AED Switch Structure Preventing Accidental Power Loss

Solution Overview

Problem

Automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) face issues where the main power supply is inadvertently turned OFF due to erroneous operator actions or flap member closure, leading to interrupted treatment during critical lifesaving procedures.

Innovation Solution

A switch structure incorporating a movable unit and a hall element with a magnet, where the switch is designed to remain ON when the flap member is open and can only be turned OFF when the flap member is completely closed, using a sliding knob mechanism and a blocking member to prevent accidental power loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mechanical switch is used to turn ON the main power supply when the flap member is opened, then the operation is simple and easy to perform, but the main power supply is inadvertently turned OFF when the flap member is closed or when erroneous operation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of turning ON power supplyVSAvoidstability of power supply state

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The switch structure transitions from a static mechanical switch to a dynamic system where the switch state automatically changes based on the flap member position. The movable unit is driven by the flap member's opening/closing motion, making the power supply state dynamically linked to the physical state of the device rather than remaining fixed until manually changed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback through the mechanical linkage between the flap member and the movable unit. The position of the flap member (open or closed) automatically feeds back to the switch state, creating a closed-loop control system where the physical state of the device determines the electrical state without requiring additional sensors or complex control logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If the mechanical switch can be turned OFF when the flap member is open, then the structure is simple and flexible, but the treatment is canceled and the AED must be restarted from the beginning during critical use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of switch structureVSAvoidcontinuity of treatment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The switch structure transitions from a static mechanical switch to a dynamic system where the switch state automatically changes based on the flap member position. The movable unit is driven by the flap member's opening/closing motion, making the power supply state dynamically linked to the physical state of the device rather than remaining fixed until manually changed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prevents the harmful effect of accidental power shutdown by designing the switch to be non-operable during treatment. The movable unit's position, determined by the flap member state, physically prevents the switch from being turned OFF when the flap is open, thereby preemptively blocking erroneous operations before they can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Ease of operation

If a latch mechanism is used to open the flap member, then the power supply turns ON automatically, but the power supply turns OFF when the flap member is closed for any reason

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic power ONVSAvoidpower supply stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback through the mechanical linkage between the flap member and the movable unit. The position of the flap member (open or closed) automatically feeds back to the switch state, creating a closed-loop control system where the physical state of the device determines the electrical state without requiring additional sensors or complex control logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different functional properties to different positions of the movable unit. When the flap is open, the movable unit is in a position that permits switch ON operation. When the flap is closed, the movable unit shifts to a position that prevents switch OFF operation, creating local functional differences based on the overall system state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Ensures the main power supply remains ON during use, preventing unintended shutdowns and allowing for easy operation while ensuring the power is only turned OFF when the flap member is intentionally closed, thus maintaining continuous functionality during emergency treatments.

Implementation Method 1

the switch structure comprising: a movable unit for turning ON the switch when the flap member is in the open state and turning OFF the switch when the flap member is in the closed state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS7663069B2Switch structure of automatic external defibrillator

Publication Date: 2010.02.16 NIHON KOHDEN CORP

AI summary

A switch structure of an automatic external defibrillator including a housing member and a flap member for covering the housing member, open and closed states of the flap member and ON and OFF of a switch of the automatic external defibrillator which are associated with each other, the switch structure includes a movable unit for turning ON the switch when the flap member is in the open state and turning OFF the switch when the flap member is in the closed state and an operator performs further operation.