Inflation Actuated Soft Gripper for Modular CPR System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CPR systems for battlefield situations require significant effort from medical personnel and pose risks due to the need for manual handling and positioning of patients, which can be hazardous and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A portable, modular CPR system featuring an inflation actuated soft gripper and a CPR pressure applicator module that can be easily assembled and operated by one person, using a frame with hubs and modules to securely grip and compress the patient's torso, reducing manual effort and risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling and positioning of patients is used in current CPR systems, then medical personnel can directly apply CPR, but significant physical effort and risk of injury are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical CPR application with an automated mechanical system. A robotic arm equipped with a compression device delivers chest compressions automatically, eliminating the need for medical personnel to manually position and compress the patient's chest, thereby reducing physical effort and injury risk while maintaining effective CPR delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a robotic arm as an intermediary between medical personnel and the patient. The robotic arm serves as a mediator that executes CPR compressions based on control signals, shielding medical personnel from direct physical contact and associated risks while ensuring precise and consistent compression delivery
2Manufacturing precision
If automated machine CPR is used, then control of compression magnitude and periodicity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the automated CPR system into modular components: a robotic arm module, a compression device module, a control system module, and a positioning system module. Each module performs a specific function, allowing for precise control of compression magnitude and periodicity while simplifying overall system management through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a positioning mechanism and a compression delivery mechanism. The same robotic arm that positions the compression device also executes the compressions, reducing the need for separate specialized components and managing system complexity through versatile design
3Reliability
If patient positioning above backboard is required, then proper CPR application is enabled, but time and effort for lifting and positioning are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary positioning of the patient on the backboard before CPR compression begins. The robotic system pre-positions the compression device above the patient's sternum and establishes proper alignment in advance, ensuring accurate CPR application without requiring time-consuming adjustments during the compression process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual lifting and positioning operations with an automated robotic positioning system. The robotic arm automatically adjusts the compression device's position and orientation based on patient anatomy detection, eliminating the need for medical personnel to manually lift and position heavy equipment while ensuring precise and reliable CPR application
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 system allows for efficient and safe administration of CPR by stabilizing the patient and reducing the physical burden on medical personnel, enabling effective chest compressions with minimal risk of injury or misalignment.
Implementation Method 1
an inflation actuated soft gripper device, supported by the frame, configured to receive an inflation gas at an operative pressure and, in response, change form to a deployed grip state that accommodates and grips a human torso
Implementation Method 2
a CPR pressure applicator device, which can be configured to receive an actuator power and a CPR control signal and, in response, concurrent with the deployed grip state, cyclically extend and retract a pressure applicator, along an axis
Data Source
AI summary
A method for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) includes supplying an inflation gas at an operative pressure to an inflation actuated soft gripper device to change form from an undeployed state to a deployed grip state that accommodates and grips a human torso. The inflation actuated soft gripper device includes a first inflatable gripper arm having a first distal end and a second inflatable gripper arm having a second distal end. The first distal end and the second distal end approach one another from the undeployed state to the deployed grip state. The first and second distal ends are spaced apart from one another further in the undeployed state than in the deployed grip state. An actuator power and a CPR control signal are delivered to a CPR pressure application device to cyclically extend and retract a pressure applicator along an axis in alignment with a sternum of the human torso.