CPR Device Radiolucent Window and Quick-Release Belt

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing CPR chest compression devices require inconvenient belt installation and do not allow for radiolucent imaging of the chest during use, as radiopaque components obstruct x-ray views.

Innovation Solution

A belt-driven CPR chest compression device with a platform housing drive components, featuring a readily replaceable compression belt connected through releasable couplings near the upper surface, and a brake system for holding compressions, with laterally located drive spools creating a radiolucent window under the heart.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If radiopaque metal components (motor and drive train) are located directly under the load distributing portion of the compression belt, then the device structure is simplified and components are easier to install, but radiopaque imaging of the chest is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent installation easeVSAvoidx-ray imaging obstruction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The drive train components are repositioned from a vertical arrangement (directly under the compression belt) to a lateral arrangement (at the sides of the platform). This spatial reconfiguration in another dimension allows the compression belt to be positioned over a radiolucent region while maintaining all necessary drive components, thereby enabling clear radiographic imaging without compromising structural integrity or installation ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the compression belt is connected through fixed couplings, then the device structure is more stable, but belt replacement requires removing the patient from the device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structural stabilityVSAvoidbelt replacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The compression belt system is segmented into modular components with releasable couplings that connect the belt to the drive train. These couplings can be quickly released and reconnected without removing the patient from the device. The segmentation allows the belt to be replaced in sections while maintaining stable connections during operation, thus reducing replacement time while preserving structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If the belt installation requires complex alignment procedures, then the device achieves more precise positioning, but the installation process becomes more difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebelt positioning precisionVSAvoidbelt installation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The drive train components and coupling mechanisms are pre-positioned and pre-aligned during device assembly before the belt is installed. The releasable couplings are pre-configured with alignment features that guide the belt into the correct position during installation. This preliminary preparation eliminates complex alignment procedures during actual belt installation, making the process simpler and faster while maintaining precise positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3949932B1Automated chest compression device
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 ZOLL CIRCULATION INC
  • EP3949932B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3949932B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3949932B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a device for compressing a chest of a patient comprising: a platform for placement under a thorax of the patient such that an inferior/superior axis of the platform corresponds to an inferior/superior axis of the patient and a medial/lateral axis of the platform corresponds to a medial/lateral axis of the patient on which the device is used; a compression belt adapted to extend over a surface of the chest of the patient, said compression belt comprising right and left belt ends; right and left drive spools laterally displaced from an inferior/superior centerline of the platform, said right and left drive spools operably connected to the right and left belt ends such that rotation of the right and left drive spools results in spooling of the right and left belt ends upon the corresponding drive spool, for repeatedly tightening and loosening the belt; and at least one motor operably connected to the right and left drive spools, said at least one motor operable to rotate the right and left drive spools; wherein the at least one motor is disposed in a first region of the device along the inferior/superior axis, and the drive spools extend into a second region of the device along the inferior/superior axis, said second region displaced from the first region, and the drive spools are spaced laterally from the inferior/superior centerline, thereby defining a radiolucent space within the device devoid of radiopaque components, such that, when the platform is placed under the thorax of the patient, said radiolucent space is disposed under the heart of the patient.