Pre-connected Defibrillator Electrodes with Moisture Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The compatibility issues between different defibrillator brands and electrodes lead to confusion and waste, as clinicians often need to test multiple electrodes, which can dry out quickly due to improper storage, increasing setup time in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
An automatic external defibrillator system with pre-connected defibrillation electrode pads that maintain moisture through reduced moisture vapor transmission rates, using a housing with contact pads and a two-part fastener system to secure the electrodes, allowing for automatic activation upon separation and impedance checks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clinicians test multiple electrodes to determine compatibility, then compatibility is ensured, but electrode moisture is lost and setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is pre-connected to the defibrillator during manufacturing, with electrical contacts already established and the conductive gel pre-applied. This preliminary action eliminates the need for clinicians to test multiple electrodes during emergencies, ensuring compatibility is already verified while reducing setup time to simply attaching the pre-assembled unit.
2Reliability
If electrodes are stored in packages to prevent drying, then moisture is preserved, but compatibility testing becomes difficult and waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode and defibrillator connector are merged into a single pre-assembled unit with integrated electrical contacts and conductive gel. This combination eliminates the need for separate packaging and compatibility testing, as the integrated design ensures proper connection while the gel remains protected until deployment.
3Productivity
If electrodes are pre-connected to reduce setup time, then setup time is reduced, but moisture loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
A protective film or coating is applied to the conductive gel surface in the pre-connected electrode, creating a barrier that prevents moisture evaporation while allowing the electrode to remain connected and ready for immediate use. This thin protective layer maintains gel moisture during storage and transport.
4Reliability
If multiple electrode packages are kept for compatibility, then compatibility is ensured, but device complexity and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode design incorporates a universal connector interface that is compatible with multiple defibrillator models. This multi-functional connector allows a single electrode package to work with various devices, eliminating the need to maintain multiple specialized electrode packages for different defibrillator types.
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 system simplifies the setup process, reduces electrode dryness, and ensures compatibility, thereby reducing setup time and waste, while maintaining electrode functionality during emergencies.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrogel layer of each defibrillation electrode pad is retained by the housing in such a manner so as to reduce a moisture vapor transmission rate thereof
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an automatic external defibrillator configured to deliver electrical pulses and/or shocks to a heart of a patient during a cardiac emergency is provided and includes a housing supporting an electrical connector; a defibrillator electrode delivery system supported on the housing; and a pair of defibrillation electrode pads supported by the defibrillator electrode delivery system. Each of the pair of defibrillation electrode pads is pre-connected to the electrical connector of the housing. A hydrogel layer of each defibrillation electrode pad is retained by the defibrillator electrode delivery system in such a manner so as to reduce a moisture vapor transmission rate thereof.