Deformable Air Reservoir for CPR Manikin CO2 Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current resuscitation manikins lack the ability to simulate and measure gas exchanges, particularly CO2 flushing during chest compressions, which is crucial for training first responders to perform high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that accounts for pulmonary gas exchanges.

Innovation Solution

An artificial thorax for a resuscitation manikin featuring a deformable air reservoir with a CO2 source connected fluidically, allowing for simulation and measurement of CO2 expulsion during chest compressions, along with actuator and elastic devices to mimic thoracic mechanics, and CO2 monitoring systems to assess compression quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional resuscitation manikins are used for CPR training, then chest compression training can be provided, but the ability to simulate and measure gas exchanges including CO2 flushing is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas exchange measurement capabilityVSAvoidtraining functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated manikin system: chest compression simulation, artificial ventilation, and CO2 gas exchange measurement. The deformable reservoir integrates both mechanical deformation for compression training and gas containment for CO2 measurement, allowing simultaneous execution of multiple training objectives without requiring separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The manikin is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a mechanical compression training tool and a physiological gas exchange simulation device. The deformable air reservoir simultaneously provides mechanical compliance for compression feedback and serves as a containment volume for CO2 injection and measurement, making the device universally applicable for comprehensive CPR training.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a deformable air reservoir is added to simulate thoracic mechanics, then chest compression simulation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethoracic mechanics simulationVSAvoidmanikin structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a deformable air reservoir that acts as a flexible containment structure to simulate thoracic compliance. This flexible membrane approach provides realistic mechanical feedback during chest compressions while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture, avoiding the need for complex rigid mechanical linkages or electronic sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Measurement precision

If CO2 injection system is integrated into the deformable reservoir, then gas exchange simulation is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 flushing simulationVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a pneumatic approach by injecting gaseous CO2 directly into the deformable air reservoir to simulate physiological gas exchange. This pneumatic method avoids complex liquid handling systems, chemical reaction chambers, or sophisticated control mechanisms, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving accurate CO2 flushing simulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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

Enables realistic simulation of pulmonary gas dynamics, improving the training of first responders by providing a model that accurately represents CO2 exchange during CPR, enhancing the evaluation of chest compression quality and promoting effective cardiac massage.

Implementation Method 1

a CO2 source containing CO2, connected fluidically to the internal volume of the deformable air reservoir in such a way as to supply said internal volume with gaseous CO2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluidic communication:

Implementation Method 2

said deformable air reservoir deforming, and at least some of the air leaving the internal volume via the first orifice, when a compression action is exerted, directly or indirectly, on said deformable air reservoir

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS11626034B2Thorax and manikin for cardiopulmonary resuscitation with delivery of gaseous CO<sub>2</sub>

Publication Date: 2023.04.11 AIR LIQUIDE MEDICAL

AI summary

An artificial thorax (1) with at least one deformable air reservoir (2) having an internal volume (3) containing air and a first orifice (4) in fluidic communication with the internal volume (3), the deformable air reservoir (2) deforming, and at least some of the air leaving the internal volume (3) via the first orifice (4), when a user exerts a manual compression action, directly or indirectly, on said deformable air reservoir (2). The artificial thorax (1) has a CO2 source (10) containing gaseous CO2, such as a gas cylinder, connected fluidically (11) to the internal volume (3) of the deformable air reservoir (2) in such a way as to supply said internal volume (3) with gaseous CO2.