Wearable CPR Support Device for Rescuer Fatigue Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current CPR devices do not provide adequate support or relief from anatomical strain and fatigue during chest compressions, particularly for individuals with smaller stature or those suffering from hand and wrist disorders, leading to reduced effectiveness and increased risk of injury.

Innovation Solution

A wearable support device that provides compressive support to the wrist, hand, forearm, and arm, incorporating sensors and feedback components to enhance CPR performance by maintaining proper angle and reducing fatigue, while alleviating symptoms of wrist and hand ailments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If CPR is performed without interruption over a three minute period, then continuous chest compressions are maintained, but rescuer fatigue adversely affects the quality of chest compressions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduration of uninterrupted CPRVSAvoidquality of chest compressions
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the support function by providing a wrist-specific support mechanism that can be independently adjusted. The wrist support is a separate component that can be worn independently or with other CPR equipment, allowing targeted support to the wrist joint without requiring full-body support equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wrist support device acts as an intermediary between the rescuer's wrist and the CPR compression force. It provides a mechanical interface that distributes and supports the load on the wrist joint, reducing the direct stress on wrist structures during prolonged compression sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If wrist or hand support is provided during CPR, then anatomical strain and fatigue are reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of CPR administrationVSAvoidcomplexity of support device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the wrist support function from complex full-body support systems or advanced exoskeletons. By focusing solely on wrist support with a simple wearable device, it provides targeted assistance without the complexity of comprehensive mechanical support systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The wrist support device is designed to be self-adjusting and passive, requiring no active control systems, power sources, or complex adjustments by the user. The support structure automatically adapts to wrist movements and provides consistent support through its mechanical design alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If compression depth and rate are monitored, then feedback on CPR quality is provided, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement of compression parametersVSAvoidcomplexity of monitoring device
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wrist support device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical wrist support to reduce fatigue while also incorporating sensors for monitoring compression depth and rate. This multi-functionality is achieved in a single integrated device rather than requiring separate support and monitoring equipment.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that measure compression parameters and provide information about CPR quality. This feedback loop allows real-time monitoring without requiring complex analysis systems, as the sensors directly measure physical parameters of interest.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Strength

If wrist support is provided through compression, then structural support and fatigue reduction are achieved, but comfort may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport strength to wristVSAvoiddiscomfort to wearer
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wrist support device applies compression and support locally to specific areas of the wrist that require stabilization during CPR. Rather than uniformly compressing the entire wrist, the device targets key structural points to provide support while minimizing discomfort in other areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 ability to perform CPR with reduced fatigue and discomfort, allowing for longer durations and improved technique, particularly benefiting individuals with smaller stature or wrist-related issues, by providing structural support and monitoring feedback.

Implementation Method 1

the wearable support is adapted to be in close contact with the at least one of the wearer's wrist, hand or forearm, to provide support to the wearer through compression of the at least one of the wearer's wrist, hand or forearm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS8926538B2Support device for administration of CPR
Publication Date: 2015.01.06 PHYSIO CONTROL CORP
  • US8926538B2 patent drawing
  • US8926538B2 patent drawing
  • US8926538B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A support device for assisting a wearer in the administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the device comprising: a wearable support for strengthening at least one of the wearer's wrist, hand or forearm, the wearable support being adapted to circumscribe a majority of the circumference of the at least one of the wearer's wrist, hand or forearm; wherein the wearable support is adapted to be in close contact with the at least one of the wearer's wrist, hand or forearm, to provide support to the wearer through compression of the at least one of the wearer's wrist, hand or forearm.