Compact Electro-Mechanical CPR Drive Using Ball Screw Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) devices are heavy, large, and difficult to use, which interferes with the efficacy of chest compressions due to pre-loading and stability issues, and are cumbersome for emergency medical services (EMS) personnel to transport and operate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compact, lighter-weight electro-mechanical CPR device using a frameless electric motor with a ball screw mechanism that reduces size and weight, allowing the device to sit directly on the patient without a rigid support, and includes a method for actuating a pad assembly with a motor, ball nut, and ball screw to provide efficient and controlled chest compressions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional electromechanical CPR devices are used, then precise control and adjustability of compression rate and depth is achieved, but the device becomes heavy and large
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a compression unit with motor and ball screw mechanism, a control unit with processor and memory, and a pad assembly. This segmentation allows the compression mechanism to be lightweight while the control electronics are integrated efficiently, resolving the contradiction between precision control and device weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical transmission systems (gears, belts, linkages) with a direct-drive ball screw mechanism coupled to a compact motor. This substitution eliminates heavy mechanical components while maintaining precise control of compression rate and depth through electronic control of the motor, thereby reducing device weight without sacrificing measurement precision.
2Ease of operation
If the device sits directly on the patient's chest, then portability and ease of operation is improved, but pre-load interferes with CPR efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The compression unit is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing the compression rate and depth to be modified in real-time based on patient response and protocol requirements. The ball screw mechanism provides smooth, controlled motion that can be dynamically adjusted during operation, enabling the device to maintain reliability while being portable and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates sensors and control algorithms that continuously monitor compression parameters (force, depth, rate) and automatically adjust them to optimize CPR quality. This parameter control ensures that even when sitting directly on the patient, the device maintains therapeutic effectiveness by preventing harmful pre-load through active parameter management.
3Weight of moving object
If device weight is reduced, then portability and speed of deployment is improved, but stability during operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device includes an automatic patient detection and positioning system that prepares the compression unit for optimal placement before contact with the patient. The control unit pre-configures compression parameters and stabilizes the motor-ball screw assembly, ensuring operational stability is established before compression begins, allowing lightweight construction without compromising stability during operation.
4Volume of moving object
If compact design is implemented, then device size and weight is reduced, but complexity of mechanical mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor, ball screw, and compression pad are merged into an integrated compression unit, eliminating the need for separate mechanical transmission components. This merging reduces overall device size and volume while simplifying the mechanical mechanism, as the direct-drive ball screw conversion eliminates intermediate gears, belts, or linkages that would increase 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
The solution provides high-quality, efficient, and portable chest compressions that maintain perfusion without pre-loading, enhancing the effectiveness of CPR and reducing the burden on EMS personnel during emergency responses.
Implementation Method 1
A ball screw is received in the ball nut such that rotation of the ball nut advances and/or retracts the ball screw in accordance with a direction of the motor
Data Source
AI summary
A cardio-pulmonary compression device includes a motor (11) having a rotating portion, and a ball nut (12) mounted on the rotating portion and configured to rotate with the rotating portion. A ball screw (13) is received in the ball nut such that rotation on the ball nut advances and/or retracts the ball screw in accordance with a direction of the motor. A pad assembly (15) is coupled to an end portion of the ball screw such that longitudinal motion of the ball screw imparts a compression cycle to a patient.