Active Compression-Decompression Belt Mechanism for CPR

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical chest compression devices for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) lack an effective mechanism for active decompression, which can limit blood flow and the effectiveness of CPR.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates a platform with a chest compression actuator, an upward force actuator, and a coupling mechanism to transfer a decompressing force to the patient's thorax, allowing for active compression-decompression (ACD) treatment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a belt is used for mechanical chest compression, then chest compressions can be delivered at resuscitative rates and depths, but the device lacks active decompression capability which limits blood flow effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression rate and depthVSAvoidblood flow effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines compression and decompression functions into a single integrated device. The belt system performs both compression (tightening the belt) and decompression (releasing and actively pulling upward on the chest) phases, merging two previously separate functions into one unified mechanism that delivers complete respiratory cycles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The upward force actuator serves as an intermediary component that transfers decompressing force from the motor to the thorax. This mediator enables active decompression by mechanically coupling the motor's rotational motion to the belt, allowing the motor to indirectly apply upward force on the chest during the decompression phase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If conventional mechanical compression devices are used, then manual compression labor is reduced, but active decompression is not achieved limiting CPR effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of compressionVSAvoidCPR effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The motor serves multiple functions: it directly drives the belt for compression and, through the upward force actuator and coupling mechanism, provides the decompressing force. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate compression and decompression mechanisms, maintaining ease of operation while achieving active decompression

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary that connects the motor to both the belt and the upward force actuator. This mediator enables the single motor to control both compression and decompression phases, maintaining automation while achieving complete active decompression cycles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The ACD system enhances blood flow by increasing negative intrathoracic pressure during decompression, potentially improving the effectiveness of CPR compared to manual or conventional mechanical methods.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic element configured to couple to the arm and to the patient, and configured to exert a decompressing force on the patient's chest

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The coupling mechanism can include one or more of suction cups, gel, and adhesive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3870131B1Active compression-decompression devices and methods
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 ZOLL CIRCULATION INC
  • EP3870131B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3870131B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3870131B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A system for performing an active compression decompression (ACD) treatment on a patient includes a platform for placement under a patient, a chest compression actuator that may include a belt configured to extend over a thorax of the patient, an upward force actuator, a coupling mechanism for coupling the upward force actuator to the thorax of the patient to transfer a decompressing force from the upward force actuator to the thorax of the patient, and a motor that is coupled to the belt, the motor configured to cause the belt to tighten about the thorax of the patient and exert a compressing force on the thorax of the patient; and cause the belt to loosen about the thorax of the patient and allow the upward force actuator to cause decompression of the patient.