Modular Defibrillator-Patient-Monitor-System
Design and Series Production of a Modular Emergency System
Background
Our client, a well-known manufacturer of emergency medical systems, developed a successor product to a defibrillator with an integrated patient monitor that was already well-established in the market.
For the next-generation model, this compact device should be converted into a modular system consisting of three components: a patient monitor, a defibrillator, and a patient box.
The goal was a device concept that offers more flexibility in emergency use than a compact unit: monitoring and therapy can be deployed in separate locations, and the modules can be combined or used independently depending on the scenario. For instance, upon hospital admission, the patient box with all recorded data can stay with the stretcher for continuous patient monitoring while the display and therapy unit is already back in service in the ambulance.
Challenge
A modular emergency system faces a trade-off between scalability and reliability:
Connectors between subsystems must be safely disconnected and reconnected during operation without connection errors compromising functionality.
At the same time, emergency medical service devices are subjected to the harshest conditions, such as impacts, vibrations, dust, and moisture, and must remain safe and intuitive to use even under extreme time pressure.
Conflicts of interest arose between:
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Modularity and reliable, error-free interconnection
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Rugged design for emergency use and lightweight modules
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Operational safety in stressful situations and scope of functions
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Integration of electronic assemblies and compact installation space
Our contribution
Working closely with the client's development team, RAKKOON developed the device and housing designs for the three modules.
RAKKOON developed the system architecture and the overall device concept.
Key areas
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Device and Enclosure Designs for Monitors, Defibrillator, and Patient Boxes
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Design of reliable, separable interconnects between subsystems
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Mechanical and electrical interfaces of the modules
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User Interface Design for Safe and Easy Operation Under Field Conditions
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Integration of Electronic Assemblies into the Design
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Production engineering and support until the system was ready for market launch
Result
The result was a modular emergency system that can be configured to suit any operational scenario and combines the advantages of a compact unit with the flexibility of individual modules that can also be used separately. The secure, detachable interconnections between the subsystems ensure reliable operation at all times, whether connected or separated.
RAKKOON integrated electrical, electronic, and mechanical assemblies into the production design and supported the system until its market launch.
This series product is used by emergency medical services around the world.