PCB Blade Connector for AED Pad Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector systems for automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) are costly to manufacture due to complex handling and tooling requirements, and they lack the ability to determine the age or type of defibrillation pads attached, leading to potential misuse and ineffective rescue attempts.
Innovation Solution
A connector system utilizing a printed circuit board (PCB) with conductive trace contact areas and a configuration circuit that stores information about the defibrillation pads, allowing the AED to sense and adjust settings accordingly, reducing manufacturing complexity and ensuring proper pad usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal pin or blade style contacts are used in the connector assembly, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase due to special tooling and handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical metal pin or blade contacts with a printed circuit board (PCB)-based electrical connection system. The PCB incorporates conductive traces and contact points that establish electrical connections without requiring complex mechanical assembly tooling or specialized handling equipment, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of electrical contact implementation from discrete metal components to integrated PCB circuitry. This parameter change enables standard PCB manufacturing processes to be used instead of specialized mechanical contact assembly processes, significantly improving ease of manufacture while preserving electrical connection functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If no configuration circuit is included in the connector, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the AED cannot determine pad assembly information leading to potential misuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a configuration circuit as an intermediary component within the connector assembly that stores and communicates pad assembly information (such as expiration dates, pad type, and usage history) to the AED base unit. This intermediary enables the AED to obtain necessary information about the connected pads without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity, preventing misuse while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
3Device complexity
If the AED cannot detect pad assembly expiration or type, then device simplicity is maintained, but rescue effectiveness decreases due to improper shock energy delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the configuration circuit in the connector assembly provides information about pad assembly status (expiration, type, usage history) back to the AED base unit. The AED uses this feedback to automatically adjust shock energy levels and verify pad suitability, ensuring optimal rescue effectiveness while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through automated decision-making algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
The connector between the patient electrode pads and the base unit of an automatic external defibrillator (AED) system can be formed by capturing a printed circuit board (PCB) within a connector housing. The PCB can have conductive metal traces that serve as the contact points between the wires from the patient electrodes and the electronics within the AED base unit. The PCB in combination with the conductive metal traces can be shaped similar to a conventional two-prong or two-blade connector. Employing such a PCB-based connector may result in AED pads which are less complex and less costly to manufacture. The PCB can also support a configuration circuit that is positioned between the conductive metal traces and that allows the AED to read and store information about the attached pads. For example, the AED can use this data storage feature to check the expiration date of the pads.