Mechanical Ventilators
ABOUT
The low cost invasive mechanical ventilator will be created specifically for low resource areas in third world countries in an attempt to fill the gap regarding low cost accessible devices. Such devices will be able to be created from locally available materials. Furthermore, the device will have minimal parameters to adjust and will be easy to use without extensive training.
Figure 1: Hospital grade ventilators
the problem
Mechanical ventilators are an expensive and often overly complicated technology that is not widely available in low-resource hospitals.
OUR SOLUTION
To increase availability, a low-cost automatic mechanical ventilator with easily replaceable and cost-effective materials must be designed.
Materials for this type of device will be easier to find and replace due to the lack of need for biocompatibility. In addition, only the essential parameters will be monitored.
Though ventilators are complex systems, specifically creating a ventilator that will be used in unconscious adult patients will simplify construction as parameters do not have to adjust based on the patient’s breathing patterns.
Figure 2: Schematic of Arduino CNC Shield and Stepper Motor Circuit
Figure 3: CAD rendering of device
Figure 4: Plunger used as oxygen source in device
Final Prototype
Inside
Electronics
