Solid-State Defibrillation Circuit for Compact AED Waveform Generation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional AEDs are bulky, expensive, and prone to failure due to complex designs and high voltage components, limiting their availability and effectiveness in treating sudden cardiac arrest outside public access locations.
Innovation Solution
AED pulse generation circuits provide floating, adjustable bias voltages for a solid-state defibrillation waveform therapy generator, eliminating the need for bulky transformers and reducing component count, enabling a compact, reliable, and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional AED designs use transformers and high voltage components to generate defibrillation waveforms, then the defibrillation function is achieved, but the device size and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electromagnetic transformer-based high voltage generation with a solid-state defibrillation waveform generator that uses electronic switching and control circuits to generate the required high voltage pulses, thereby eliminating bulky transformers and reducing overall device size
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters of the defibrillation circuit by using adjustable bias voltages and solid-state switching elements that can dynamically control waveform characteristics, allowing compact design while maintaining effective defibrillation capability
2Reliability
If conventional AEDs use complex circuit designs with multiple high voltage components, then defibrillation capability is ensured, but the device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex high voltage component assemblies with an integrated solid-state waveform generator that uses semiconductor switching devices and control logic to achieve the same defibrillation function with fewer discrete components and reduced circuit complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The solid-state defibrillation waveform generator is designed to perform multiple functions including waveform generation, voltage regulation, and protection functions within a single integrated circuit architecture, reducing the need for separate dedicated components
3Reliability
If conventional AEDs are designed for reusability and constant self-testing, then reliability for multiple uses is improved, but component wear and battery depletion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-powered testing mechanism where the defibrillation capacitor itself is used to perform self-tests by discharging through the circuit, eliminating the need for external power sources during testing and reducing battery consumption while maintaining component validation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs periodic self-testing at controlled intervals using the defibrillation capacitor's stored energy, allowing the system to verify component functionality without continuous power consumption or excessive wear from constant testing
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 new circuit design allows for a pocket-sized AED that is more accessible and reliable, increasing the chances of successful defibrillation and survival by being easily portable and affordable.
Implementation Method 1
a power generation sub-circuits that transmit energy through one or more isolation barriers
Data Source
AI summary
AED pulse generation circuits that provide floating, adjustable, bias voltages for driving a solid-state defibrillation waveform therapy generator circuit are provided. The provided bias voltages allow to reverse polarity of provided electric shock to increase chances of successful defibrillation and survival. In one of the provided configurations, energy stored in the pulse capacitor can be discharged by activating the waveform therapy generator in the high-resistance transconductance region. The circuits can be positioned on a self-contained module potted with an insulating material to reduce unintended interactions with other AED components. Through the use of the disclosed circuits, AED size can be reduced to promote pocketability while simultaneously increasing AED reliability.