Rapid Prototyping of Medical Mechanical Ventilator for COVID-19
The objective of this project is to design, manufacture, and assemble a low-cost, user friendly mechanical respiratory ventilator prototype aimed at easing the current shortage of ventilators related to COVID‑19 patients, in an emergency timeframe. The proposed ventilator prototype can be manufactured and assembled locally using rapid prototyping tools such as 3D printers and CNC machine tools.
The ventilator system includes a variable positive airway pressure unit, source for medical oxygen, sensors for monitoring oxygen and carbon dioxide, expiratory filter exhaust, in addition to the valve for different variable positive airway pressure devices (VPAP).
A key innovation is a novel valve for the control of oxygen flow to patients requiring this intervention. The inputs to the valve are air and oxygen. The outputs are controlled oxygen content. The 3D printed valve is used to create a prototype from light metal which is used to create a mold for mass production, using a polymer. The 3D printing design and protocol will allow rapid production of a customized mold for different types of NIV-ventilators that is available for such modification.
