Can You Charge a Bionic Hand Battery With a Power Bank?
A power bank can charge a bionic hand battery, but only in exceptional situations. The power bank must not be plugged into an electrical outlet while it charges the battery.
This answer applies to the Aether Battery System from Aether Biomedical, the battery that powers Zeus hands. It comes from the official Aether Battery System Instructions for Use (IFU).
Other bionic hands have their own charging rules. If you use a different device, follow the Instructions for Use that came with it.
How Is a Bionic Hand Battery Normally Charged?
Everyday charging uses the adapter and cable that come with the Aether Battery System. These are the AET-PWR-USB-xx wall adapter and the AET-USBC USB cable, both supplied by the manufacturer.
The charging port is built into your prosthetic socket. It has a USB-C connector, one button, and four LEDs that show the battery level when you press the button. Your clinician mounts this port in your socket.
Charging should happen while the prosthesis and socket are disconnected from you, so take off your prosthesis first. Then follow the charging steps in the IFU:
- Plug the supplied AET-PWR-USB-xx adapter into a wall outlet.
- Connect the adapter to the charging port with the supplied AET-USBC cable.
- Charging starts on its own. Blue LEDs light up to show it is working.
- When charging is done, all LEDs blink twice and turn off. You can then unplug the cable.
A full charge from empty takes up to 5 hours, at a charging current of up to 1.2A.
The supplied adapter and cable are the standard way to charge. A power bank is the exception.
When Is It OK to Charge Your Bionic Hand With a Power Bank?
A power bank is for exceptional situations only. It is not a replacement for the supplied adapter and cable.
The IFU does not define what counts as exceptional. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, ask your clinician.
|
Normal charging |
Power bank charging |
|
|
When to use it |
Everyday charging |
Exceptional situations only |
|
What to use |
Supplied AET-PWR-USB-xx adapter and AET-USBC cable |
A portable power bank |
|
The rule |
Plug the adapter into a wall outlet |
The power bank must not be connected to an outlet while it charges the battery |
Can You Charge From a Power Bank While It Is Plugged Into the Wall?
The power bank must not be connected to an electrical outlet while it charges the Aether Battery System.
Unplug the power bank from the wall before you connect it to your prosthesis. The same first step as normal charging also applies: take off your prosthesis before you start.
Which Power Banks or USB-C Chargers Can You Use?
Use the supplied adapter and cable for everyday charging, and a power bank only in exceptional situations. The IFU does not list power bank brands, sizes, or output ratings, and this article does not recommend any. A power bank is not a general substitute for the charger supplied with your battery.
If you have questions about what to carry, talk to your clinician and check the official Aether Battery System Instructions for Use.
Can You Wear Your Bionic Hand While It Charges?
Charging should take place while the prosthesis and socket are disconnected from your body.
The Aether Battery System also does not supply power to the prosthesis while it charges.
This applies to power bank charging as well as normal charging. Plan your charging for times when you can take your prosthesis off.
What Are the Warning Signs to Stop Charging?
Stop charging if the battery pack shows unusual heat, gases, color change, or abnormal appearance while charging or discharging.
Warning signs
- Unusual heat
- Gases
- Color change
- Abnormal appearance
If you notice any of these, the IFU sets out what to do:
- Disconnect the charging cable and take off your prosthesis.
- Contact your clinician or another qualified person to remove the battery pack.
- Keep the battery in a safe place, inside a fireproof container.
- Contact Aether Biomedical.
What Should You Do If Your Charging Cable or Adapter Stops Working?
Contact the manufacturer or your distributor. This applies if your AET-USBC cable or AET-PWR-USB-xx adapter is damaged or not working.
Do not try to find the problem by swapping in other cables, adapters, or power banks. The IFU also says not to repair cables, connectors, or any other part of the battery system yourself.
When Should You Talk to Your Clinician About Charging?
Talk to your clinician when you set up your charging routine, and before you use a power bank. They fit your prosthesis and mount the charging port in your socket, so they know your setup.
Charging rules differ between bionic prosthetics, so go over yours in person. Questions worth raising about your prosthetic robotic hand:
- How often to charge, based on how you use your hand day to day
- Whether a power bank fits your situation, and when
- What the LED battery levels on your charging port mean
Bring these to your next appointment. If something changes before then, contact your clinician sooner.
FAQ
Can I use a power bank every day instead of the charger that came with my bionic hand?
A power bank is for exceptional situations only, so it can't replace your everyday charger. Everyday charging uses the supplied AET-PWR-USB-xx adapter and AET-USBC cable.
Can I charge my bionic hand battery from a power bank that is plugged into the wall?
The power bank must stay unplugged from the outlet while it charges the battery. Unplug it before you connect it to your prosthesis.
Can I use a different USB-C charger for my bionic hand battery?
Use the adapter and cable supplied with the Aether Battery System. The only exception is a power bank, in exceptional situations. Do not swap in other chargers. If you have questions, ask your clinician.
How long does it take to fully charge a bionic hand battery?
For the Aether Battery System, a full charge from empty takes up to 5 hours, at a charging current of up to 1.2A. Other devices may differ, so check their own instructions.
Can I wear my bionic hand while it charges?
Take off your prosthesis before charging. The Aether Battery System does not supply power to the prosthesis while it charges.
What should I do if my bionic hand battery gets hot while charging?
Unusual heat is a warning sign. Disconnect the charging cable, take off your prosthesis, and contact your clinician and the manufacturer. Follow the full steps in the warning signs section above.
What should I do if my bionic hand charging cable or adapter is damaged?
Contact the manufacturer or your distributor. Do not swap in other cables, adapters, or power banks to test it.
Should I carry a power bank for my bionic hand?
Ask your clinician. A power bank is only for exceptional situations, and your clinician can help you decide whether one fits your routine.
In Conclusion
You can charge the Aether Battery System with a power bank, but only in exceptional situations. The power bank must not be plugged into an outlet while it charges the battery.
Everyday charging uses the supplied adapter and cable, and a full charge from empty takes up to 5 hours. Take off your prosthesis before charging, and stop if you see any warning signs.
Talk to Your Clinician About Charging
Your clinician can guide you through the fitting process and help you set a charging routine that suits you. To learn more about Zeus hands and the Aether Battery System, ask your clinician about the fitting and charging pathway, or reach out to Aether Biomedical to find out more.