Chest Compression Hand Shield with Foam and Rigid Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CPR methods and devices are costly and impractical for widespread use in hospitals, leading to hand pain and discomfort during prolonged chest compressions, which can impact the quality of care, especially during healthcare worker shortages.
Innovation Solution
A compression apparatus with a sandwich structure of foam and lightweight semi-rigid plastic layers, attached to the dominant hand via an adjustable Velcro strap, providing a barrier between the hand and the patient's chest to reduce discomfort and improve compression quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If expensive mechanical CPR devices are used, then compression quality is maintained, but device cost and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by creating a low-cost, disposable hand shield made from inexpensive materials (cardboard, foam, plastic wrap) that can be easily manufactured and discarded after use. This resolves the contradiction by providing adequate compression quality protection without the high cost of reusable mechanical devices, making the solution accessible to all healthcare settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand shield acts as an intermediary barrier between the rescuer's hand and the patient's chest. This mediator protects the rescuer's hand from pain and injury during prolonged compressions while maintaining compression effectiveness, thereby improving reliability of compression delivery without requiring expensive mechanical devices.
2Device complexity
If bare-handed compressions are performed, then device complexity is minimized, but rescuer comfort and compression duration worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The hand shield is segmented into multiple functional layers: an outer rigid layer (cardboard/plastic) for structural support and rib protection, an intermediate layer (foam) for cushioning and comfort, and an inner layer (plastic wrap) for smooth contact with the chest. This segmentation provides comprehensive protection enabling longer compression duration while keeping the device simple and easy to assemble from common materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand shield uses composite materials combining different properties: rigid cardboard or plastic for structural integrity, soft foam for comfort and pressure distribution, and plastic wrap for smooth surface contact. This composite structure provides optimal protection and comfort for prolonged compressions while maintaining device simplicity through the use of readily available materials.
3Ease of operation
If prolonged compressions are performed without protection, then ease of operation is maintained, but rescuer pain and compression quality worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The hand shield incorporates cushioning materials (foam, fabric layers) that are pre-positioned between the rescuer's hand and the patient's chest before compressions begin. This beforehand cushioning protects the hand from pain and injury during prolonged compressions while maintaining ease of operation, as the shield is simply placed on the hand before starting CPR.
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 apparatus allows healthcare workers to perform high-quality chest compressions for longer periods without pain, enhancing CPR effectiveness and comfort, and can be used by non-medical individuals with an AED during emergencies.
Implementation Method 1
The top layer is composed substantially or entirely of foam to cushion the hand of the person administering CPR
Implementation Method 2
It attaches to the dominant hand of the person administering CPR with an adjustable Velcro (trademarked) strap
Data Source
AI summary
A compression apparatus for supporting the inside of the dominant hand of a person administering cardiopulmonary resuscitations to a patient in order to increase the quality and effectiveness of compressions, as well as comfort to the person performing compressions comprising: a first layer; a second layer; and a third layer fixed and aligned together; and a strap attached to the first layer. The first and third layers are typically made of foam; and the second layer is made of a material which is more rigid than the foam of the first and third layers. The apparatus is configured so that the palm of the dominant hand administering cardiopulmonary resuscitations simultaneously fits at least partially between the strap in the closed state and a top surface of the first layer, while at least part of a palm of the dominant hand rests on the first layer top surface.