Chest Compression Device With Leaf Springs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Piston-based chest compression systems during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) face inefficiencies due to the lateral spreading of the rib cage, which diminishes the effectiveness of automated chest compressions as the piston and compression cup tend to move upwards towards the neck or downwards towards the abdomen during repeated extension and retraction.
Innovation Solution
A chest compression device that incorporates a piston for sternal compression and leaf springs for lateral compression, driven by a motor, where one end of each leaf spring is connected to the piston and the other end secured to a support leg or backboard, allowing the springs to flex and provide additional lateral compression during chest compressions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If piston-based chest compression systems are used, then automated chest compressions can be performed, but the piston and compression cup move up or down the patient's chest during repeated extension and retraction
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a piston for vertical compression and leaf springs for lateral stabilization. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, preventing the piston from moving laterally while maintaining automated compression capability
Solution Approach 2:
Leaf springs are introduced as intermediary elements between the piston and the patient's thorax. These springs mediate the compression force by providing lateral support and guiding the piston's movement, preventing direct lateral movement of the piston while maintaining effective sternal compression
2Force
If the rib cage spreads laterally during compression, then the thorax can accommodate the compression force, but the effectiveness of automated chest compressions is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies different types of compression force to different parts of the thorax: vertical sternal compression through the piston and lateral compression through the leaf springs. This local differentiation of force application maintains overall compression effectiveness by addressing both the sternal and lateral aspects of thoracic compression
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges two compression mechanisms: piston-based vertical compression and spring-based lateral compression. By combining these mechanisms, the system maintains effective sternal compression while preventing rib cage spreading, thereby preserving compression effectiveness
3Stability of the object's composition
If coiled springs are used to prevent lateral movement, then piston stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses simple, inexpensive leaf springs instead of complex coiled spring mechanisms. These leaf springs are structurally simpler, easier to manufacture, and maintain stability without requiring the complexity of traditional coiled spring systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the structural parameter of the spring mechanism from coiled springs to leaf springs. This parameter change simplifies the device structure while maintaining the necessary lateral stabilization function, reducing overall device complexity
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
This solution enhances the effectiveness of chest compressions by maintaining consistent contact with the sternum and applying lateral force to the thorax, improving blood flow and reducing the need for coiled springs, thereby stabilizing the compression process.
Implementation Method 1
each leaf spring is compressed against the device base or leg which causes the springs to flex and provide lateral compression of the patient's thorax
Data Source
AI summary
A chest compression device includes a piston to apply compression to the sternum and incorporates leaf springs simultaneously driven by the piston to apply lateral compression to the thorax during chest compressions. A motor in the chest compression device provides motive power to cyclically extend and contract the piston to provide therapeutic chest compressions. One end of each leaf spring is operably connected to the piston and the other end of each leaf spring is secured to the backboard/base or to a support leg of the chest compression device such that during extension of the piston, each leaf spring is compressed against the device base or leg which causes the springs to flex and provide lateral compression of the patient's thorax in addition to the sternal compression of the piston.