Pivoting CPR Board Legs for Patient Clearance and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) devices face stability and setup challenges due to a fixed, high center of gravity and bulky design, which affects operation and increases setup time, especially for varying patient sizes and obese patients, as they require manual lifting and alignment with a rigid backboard.
Innovation Solution
A cardiopulmonary compression system with pivotally connected legs that adjust and lock transversely to a compression board, allowing the compression unit to be securely positioned without obstructing adipose tissue or clothing, reducing the need for manual lifting and improving device balance and maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an extended vertical plunger is employed to contact a smaller patient's chest to accommodate larger patients, then the device can clear larger patients, but the fixed, relatively high center of gravity adversely affects the device's stability during operation and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed, high center of gravity into a movable, adjustable configuration. The compression unit is elevated above the backboard using a support mechanism that allows vertical positioning adjustment. This dynamic adjustment enables the compression unit to be positioned at optimal heights for different patient sizes while maintaining a lower effective center of gravity when compressed, thereby improving stability without sacrificing adaptability to various patient sizes.
2Ease of operation
If the compression unit is stored as a separate component from the rigid backboard for ease and speed of application, then the setup process is simplified, but the caregiver must manually lift and position the compression unit, which increases setup time for obese patients due to obstructing adipose tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a support mechanism that acts as a mediator between the compression unit and the backboard. This support mechanism includes a base attached to the backboard and a support member that can be adjusted to elevate the compression unit. The intermediary support mechanism facilitates the connection process by providing a stable, adjustable interface that is not obstructed by patient adipose tissue or clothing, thereby reducing setup time while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the compression unit is elevated above the backboard to provide clearance for electrodes, then electrode placement is improved, but the device requires additional height adjustment mechanisms that increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a support mechanism that serves multiple functions simultaneously. The support mechanism not only elevates the compression unit to provide clearance for electrodes and other devices, but also provides height adjustment for different patient sizes, and maintains device stability through its base and support member configuration. This multi-functional design achieves electrode placement clearance without proportionally increasing 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 configuration reduces setup time, enhances stability, and facilitates quicker initiation of therapy by allowing the compression unit to slide past patient obstructions and maintain balance, critical in sudden cardiac arrest situations.
Implementation Method 1
A locking mechanism is configured to releasably maintain the leg(s) in the operational position
Implementation Method 2
One or more legs are pivotally connected to the board
Data Source
AI summary
A cardio-pulmonary compression board includes a board (10) configured for a patient. A leg (20) is pivotally connected to the board, and the leg includes a free end portion having a mechanical feature (35) configured to be received in a compression device to adjustably secure the compression device at a distance from the board in an operational position. A locking mechanism (32, 42) is configured to releasably maintain the leg in the operational position, which is transverse to a plane of the board.