Defibrillator Electrode Package with External Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing use of single-use defibrillator electrodes poses challenges due to their finite shelf life and the need for manual verification of expiration dates and package integrity, which can lead to delays in therapy delivery during cardiac emergencies, potentially reducing survival chances.
Innovation Solution
An electrode package with an outer shell providing a vapor barrier, incorporating defibrillation electrodes with a metallic layer and conductive liquid, and an electronic memory device outside the shell to store information such as expiration dates and electrode type, allowing for remote connection to a defibrillator and automatic verification of electrode suitability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual verification of expiration dates and package integrity is used, then operator control over electrode suitability is maintained, but time is lost during therapy delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device stores electrode information (expiration date, type, configuration) in advance during manufacturing, so that when the electrode package is connected to the defibrillator, the information is already prepared and ready for automatic retrieval and verification, eliminating the need for manual checking during the emergency situation
Solution Approach 2:
The manual verification process is replaced with an automatic electronic verification system. The defibrillator's processor automatically reads the stored information from the memory device via the package electrical connector and compares it against current conditions (date, electrode type requirements), substituting human manual checking with automated electronic verification that occurs instantaneously upon connection
2Duration of action of stationary object
If electrode packaging is made airtight and watertight, then electrode shelf life is extended, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device is extracted from the sealed interior environment and positioned outside the outer shell. This allows the package to maintain its simple airtight/watertight structure for shelf life protection, while the memory device remains accessible to the defibrillator through electrical conductors that pass through the package connector, eliminating the need for complex sealed memory compartments or breachable seals
3Productivity
If electrodes are pre-connected to defibrillator, then speed of care is improved, but risk of using expired electrodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode package provides self-verification capability through the stored information in the memory device. When connected to the defibrillator, the system automatically retrieves the expiration date and other electrode parameters, performs verification against current conditions, and provides feedback without requiring manual intervention, thus maintaining both speed and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The defibrillator's processor receives information from the memory device and provides automatic feedback verification. The system compares the stored expiration date with the current date, checks electrode type compatibility, and provides immediate feedback (approval or rejection of the electrode) to the operator, ensuring that pre-connected electrodes are verified automatically before use
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
This solution enhances reliability by protecting the electrodes from environmental factors, simplifies manufacturing, and improves defibrillator functionality by automating the verification process, thus reducing the risk of delayed therapy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
an outer shell providing a vapor barrier between an interior space inside the outer shell and an exterior environment
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode package for use with a defibrillator, the electrode package comprising an outer shell providing a vapor barrier between an interior space inside the outer shell and an exterior environment, one or more defibrillation electrodes positioned in the interior space inside the outer shell, each of the defibrillation electrodes including a metallic layer in electrical contact with a conductive liquid-containing layer through which electrical current is delivered to a patient when the defibrillation electrodes have been applied to the patient, the conductive a liquid-containing layer being subject to drying out as liquid from the water-containing layer vaporizes and travels from the interior space to the external environment, and one or more electrical conductors extending from inside of the outer shell to a package electrical connector outside of the shell, the package electrical connector being configured to be connected to a mating defibrillator electrical connector connected to the defibrillator, and an electronic memory device positioned outside the outer shell and in electrical contact with some of the electrical conductors extending from the outer shell to the package electrical connector.