Pediatric Backboard with Integrated Weighing and LED Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining a child's weight during pediatric emergencies, such as the Broselow Pediatric Emergency Tape, are no longer accurate due to the childhood obesity epidemic, leading to underestimation of weights and potential misadministration of medication and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A backboard with an integrated weighing device and illuminated light system that indicates the patient's weight range, allowing for quick and accurate determination of medicament dosages and selection of appropriate equipment based on weight, while also providing a height measurement for endotracheal tube size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the Broselow Pediatric Emergency Tape is used to determine weight based on height, then the method is simple and widely available, but it underestimates the weight of children due to the obesity epidemic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the height measurement function (Broselow Tape) and weight measurement function (digital scale) into a single integrated backboard system. The weight scale is built into the backboard structure, allowing simultaneous or sequential measurement of both parameters without requiring separate devices or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical Broselow Tape measurement system with an electronic digital weighing scale integrated into the backboard. The digital scale provides direct electronic measurement of weight, eliminating the need for height-based estimation and providing accurate real-time weight data.
2Measurement precision
If a separate weighing scale is used to determine patient weight, then accurate weight measurement is achieved, but it adds time and complexity to the emergency procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the weighing scale with the backboard structure itself, so that the patient is weighed while already positioned on the backboard during the immobilization process. This eliminates the need for separate weighing steps and reduces the overall time required for patient assessment and preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs weight measurement as a preliminary action during the patient placement on the backboard, before other emergency procedures are initiated. The weight is determined early in the process, allowing immediate use of the information for medication dosing and equipment selection without delaying subsequent critical interventions.
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate devices are used for height measurement and weight measurement, then both parameters can be determined, but it increases device complexity and reduces ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the backboard as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: patient immobilization, height measurement (via integrated tape), weight measurement (via digital scale), and visual indication of weight category (via LED lights). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate devices and simplifies the overall emergency equipment setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the height measurement tape, digital weighing scale, and LED indication system into a single integrated backboard unit. All these previously separate devices are merged into one cohesive system that provides comprehensive patient assessment capabilities while reducing equipment complexity and improving ease of use.
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 provides a fast and accurate method for determining medicament dosages and selecting the correct equipment, reducing the risk of under-dosing and ensuring appropriate treatment by clearly indicating the patient's weight range through a visual light system, while maintaining compatibility with existing emergency procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a weighing device associated with the backboard and moveable with the backboard during the transportation of the individual, the weighing device configured to determine weight of the individual on the backboard
Implementation Method 2
a light on the backboard, the light in electronic communication with the weighing device, the light associated with a predetermined weight range, the light configured to be illuminated only when the weight determined by the weighing device is within the predetermined weight range
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a backboard configured to support an immobilized, supine individual during transportation of the individual and a weighing device associated with the backboard and moveable with the backboard during the transportation of the individual. The weighing device configured to determine weight of the individual on the backboard. A light on the backboard is in electronic communication with the weighing device, and the light is associated with a predetermined weight range. The light is configured to be illuminated only when the weight determined by the weighing device is within the predetermined weight range. The apparatus permits determining the dosage of a medicament to be administered to an individual, especially a pediatric patient, when the individual is on the backboard because the dosage of the medicament is correlated to the weight of the individual.