AED Guidance Surface Color-Coded Pad Attachment Indicators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) face psychological burden and confusion in attaching electrode pads correctly during emergencies, as existing systems do not effectively guide the placement of pads using color cues or visual indicators.

Innovation Solution

The AED features colored indicators on the guidance surface corresponding to the electrode pads, allowing users to quickly identify correct attachment positions by matching colors, with the first indicator colored in orange and the second in blue, and controlled by a controller that switches their states based on attachment conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If color-coded indicators are added to show electrode pad placement positions, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of electrode pad attachmentVSAvoidcomplexity of guidance surface
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color-coded indicators (first color and second color) on the guidance surface to correspond with the colors of the electrode pads. This allows users to quickly identify correct placement positions through color matching, significantly improving ease of operation during emergency situations without requiring complex instructions or training.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The guidance surface is segmented into distinct regions with separate indicators for different electrode pad positions. Each indicator is independently colored and positioned to correspond to specific pad locations, making the system easier to understand and use while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If multiple colored indicators are provided on the guidance surface, then information clarity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclarity of placement guidanceVSAvoidease of manufacturing guidance surface
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The guidance surface incorporates multiple colored indicators that can be manufactured using standard printing or labeling techniques. The colors are applied to specific regions to provide clear visual guidance, and these can be produced through conventional manufacturing processes without requiring complex multi-step procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The colored indicators are pre-applied to the guidance surface during manufacturing, so that when the device is deployed, the placement guidance is already clearly established. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex assembly steps or post-manufacturing configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3256210B1Automated external defibrillator
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 NIHON KOHDEN CORP
  • EP3256210B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3256210B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3256210B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An automated external defibrillator includes a first pad at least partially colored in a first color, a second pad at least partially colored in a second color, and a main unit to which the first pad and the second pad are connected. The main unit has a first guidance surface that indicates how to attach the first pad and the second pad. The first guidance surface has a first marker in the first color at a position corresponding to an attachment position of the first pad and a second marker in the second color at a position corresponding to an attachment position of the second pad.