Modular Mechanical Ventilator With Solenoid Gas Mixing and PEEP
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for low-cost, easily accessible, and easily usable mechanical ventilators that can be assembled from locally sourced components, particularly in response to the shortage of ventilators during emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and to address disparities in healthcare access in developing nations.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical ventilator design utilizing a solenoid and mixing valve to provide a patient's oxygen-air mixture, with a fluid flow controller and a continuous positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) system, allowing for multiple operating modes and assembly from common components like a bag-valve-mask (BVM) and solenoids, with a controller for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If advanced ventilators are used to ensure reliable patient care, then the reliability of ventilation is improved, but the cost and complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilator is divided into separate functional modules: a microcontroller unit for control, a solenoid valve for gas flow regulation, a mixing chamber for oxygen-air blending, and a bag-valve-mask assembly for delivery. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system reliability, and enables local assembly from available parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates multiple operating modes (volume-controlled ventilation, pressure-controlled ventilation, and high-flow oxygen therapy) within a single unified platform. The same hardware architecture supports different ventilation strategies, making the device versatile and adaptable to various clinical scenarios without requiring multiple specialized machines.
2Reliability
If high-end ventilators are deployed to meet emergency demand, then the quality of care is improved, but the cost and accessibility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilator design intentionally uses inexpensive, readily available components that can be easily manufactured or sourced locally. The bag-valve-mask assembly, solenoid valves, and basic control electronics are chosen for their low cost and widespread availability, enabling mass production and local assembly rather than relying on expensive imported equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be assembled, operated, and maintained with minimal specialized training. The modular architecture allows local technicians to assemble the ventilator from separate components, and the simple control interface enables operators to quickly learn effective use without extensive education programs.
3Reliability
If specialized ventilators are imported to meet demand, then the ventilation capability is improved, but the ease of local assembly and maintenance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilator is divided into separate functional modules: a microcontroller unit for control, a solenoid valve for gas flow regulation, a mixing chamber for oxygen-air blending, and a bag-valve-mask assembly for delivery. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system reliability, and enables local assembly from available parts.
4Quantity of substance
If complex ventilator systems are deployed to ensure adequate oxygen delivery, then the tidal volume delivery is improved, but the ease of use and training requirement worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates multiple operating modes (volume-controlled ventilation, pressure-controlled ventilation, and high-flow oxygen therapy) within a single unified platform. The same hardware architecture supports different ventilation strategies, making the device versatile and adaptable to various clinical scenarios without requiring multiple specialized machines.
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 ventilator provides effective oxygen therapy, reduces CO2 buildup, and increases tidal volume, offering a cost-effective solution that can be assembled and maintained locally, suitable for various environments including hospitals, submarines, and battlefields, and can rival high-end ventilators at a fraction of the cost.
Implementation Method 1
Example ventilators can use a solenoid and mixing valve to provide a patient's oxygen-air mixture
Implementation Method 2
The fluid flow controller has a fluid flow controller output line operably connected to a patient line, and is controlled by a pneumatic actuator driven by an on-off valve to deliver the mixed gas to a patient line at appropriate intervals
Implementation Method 3
A second line is disposed to receive the mixed gas, the second line being configured to create a continuous, constantly flowing positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)
Data Source
AI summary
In alternative embodiments, provided are mechanical ventilators and methods for making and using them.