OTC AED Battery Quick Install via Pull Tab Insulator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Over-the-counter (OTC) automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) need to be easily prepared for use by laypersons without professional medical guidance, while avoiding potential hazards during shipment and ensuring operability when needed.
Innovation Solution
OTC AEDs are packaged with pre-installed batteries that are not electrically engaged, requiring a simple connection by the user to initiate self-testing and setup, and include features like a pull tab for battery installation and a shipping cover to prevent inadvertent alarming during transit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the AED is packaged with battery installed and electrically engaged, then the AED is ready for immediate use, but the AED may alarm during shipment causing disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The battery connection is segmented into two parts: the battery is pre-installed in the AED, but the electrical connection is separated by a removable insulator. This allows the battery to be positioned for immediate use while preventing electrical engagement during shipment, eliminating the alarming hazard until the insulator is removed by the end user.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery is pre-installed in the AED during manufacturing, but the electrical connection is deliberately left incomplete with an insulator in place. This preliminary setup positions all components for immediate operation while preventing activation during transit. The user completes the electrical connection by removing the insulator, achieving readiness without the shipment hazard.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the AED is shipped without battery installed, then shipment safety is improved, but setup complexity increases for laypersons
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of shipping the battery separately (which would increase setup complexity), the battery is segmented from the electrical circuit via a removable insulator. This allows the battery to remain installed in the AED during shipment for safety, while the insulator prevents electrical engagement. The user simply removes the insulator to complete setup, avoiding complex assembly procedures.
3Ease of operation
If the AED is sold fully assembled and operational, then ease of use is improved, but shipment disruption risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AED is preliminarily assembled with the battery installed and positioned, but the electrical connection is intentionally left incomplete with an insulator in place. This preliminary configuration provides ease of use by having all components pre-positioned, while simultaneously preventing the harmful effect of alarming during shipment. The user completes the assembly by removing the insulator, achieving full operation without shipment disruption risk.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic external defibrillator is shipped from the manufacturer with the battery installed in the battery compartment of the AED. During shipment a removable tab is located between a battery terminal and an electrical contact inside the battery compartment. Upon receipt of the AED the user pulls the tab to remove it from the battery compartment. This completes the circuit between the AED and its battery and the AED begins a self-test. A packaging panel covers the controls of the AED to prevent actuation of controls during the self-test. The packaging panel includes instructions for setup of the AED including indication of a control to actuate during or at the conclusion of the self-test.