Defibrillator Case Handle Repositioning for Rapid Deployment
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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, insufficient latches, and poor cleaning and testing capabilities, leading to delays in therapy application.
Innovation Solution
A defibrillator carrying case with a stiff and curved handle, double-articulated hinge, improved content arrangement for immediate visibility, automatic turn-on feature, and a robust latch mechanism with a spur and catch assembly, along with features like a light pipe for wider-angle viewing and removable trays for cleaning and testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a carrying case includes a handle for portability, then the case can be easily carried and transported, but the handle may tangle with other gear and obstruct access during emergency deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is extracted from the traditional integrated position and repositioned to protrude from the side of the case away from the hinge and latch. This separation prevents the handle from interfering with the opening mechanism while maintaining portability functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is repositioned in three-dimensional space to protrude from the side of the case rather than being integrated into the top or front. This spatial reconfiguration allows the handle to be accessible for carrying while not obstructing the latch area during deployment.
2Reliability
If the carrying case uses a traditional latch mechanism, then the case can be secured during storage, but the latch may be obscured by the handle making it difficult to operate with gloved hands
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is positioned asymmetrically relative to the handle, with the latch located on the front face and the handle protruding from the side. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that the latch remains fully accessible while maintaining secure closure functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the latch mechanism for securing, the hinge for opening, and the handle for carrying. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently without interfering with the others.
3Ease of operation
If the carrying case lid is designed to open fully for access, then the contents are easily accessible, but the lid may be accidentally stepped on or kicked shut during rescue operations
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is pre-positioned to define a specific opening arc that stops before the lid becomes vulnerable to being kicked shut. This preliminary geometric constraint prevents accidental closure while still providing full access to contents.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge creates a curved arc of operation for the lid, following a spherical path that naturally limits the opening angle. This curved motion path prevents the lid from reaching positions where it could be accidentally closed by external forces.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the carrying case stores multiple accessories and components, then the case provides comprehensive rescue functionality, but the contents may not be immediately visible requiring time to locate items
Solution Approach 1:
Accessories and components are pre-arranged in designated compartments and positions within the case before deployment. This preliminary organization ensures that items are immediately visible and accessible in a logical sequence, reducing search time during emergency rescue operations.
5Illumination intensity
If the carrying case includes a light pipe for wider-angle viewing, then the ready indicator is more visible, but the case structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A light pipe acts as an intermediary element that transmits the ready indicator light from the defibrillator to the exterior of the case. This simple optical mediator enhances visibility without requiring complex electronic or mechanical systems.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
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 is constructed without protrusions and with an arcuate and semi-rigid or rigid handle, which combine to allow easy removal and deployment of the contents from a vehicle storage location to a cardiac arrest patient. The carrying case is further constructed with a wide angle viewing ready status light pipe for greater ease of maintenance of the contents.