Covid19 Initiative

MECHANICAL VENTILATOR

Over 20 engineers, designers, firmware developers, sensor integration experts in collaboration with hospitals, startups and corporates have come together to build this affordable, clinically acceptable and locally manufacturable mechanical ventilator for emergency use during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The T-Works premises, with 3D printers, laser cutter and other prototyping tools, became the hub of activity where everyone collaborated to build the first prototype of the ventilator in 31 days followed by the development of the second version after going through rigorous testing and feedback cycles.

IMAGES

Ventilator ver. 2

Assembled components

Device Testing

Ventilator ver. 1

Partially assembled vent

Early Prototype

Demo to IT Minister Shri KTR Rama Rao

Team photo

Displaying signages

Side panel installation

Sheet metal body

PCB designed at TWorks

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The device is designed to be used in emergency situations when commercial ventilators are not available or affordable such as in hospitals overwhelmed with Covid-19 patients or in primary health centres in rural areas. The ventilator is designed to cater to patients severely affected by COVID-19 (weighing 35-120 kg), who need mechanical ventilation support in Continuous Mandatory Ventilation (CMV) mode through intubation.

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY AND MECHANISM

Ventilator in action

The device uses commonly available mechanical and electrical components including microprocessors, pressure sensors, valves, motors and easily fabricated mechanical parts. The ventilator utilises a bag valve mask or BVM, popularly known as Ambu Bag, along with a system of valves and sensors to achieve the desired requirements of mechanical ventilation that includes tidal volume, PEEP (Positive End Expiratory Pressure),respiratory rate, and fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2).

The sheet metal body provides strength and protection from rough handling for the multiple parts inside and enables easy disinfection of the service. The design also incorporates a bi-lingual labelling to aid health workers who may be unfamiliar with English.

Medical device companies and researchers worldwide are sharing their knowledge openly to aid and assist such efforts. We benefited from information shared by similar initiatives at MIT and the University of Florida as well as design specifications released by NXP.