CPR Manikin Sensor Cluster for Objective Skill Assessment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current CPR training methods are costly, time-consuming, and lack objective assessment, with instructors required for feedback, and unsensorized manikins need upgrading for reliable sensor integration, while existing systems do not adequately motivate self-improvement beyond minimum skill levels.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a sensor cluster with a distance sensor and pressure pad installed in a manikin for easy integration, providing objective feedback and competence level motivation through a computer program product for formative testing of CPR skills, allowing self-improvement and integration with existing manikins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional instructor-based CPR training is used, then trainees receive real-time feedback and guidance, but training becomes costly and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassessment objectivityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-assessment by providing automated feedback through sensors and a computer program. Trainees can independently perform CPR on the manikin and receive objective performance data without requiring an instructor's time and attention, thus eliminating the contradiction between assessment quality and resource consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of instructor observation and manual assessment with an automated sensor-based measurement system. The sensor cluster objectively measures CPR parameters and the computer program provides structured feedback, substituting human judgment with precise instrumental measurement

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

2Reliability

If instructor application with real-time feedback is used, then trainee performance is monitored, but it does not represent actual emergency situations where no feedback is available

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance assessment reliabilityVSAvoidindependence of use
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides preliminary guidance instructions before the trainee begins CPR performance. This allows trainees to understand the correct technique in advance and self-correct during the assessment period, making the no-feedback assessment period more reliable while maintaining ease of independent operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements delayed feedback by providing performance data after the assessment period rather than during it. This simulates real emergency conditions more accurately while still providing objective measurement, resolving the contradiction between assessment reliability and operational independence

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If unsensorized manikins are used, then they are simple and inexpensive, but they cannot provide objective sensor data for skill assessment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression depth measurementVSAvoidmanikin integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a sensor cluster as an intermediary component that can be attached to or integrated with existing manikins. This intermediary layer provides the necessary measurement capabilities without requiring complete redesign of the manikin, thus achieving precise measurement while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of time

If frequent CPR assessments are implemented, then skill deterioration is detected early, but lack of personnel and time prevent regular assessments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime to detect skill deteriorationVSAvoidassessment throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By enabling self-assessment, the system eliminates the need for instructors to conduct and evaluate each CPR test. Trainees can independently complete assessments at any time, dramatically increasing assessment throughput while maintaining early detection of skill deterioration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables periodic self-assessment at convenient intervals rather than requiring scheduled instructor-led sessions. This allows trainees to frequently monitor their skills over time without consuming institutional personnel resources, resolving the contradiction between detection speed and system capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 efficient, objective assessment and motivation for improved CPR skills without an instructor, upgrading unsensorized manikins with reliable sensors, and stimulating self-competition for better performance.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor cluster comprises a distance sensor for measuring chest plate displacement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDistance sensing: LIDAR

Implementation Method 2

a pressure pad for measuring external pressure applied to the manikin and for measuring pressure due to expansion of the lung

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3370220B1System for the formative testing of cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 PINGA GRP BVBA
  • EP3370220B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention pertains to a system and a computer program product for the formative testing of cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills. The system comprises a sensor cluster for installation in a manikin comprising a chest plate and a lung. The sensor cluster comprises a distance sensor for measuring chest plate displacement and a pressure pad for measuring external pressure applied to the manikin and for measuring pressure due to expansion of the lung. The computer program product comprises instructions to perform a formative test comprising a first phase for repeatedly receiving sensor data from the manikin and a second subsequent phase for presenting on a screen performance data, a color-coded competence level, and an assessment to improve the performance data.