Compact AED with Integrated Proximate Electrode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are often too large for convenient transport and use, with cumbersome cord storage and hydrogel electrodes that require special storage to prevent drying out, leading to inefficiencies in deployment and shelf life.
Innovation Solution
A compact AED design with a single cord and integrated electrode functionality, where the device body serves as one pad, minimizing space and using a sealed configuration to protect the hydrogel from drying out, with replaceable pads to extend the device's life and reduce replacement costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional AED design with two separate electrodes and cords is used, then compliance with IEC 60601-2-4 standard is achieved, but device size and portability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device body is merged with one electrode (proximate electrode) to form an integrated unit, eliminating the need for a separate second electrode and reducing cord requirements to a single cord for the distal electrode, thereby reducing overall device volume while maintaining standard compliance
Solution Approach 2:
The device body serves dual functions as both the AED housing and one of the two required electrodes, allowing the same component to fulfill multiple roles and reducing the total number of components needed
2Reliability
If multiple cords are used to connect electrodes, then electrode connectivity is ensured, but device complexity and storage difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cords are merged into a single cord that connects only the distal electrode to the device body, simplifying cord storage and reducing complexity while maintaining necessary electrical connectivity through the integrated proximate electrode
3Reliability
If hydrogel electrodes are stored in sealed pouches, then prevention of drying is achieved, but deployment time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The proximate electrode is pre-integrated into the device body in a ready-to-use state, eliminating the need for pouch removal and peeling operations during emergency deployment, while the distal electrode pouch is designed for rapid opening
Solution Approach 2:
The protective pouch is extracted from the operational workflow for the proximate electrode, which remains exposed and ready in the device body, while only the distal electrode requires pouch removal during deployment
4Area of stationary object
If two separate electrodes are used, then adequate contact area is provided, but adhesive quantity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate adhesive electrodes are merged into one integrated device body with one external electrode, reducing the total quantity of adhesive required while maintaining the necessary contact area through the combined surface of the device body and distal electrode
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 compact design minimizes storage volume, ensures stable operation with fewer components, extends the AED's lifespan by allowing hydrogel replacement, and complies with safety standards while reducing the risk of injury during use.
Implementation Method 1
The adhesive is conductive and typically a hydrogel formula
Implementation Method 2
The adhesive is conductive and typically a hydrogel formula
Data Source
AI summary
A re-usable, compact automated external defibrillator (AED) having a proximate electrode and a distal electrode for use in delivering an electrical charge to a person in cardiac distress. The components of the AED are packed together in a low-profile device body. The distal electrode may be easily unpacked from the device body and deployed. A circuit board within the device body controls the AED. The proximate electrode is part of the device body such that the device body is attached to the skin of the person when in use. The distal electrode is wired to the device body and also attached to the skin of the person when in use. The circuit board may be used to deliver a biphasic electrical charge to the person. The adhesive pads on the electrodes may be peeled off and replaced for reuse. Also, the electrodes may be replaced, if needed.