Hinged Casing Fastening System for Cardiac Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temporary cardiac stimulation systems lack a secure fastening mechanism, leading to unstable electrode attachment, increased risk of detachment, and potential infections due to exposure, which restricts patient mobility and increases the risk of cardiac rupture.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system with a hinged casing and airtight connectors for the generator and electrode, featuring a flexible strap for body attachment and a secure anchoring mechanism to prevent disconnection and bacterial entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the generator and electrode are secured to the patient using dressings or sutures, then the system can be attached to the patient's body, but the system may come off easily and the generator may pull on the electrode causing disconnection or cardiac rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into distinct functional segments: a chest strap for securing the generator to the torso, an electrode securing means with adhesive properties for fixing the electrode to the skin, and a connector mechanism for joining the electrode to the generator. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without compromising overall system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode securing means incorporates adhesive properties that are applied beforehand to the skin surface, creating a pre-prepared secure attachment point before the electrode is fully inserted and connected. The chest strap is also pre-positioned to ensure proper generator placement before activation, preventing displacement during use.
2Ease of operation
If the external system is exposed to the medium, then the system can be accessed and monitored, but it can be colonized by bacteria and subsequently cause infection in the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector between the electrode and generator incorporates an airtight seal mechanism that creates a flexible barrier against bacterial penetration while allowing electrical signals to pass through. This thin film approach maintains accessibility for monitoring while preventing bacterial colonization at the connection interface.
3Device complexity
If conventional temporary cardiac stimulation systems are used without a secure fastening mechanism, then the system is simpler to implement, but the electrode attachment is unstable and patient mobility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The chest strap is designed with flexible, adjustable components that can dynamically adapt to different patient body sizes and movements. The strap incorporates elastic or flexible segments that maintain secure generator attachment while allowing natural patient mobility, eliminating the need for rigid, restrictive fastening methods.
4Weight of moving object
If the generator is made smaller to reduce patient burden, then the device is more comfortable to wear, but the battery capacity and processing power may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system distributes functional components across different spatial dimensions: the generator with battery and processing electronics is positioned in a compact form factor for patient comfort, while the electrode with its own securing mechanism extends outward to perform the stimulation function. This dimensional distribution allows the generator to remain small while maintaining adequate battery capacity and processing power.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fastening system (1) for an electrical stimulation generator (2), with a generator and an electrode, comprising a casing (4) for containing the generator (2) that presents identical first and second openings (7.1, 7.2), disposed on opposite sides; means for the connection of the electrode (5) to the first or second opening (7.1, 7.2) in the casing (4) formed by a first pass-through connector (13) for the electrode, with an airtight valve (14); an airtight closing element (10) disposed at the opening of the casing (4) opposite the one presenting the means for the connection of the electrode (5); a device (6) for securing the electrode (5) to the skin; and means for fastening the casing (4) to the body of the patient (3).