Reusable AED with Cartridge for ECG and Defibrillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are not reusable for taking multiple electrocardiograms (ECGs) without deploying electrode pads, leading to wastefulness and lack of confidence in using the device during non-emergency situations, and they cannot report ECG data in real-time outside of cardiac emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A medical device that can take multiple ECGs without deploying AED electrode pads and quickly convert into a functional AED by storing the pads compactly within a cartridge, allowing for on-demand ECG measurements and transformation into a defibrillator mode with a unique circuit board configuration supporting both functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If AED electrode pads are deployed for ECG measurement, then ECG data can be obtained, but the device cannot be reused for multiple ECGs and generates waste
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable components: a reusable AED body and disposable electrode pads stored in a cartridge. This segmentation allows the main device to be reused while only the consumable pads are replaced, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and waste generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The AED device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can conduct ECG measurements using either integrated finger contacts or external electrode pads, and can be converted between ECG mode and defibrillation mode. This multi-functionality allows the device to obtain ECG data without consuming electrode pads in non-emergency situations.
2Speed
If AED electrode pads are stored deployed, then immediate defibrillation is possible, but the device cannot be used for multiple ECGs without replacement
Solution Approach 1:
Electrode pads are pre-stored in a cartridge in a ready-to-use state, but not deployed on the patient. When needed, the pads can be quickly attached to the patient's chest, enabling rapid transition from storage to defibrillation mode while maintaining the ability to reuse the AED body for multiple ECG measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically transitions between different operational states: ECG measurement mode using finger contacts, ECG measurement mode using electrode pads, and defibrillation mode. The cartridge system dynamically transitions from stored pads to deployed pads, enabling adaptability across multiple uses while maintaining defibrillation readiness.
3Reliability
If the device is designed as a traditional AED, then defibrillation function is available, but it cannot take multiple ECGs without deploying pads
Solution Approach 1:
The device universally supports multiple operational modes: it can perform ECG measurements using integrated finger contacts (no pads required), ECG measurements using external electrode pads, and defibrillation. This design maintains reliable defibrillation function while enabling easy multiple ECG measurements without pad deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge acts as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the reusable AED body and the consumable electrode pads. It allows the device to maintain full defibrillation capability while enabling multiple ECG measurements without pad consumption through the use of integrated finger contacts.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the device separates into two components (AED body and cartridge), then reusability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a reusable AED body and a replaceable cartridge containing electrode pads. This segmentation improves reusability by allowing the main device to be used indefinitely while only the cartridge needs replacement. The design minimizes complexity by using simple mechanical connection interfaces between the body and cartridge.
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
Enables multiple ECG measurements without pad deployment, facilitates real-time ECG data transmission during non-emergencies, and allows for simple reconfiguration into a functional AED for defibrillation, with compact storage and reduced waste.
Implementation Method 1
When the person's heart beats, it creates electrical signals that make the heart pump blood. These electrical signals can be detected and recorded by placing at least two sensors, called electrodes, on the person's skin
Implementation Method 2
The AED is activated to cause a defibrillating electrical shock to be administered through the AED electrode pads to the person
Data Source
AI summary
A method of using a medical device to take multiple electrocardiograms (ECG) and, if needed, to be converted into an automated external defibrillator (AED). The medical device is configured to take the ECG without deploying any AED electrode pad and, if convenient, to be held by a person so that the person can simply put fingers from both hands on two contacts to take the ECG. Alternatively, the two contacts may be placed on the person's bare skin. The medical device is configured to separate into two components: An AED body and a cartridge. A computer for viewing the ECG may be built into the medical device or may be connected to the medical device. Conversion of the medical device to an AED occurs by removing a first AED electrode pad and a second AED electrode pad from a flattened and stacked arrangement within the cartridge.