Handheld ECG Docking Layout for Space-Limited Care Settings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrocardiogram devices are bulky and cumbersome due to their size, making them inconvenient in space-limited patient care environments and competing for space with other medical devices.
Innovation Solution
A handheld electrocardiogram device designed for interchangeable use with multiple docking stations, including those on mobile carts, tabletops, and vertical walls, which support the device in an upright position and recharge its battery, allowing for portability and flexibility in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional electrocardiogram devices are used, then they can perform electrocardiogram recording functions, but they are bulky and heavy making them inconvenient in space-limited environments
Solution Approach 1:
The ECG system is divided into two separate components: a portable handheld device for acquiring electrocardiogram signals and a separate docking station for processing and storage. This segmentation allows the handheld device to be lightweight and portable while the docking station houses the heavier processing components, resolving the contradiction between portability and functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing unit, memory, and other heavy components are extracted from the handheld device and placed in the docking station. The handheld device retains only the essential signal acquisition components (electrodes, amplifier, and minimal processing), making it lightweight while the docking station provides the full functional capability when connected.
2Ease of operation
If traditional ECG devices mounted on mobile carts are used, then they can be moved around patient care environments, but they consume significant space and compete with other medical devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the mobile handheld device from the stationary docking station. The handheld device can be easily moved between patients while the docking station remains in a fixed location, reducing the space requirements compared to traditional cart-mounted systems that must accommodate all components together.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station is designed to be mounted on vertical walls rather than occupying horizontal floor space. This dimensional change allows the system to utilize vertical space that would otherwise be unused, reducing competition for limited floor space in patient care environments while maintaining mobility through the handheld device.
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 solution provides a compact, portable electrocardiogram device that can be easily moved between different locations without requiring the relocation of docking stations, enhancing usability and reducing space constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a battery configured to power the at least one processing unit
Implementation Method 2
a docking station including a dock housing configured to support the device housing and to recharge the battery of the handheld device
Data Source
AI summary
A system for electrocardiography includes a handheld device having a device housing, and a patient cable having a proximal end that connects to the device housing. A distal end of the patient cable breaks out into leads for attachment to a patient. The handheld device generates an electrocardiogram based on electrical signals received from the patient cable. The system further includes a docking station having a dock housing to support the device housing and to recharge a battery of the handheld device.