Defibrillator Carrying Case with Curved Handle and Side Latch

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing defibrillator carrying cases hinder rapid deployment and use during cardiac rescues due to tangled handles, obstructed access, inadequate visibility of contents, and insufficiently robust latches, which can lead to delays and damage to equipment.

Innovation Solution

A carrying case design featuring a stiff and curved handle at a 90-degree angle to the hinge and latch, a double-articulated hinge for stability, an improved seal to protect electrodes, and a robust latch mechanism with a spur and catch assembly, along with features like an automatic turn-on function, visible content arrangement, and internal trays for cleaning and testing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional handle design is used in the carrying case, then the handle can be easily attached, but it becomes tangled with other gear and delays deployment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment speedVSAvoidhandle tangling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is designed with a curved configuration rather than a straight rigid structure. This curvature allows the handle to bend and move independently from other gear items, preventing tangling while maintaining ease of attachment and use. The curved shape enables the handle to flex during deployment without becoming entangled with surrounding equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If the latch is positioned to secure the case, then the case remains closed securely, but it obstructs access and may be stepped on

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecase securityVSAvoidaccessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is repositioned to the side of the carrying case rather than on the front face. This dimensional relocation allows the latch to maintain its securing function while moving out of the way of the primary access path. The side-mounted latch can still engage and disengage effectively but no longer obstructs the main opening area or creates tripping hazards when the case is opened.

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

3Reliability

If electrodes are pre-connected and stored inside the carrying case, then they are protected from damage, but they are not immediately visible when the case is opened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode protectionVSAvoidvisibility time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electrodes are pre-connected to the defibrillator unit before being placed in the carrying case. This preliminary connection ensures that when the case is opened during an emergency, the electrodes are immediately ready for use without requiring additional connection time. The pre-connection is performed in advance during manufacturing or maintenance, eliminating the need for on-site assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If the carrying case includes all necessary accessories, then it is comprehensive for rescue, but the contents are not immediately visible and may be misplaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverescue readinessVSAvoidcontent visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The carrying case is divided into multiple organized compartments and sections, each dedicated to specific accessories or components. This segmentation allows all necessary rescue items to be stored in an organized manner while remaining individually accessible. Each compartment can be quickly identified and accessed without searching through the entire case, maintaining comprehensive readiness while improving operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2637740B1Carrying case for defibrillator and accessories
Publication Date: 2017.01.11 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP2637740B1 patent drawing
  • EP2637740B1 patent drawing
  • EP2637740B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A substantially rigid defibrillator carrying case having a hinged side, a latch disposed on a latch side opposite the hinged side, and a handle disposed on a handle side disposed between the hinged side and the latch side. The carrying case hinge is constructed for greater structural integrity when the case is open, and to have a flush-mount profile when the case is closed.