AED Bias Generation Circuit Using Synchronous Rectification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional public access automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are bulky, costly, and complex, limiting their availability and effectiveness in preventing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) outside public locations, as they require frequent maintenance and are not designed for single-use scenarios, making them impractical for widespread deployment.
Innovation Solution
AEDs are redesigned with a bias generation circuit utilizing synchronous power rectification and isolated sub-circuits to generate high-voltage defibrillation waveforms, reducing size and cost while ensuring reliability, enabling a pocket-sized, disposable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional public access AEDs are designed with reusability and constant self-testing, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the AED into two distinct segments: a reusable defibrillator unit and disposable patient interface components (electrode pads with integrated circuitry). This segmentation allows the complex defibrillator to be reused while the disposable components handle single-use testing and patient contact, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable electrode pads with integrated circuitry that are discarded after single use. These disposable components perform necessary self-testing and patient interface functions without requiring the main defibrillator to be designed for extensive single-use durability, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining reliability of the reusable unit.
2Duration of action of moving object
If conventional public access AEDs are designed for multiple uses with high energy capacity, then duration of action is improved, but weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the high-energy defibrillation function (in the reusable unit) from the low-energy patient interface function (in the disposable pads). The reusable defibrillator contains the high-capacity battery and energy storage components, while the disposable pads contain only minimal circuitry for sensing and control, significantly reducing the weight of the disposable portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable electrode pads are designed with minimal energy storage requirements since they only need to interface with the high-energy defibrillator. The actual defibrillation energy comes from the reusable unit's battery, allowing the disposable components to be very lightweight while the system as a whole provides sufficient duration for multiple uses.
3Reliability
If conventional public access AEDs include telemetry and constant readiness checking, then reliability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transfers telemetry and constant readiness checking functions to the disposable electrode pads, which contain integrated circuitry for these functions at minimal cost. Since the pads are discarded after use, there is no need to design the expensive reusable defibrillator with extensive durability features for these specific functions, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability through the disposable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable electrode pads perform self-testing and readiness checking functions autonomously without requiring complex monitoring systems in the reusable defibrillator. The pads self-verify their functionality and communicate status to the defibrillator, reducing the need for expensive telemetry and monitoring infrastructure in the main unit.
4Reliability
If conventional public access AEDs are designed with robust components for extreme conditions, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system so that only the reusable defibrillator unit requires robust, high-reliability components capable of withstanding extreme conditions and repeated use. The disposable electrode pads use simpler, less expensive components since they are single-use and do not need to survive extreme temperatures or multiple discharge cycles, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability where needed.
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 redesigned AEDs become more accessible and affordable, increasing survival chances from SCA by being easily carried and used in various settings, reducing the need for maintenance and component failures.
Implementation Method 1
one or more secondary windings of the transformer whose energy is rectified by a synchronous rectifier, wherein the rectified energy is used to supply one or more bias voltages
Implementation Method 2
a transformer having a primary winding and one or more secondary windings
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.