Wearable CPR Device with Heartbeat Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing CPR devices do not provide a hands-free, automatic solution for performing chest compressions with the correct frequency and depth, especially in situations where a user is alone or in an unsafe environment, and they fail to continue compressions until a heartbeat is restored.

Innovation Solution

A wearable device comprising a belt with an electrical motor and a heartbeat sensor that detects the absence of a heartbeat and activates the motor to drive a piston for chest compressions, ensuring proper frequency and depth of compressions until a heartbeat is detected again.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual CPR is performed by trained persons, then chest compressions can be delivered to the patient, but the effectiveness degrades when the rescuer's arms get tired and cannot maintain correct compression frequency and depth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of chest compressionsVSAvoidphysical exertion required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of arm-powered chest compressions with an automated mechanical system consisting of a motor-driven piston mechanism. The piston is driven by a motor that can be activated by various triggers (manual button, heartbeat sensor detection, or fall detector), eliminating the need for continuous human physical effort while maintaining reliable compression delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If no one else is available to perform CPR, then the victim receives no CPR treatment, because existing devices require manual activation and operation by another person

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailability of CPR in lone situationsVSAvoidautomatic activation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the victim to self-activate the CPR device through multiple automated detection mechanisms. A heartbeat sensor can detect cardiac arrest and automatically trigger the piston mechanism, or a fall detector can sense a fall and activate CPR. This self-service capability allows lone victims to receive automated CPR without requiring another person's intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If existing CPR devices are used, then chest compressions can be performed, but they cannot automatically detect heartbeat absence and initiate compressions, nor continue until heartbeat is restored

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic heartbeat detection and continuous compressionVSAvoidintegration of sensor and motor systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single device: the piston mechanism delivers chest compressions, the heartbeat sensor detects cardiac arrest, and the fall detector senses falls. These multiple functions are unified in one device that can operate in various modes (manual activation, automatic heartbeat-based activation, or fall-based activation), providing universal CPR capability across different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 continuous, effective hands-free chest compressions on users experiencing cardiac arrest, addressing the limitations of existing devices by providing automatic and sustained CPR in various environments and user positions.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical motor mounted on the wearable belt... The electrical motor is configured to drive the piston to move between upward and downward directions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a heartbeat sensor electrically coupled to the electrical motor. The heartbeat sensor is configured to detect an absence of a heartbeat on a user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical signal detection: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Data Source

PatentUS20220023143A1Hands-Free Wearable Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Device

Publication Date: 2022.01.27 GLASS JR ROBERT C

AI summary

A hands-free wearable cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) device, comprising a wearable belt, an electrical motor mounted on the wearable belt, a piston housing coupled to the wearable belt, and a heartbeat sensor electrically coupled to the electrical motor is provided. The piston housing encloses a piston that is moveably coupled to the electrical motor. The heartbeat sensor is configured to detect an absence of a heartbeat on a user and to responsively activate the electrical motor. The electrical motor is configured to drive the piston to move between upward and downward directions along the piston housing to produce chest compressions on the user in response to the electrical motor being activated by the heartbeat sensor.