Flexible Mat CPR Force Sensor Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for supporting cardiopulmonary resuscitation, particularly for laypersons, face challenges in providing accurate and reliable feedback on compressive force and frequency due to uncertainty in application points, force magnitude, and relief timing, especially in emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

A device with a force transmission unit embedded in a flexible mat, equipped with a force sensor and display device, which generates perceivable signals to guide users in applying appropriate compressive forces and frequencies during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ensuring correct positioning and adaptability to different physiological conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a device provides detailed feedback on compressive force and frequency, then the reliability of cardiopulmonary resuscitation improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of cardiopulmonary resuscitationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates a force sensor that continuously monitors compressive force and a frequency sensor that tracks compression rate, providing real-time feedback through visual and audible signals. This feedback mechanism guides users to maintain optimal compression parameters (force magnitude and frequency) during CPR, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through targeted sensing and feedback channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with electronic sensing technologies. Force sensors and frequency sensors electronically detect compression parameters and transmit data to a processor, which then generates feedback signals. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic sensing and processing reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision for force and frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a device provides real-time feedback signals, then the ease of operation improves, but the use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiduse of energy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device provides feedback through periodic visual signals (displays) and audible signals (acoustic outputs) that synchronize with the compression cycle. The feedback is delivered in periodic bursts corresponding to compression events rather than continuous operation, reducing energy consumption while maintaining ease of operation during critical compression phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing unit that receives raw sensor data, evaluates it against target parameters, and generates simplified feedback signals. This intermediary layer filters and prioritizes information, providing only essential feedback (force magnitude and frequency cues) through energy-efficient visual and audible channels, thereby balancing ease of operation with reduced energy demand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If a device monitors multiple parameters (force, frequency, timing), then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments measurement functions into dedicated sensors for specific parameters: a force sensor for compressive force magnitude, a frequency sensor for compression rate, and timing mechanisms for relief phase monitoring. Each sensor independently measures its designated parameter with high precision, and a central processor integrates these segmented measurements. This segmentation allows accurate multi-parameter monitoring while managing complexity through functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a universal processor unit that handles multiple measurement tasks: evaluating force magnitude from the force sensor, analyzing frequency from the frequency sensor, and timing compression-relief cycles. This single multi-functional processor integrates diverse measurement functions, improving measurement precision across all parameters while avoiding the complexity of separate dedicated processing units for each parameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 device enhances the safety and effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation by providing clear, reliable feedback on force and frequency, improving user confidence and adherence to optimal compression techniques, even in stressful or uncontrolled environments.

Implementation Method 1

A force sensor (13) arranged between the lower and the upper plate for detecting a force exerted on the lower plate via the upper plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce sensing: Force

Data Source

PatentEP3302395B1Apparatus and method for assisting a user during a cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 DUSSAULT DOMINIC OLIVER
  • EP3302395B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3302395B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3b
  • EP3302395B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4c

AI summary

Disclosed is apparatus (1.50) for assisting a user during a cardiopulmonary resuscitation of a patient (40), said apparatus comprising: a force-transmission unit (10) having a lower plate (11) that can be placed on the chest of the patient (40), an upper plate (12) located at a distance from the lower plate (11) and a force sensor (13) arranged between the lower plate (11) and the upper plate (12) for detecting a force that can be exerted on the chest of the patient (40) by means of the upper plate (12) and the lower plate (11); a display device for generating at least one signal that can be perceived by the user; and an electronic control device for controlling the display device on the basis of the force detected by the force sensor, wherein the force-transmission unit (10) is embedded in a flexible mat (2).