battery replacement/service evaluation.”
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Outlet tested
- Power cable inspected or swapped
- AC power indicator status
- Battery percentage observed
- Battery runtime test results
- Any unusual heat, swelling, or odor
- Final device status (returned to service or sent for repair)
Final Thought
Battery charging issues are often related to simple external factors such as power connections or worn batteries. Clinical Engineering troubleshooting should always begin with these quick checks before assuming internal failure. Equally important is recognizing when the issue requires escalation to protect both patient safety and the equipment.
That is successful troubleshooting.