AED Capacitor Segmentation for Compact Biphasic Shock Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) have a large form factor, making them costly, difficult to locate, and unavailable in emergency situations due to their size and cost.
Innovation Solution
The development of an automated external defibrillator with a small form factor that uses a capacitor system with energy storage blocks connected in both series and parallel, allowing for a defibrillation shock to be delivered in two phases with equal voltage and peak current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large form factor AED is used to house necessary electrical componentry, then the AED can deliver a large voltage charge, but the device becomes costly and difficult to locate in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The AED is divided into two separate pads, each containing its own energy storage block. This segmentation allows the defibrillation function to be distributed across smaller components rather than requiring a single large device, enabling portability while maintaining the ability to deliver effective defibrillation shocks.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pad houses an energy storage block within its structure, creating a compact nested configuration. The controller and switching circuitry are integrated into the pad assembly, allowing the entire AED system to be contained within small, portable units that can be easily located and deployed in emergency situations.
2Ease of operation
If an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is used, then the device is small and portable, but it delivers lower voltage because it connects directly to the heart
Solution Approach 1:
The AED system is segmented into two pads with separate energy storage blocks, each capable of storing and delivering energy independently. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high voltage output suitable for external defibrillation while maintaining a compact, portable form factor, bridging the gap between ICD portability and AED power delivery capability.
3Power
If capacitors are connected in series to increase voltage, then the voltage output increases, but the total energy storage capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor system is segmented into multiple energy storage blocks that can be independently configured. Each block can be optimally configured with series or parallel capacitor connections depending on the specific voltage and energy requirements, allowing flexible optimization of both voltage output and total energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different capacitor configurations (series/parallel) through controlled switching operations. The controller can reconfigure the energy storage blocks to optimize voltage output during defibrillation while maintaining adequate energy storage capacity, adapting the circuit topology to match the operational requirements.
4Device complexity
If a single-phase defibrillation shock is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the defibrillation effectiveness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The defibrillation shock is segmented into two distinct phases delivered by separate energy storage blocks. Each phase can be independently controlled and optimized for specific defibrillation requirements, enhancing the overall effectiveness while the modular architecture keeps the added complexity manageable through systematic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The defibrillation shock is delivered as a periodic two-phase sequence rather than a single continuous phase. The controller manages sequential activation of the energy storage blocks to create a biphasic waveform, which improves defibrillation effectiveness by providing a second phase that can compensate for polarization effects and ensure complete myocardial repolarization.
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 solution enables a compact, cost-effective AED that can deliver effective defibrillation shocks, improving accessibility and usability in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor system having at least two energy storage blocks, each energy storage block comprising a capacitor
Implementation Method 2
a switching circuit and a shock generation circuit connected to the two pads
Data Source
AI summary
Described is an automated external defibrillator (AED). The AED comprises two pads for placement on a patient, each pad comprising an energy storage system. The energy storage system comprises at least two energy storage blocks, a switching circuit and a shock generation circuit connected to the two pads, and a controller connected to the switching circuit and the shock generation circuit. The controller is configured to perform an electrical switching operation to provide a defibrillation shock in two phases, such that the voltage and a peak current in each of the two phases is substantially the same. Each energy storage block comprises one or more capacitors. At least one of the energy storage blocks including two or more capacitors connected in series, and at least two energy storage blocks are connected in parallel so that the capacitor system includes capacitors connected both in series and in parallel with each other.