AED Self-Test Scheduling With Manual and Preset Triggers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) lack the ability to perform a self-test at a user-desired timing in addition to the preset time instants, potentially leading to missed or delayed self-tests.

Innovation Solution

An AED equipped with an operation accepter and a self-test executor that allows self-tests to be performed based on user input or preset conditions, enabling flexible timing options while maintaining automatic periodic checks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the self-test is automatically executed at preset time instants, then the reliability of the AED is improved by preventing long intervals without testing, but the user cannot perform the self-test at desired timing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-test execution reliabilityVSAvoiduser control over self-test timing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The self-test execution timing is made dynamic by allowing both automatic execution at preset intervals and manual triggering by user operation. The system adapts its test schedule based on whether a manual trigger occurs, combining periodic automation with user-initiated flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The AED performs self-tests automatically without requiring user intervention for timing decisions, yet also responds to user requests when immediate testing is needed. The system serves itself through automatic scheduling while remaining responsive to human needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple self-test triggers are allowed, then user flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-test timing flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol logic complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operation accepter serves multiple functions: it detects both manual trigger operations and automatic timing signals. The same hardware component handles both user-initiated tests and system-scheduled tests, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The automatic timing mechanism and manual trigger mechanism are merged into a unified self-test execution system. Both triggers converge on the same execution pathway, simplifying the overall control architecture despite supporting multiple test initiation methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12605557B2Automated external defibrillator

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 NIHON KOHDEN CORP

AI summary

An automated external defibrillator includes: an operation accepter that accepts an operation input from a user; and a self-test executor that executes a self-test for checking a state of the automated external defibrillator when a first condition or a second condition has been satisfied. The first condition is that a setting time instant set in advance comes. The second condition is that the operation accepter accepts a predetermined operation input.