Optical Alignment Aid for Automated CPR Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ACPR) devices face challenges in accurately aligning the compression pad during setup and ongoing resuscitation, leading to prolonged 'no flow' times and potential trauma due to suboptimal compression points, as they struggle with visibility and stability issues, especially in determining the correct cranial-caudal position.

Innovation Solution

An automated cardiopulmonary resuscitation device equipped with an optical alignment aid that projects a light pattern onto the patient's chest, aiding in the precise placement of the compression element by indicating the optimal compression location and monitoring for any shifts during CPR, utilizing a laser source and adjustable portal system for improved alignment and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If automated CPR devices use fixed compression frequency control, then high quality chest compressions can be achieved, but setup time is prolonged and alignment precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression qualityVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing alignment marks on the compression pad and patient surface that enable pre-alignment verification before device activation. The marks are positioned in advance to guide correct pad placement, allowing rapid verification without prolonged setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment mechanisms with a simple optical visualization system using alignment marks. Instead of using mechanical guides or adjustable mechanisms, the system uses visually detectable marks that can be quickly aligned and verified, substituting mechanical complexity with optical simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If compression pad is positioned far from chest during setup, then device stability is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice stabilityVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent solves the alignment problem by introducing a visual dimension through alignment marks that extend from the compression pad to the patient surface. This allows alignment verification in the visual field without requiring the pad to be physically close to the chest, maintaining device stability while enabling precise alignment through optical projection of the marks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Length of moving object

If compression point is pushed cranially on sternum, then compression depth is increased, but sternal fracture risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression depthVSAvoidsternal fracture
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing specific alignment marks at different locations on the compression pad that correspond to different compression targets. The marks enable precise localization of the optimal compression point on the sternum, ensuring that compression force is applied to the correct anatomical location that maximizes compression depth while avoiding fracture-prone areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Measurement precision

If compression pad placement is adjusted during CPR, then compression point accuracy is improved, but device stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression point accuracyVSAvoiddevice stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning alignment marks that remain visible throughout CPR operation. These marks allow verification of pad position without requiring device disassembly or reconfiguration, enabling accuracy checks and adjustments while maintaining device stability through continuous visual reference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution significantly reduces the time required for setup, minimizes 'no flow' periods, and ensures consistent, optimal compression points, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and safety of CPR by providing clear, visible guidance for accurate placement and real-time monitoring of the compression element's position.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a laser source and adjustable portal system for improved alignment and stability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP2618798B1Laser alignment for automated CPR device
Publication Date: 2019.02.20 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP2618798B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2618798B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2618798B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

An automated cardiopulmonary resuscitation device comprises a compression element for acting on a compression location on a chest of a patient, and an optical alignment aid configured and arranged for projecting, at least temporarily, a light pattern on the patient. The light pattern projected by the optical alignment aid guides the user during the placement procedure of the ACPR device. The light pattern projected by the optical alignment aid allows the user to monitor whether the position of the automated cardiopulmonary resuscitation device has moved during the administration of CPR.