Inflatable Pouch Fluid Dispensing for Wearable Defibrillators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable defibrillators face challenges with adhesive gel electrode pads that deteriorate over time, causing discomfort and reduced effectiveness due to peeling off the skin, and unintended fluid dispensing from traditional reservoirs, leading to inefficiencies in electrical connectivity and patient compliance.
Innovation Solution
A system with a conductive fluid reservoir and inflatable pouch that dispenses conductive fluid to improve electrical connectivity between electrodes and the patient's skin, using pressurized fluid to inflate the pouch and break a seal, allowing fluid to flow only when needed for defibrillation, ensuring effective contact without rigid structures that compromise comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive gel electrode pads are used in wearable defibrillators, then electrical connectivity is improved, but the adhesive gel deteriorates over time causing discomfort and reduced effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into separate functional components: the electrode itself, the adhesive layer, and the conductive fluid reservoir. This allows each component to be optimized independently - the electrode maintains electrical connectivity while the fluid reservoir provides refreshable conductive fluid to replace deteriorated adhesive gel, extending the wearable duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive fluid is pre-stored in the reservoir in a controlled, sealed state before being needed. When the adhesive gel begins to deteriorate during wear, the system can dispense fresh conductive fluid through outlets in the electrode pad, restoring electrical connectivity without removing and reapplying the entire electrode assembly.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional reservoirs are used for conductive fluid, then fluid storage is achieved, but unintended fluid dispensing occurs reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir uses a pressurized gas bladder system where compressed gas applies pressure to the conductive fluid. This pneumatic mechanism provides precise, controlled dispensing - the fluid is released only when the pressure exceeds the seal holding force, preventing unintended dispensing while enabling reliable fluid delivery when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir employs a flexible bladder that can be compressed and expanded. This flexible structure allows the reservoir to maintain its shape while accommodating fluid volume changes during dispensing, and the flexibility enables intimate contact between the bladder and fluid for efficient pressure transmission without rigid structures that could compromise comfort.
3Reliability
If rigid structures are used to prevent fluid leakage, then fluid containment is improved, but patient comfort is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir and electrode pad assemblies use flexible, conformable materials that can adapt to the patient's body contours. This flexibility maintains patient comfort while the flexible structures incorporate integrated seals and pressure control mechanisms that provide reliable fluid containment without requiring rigid protective housings.
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
Enhances patient comfort and compliance by maintaining effective electrical connectivity and preventing unintended fluid dispensing, allowing for reliable and prolonged use of wearable defibrillators.
Implementation Method 1
The conductive fluid reservoir includes one or more outlets and an inflatable pouch. The controller is configured to control selective delivery of pressurized fluid from the source of pressurized fluid to the inflatable pouch. The inflatable pouch is configured to be inflated from a deflated state to an inflated state in response to pressurized fluid being delivered
Data Source
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AI summary
A conductive fluid reservoir can be used to dispense conductive fluid to increase electrical connectivity between an electrode of a defibrillator and a patient. The reservoir includes a container that holds the conductive fluid, one or more outlets on the container, and an inflatable pouch located at least partially within the container. The inflatable pouch is capable of being inflated from a deflated state to an inflated state. In the deflated state, a free end of the inflatable pouch covers the one or more outlets. In the inflated state, the free end of the inflatable pouch is removed from the one or more outlets such that the conductive fluid is allowed to flow out of the container via the one or more outlets. Inflating the inflatable pouch causes the conductive fluid to be dispensed from the reservoir.