Low – Cost Portable Smart Ventilator

Abstract

Ventilators are one of the most important and complex devices in the intensive care unit (ICU). These devices are used to handle the patients in critical conditions like lungs collapse, comma, transplant surgeries, etc. But due to COVID-19 pandemic, there is a very large need of the ventilators. This paper focuses on the development of a prototype of portable ventilators with remote control. These ventilators are based on the slider-crank mechanism operated remotely as well as manually. The slider-crank mechanism compresses resuscitator (AMBU bag) and delivers the compressed air to lungs through a pipe and face mask. These ventilators are capable of controlling breath per minute (BPM) and Tidal volume (volume of the oxygen compulsory in the lungs). The range of BPM can be controlled 10-45 BPM where deliverable tidal volume is 250–750 mL. To deliver the contactless treatment to a patient and save the doctor from the disease transmission, we have developed the android application to operate ventilator remotely. Arduino-based Wi-Fi controller is used to create control over BPM. Wi-Fi controller integrates the mobile application with ventilators to establish remote and contactless control. There is the provision of emergency cut-off in antagonistic condition. The overall cost of the prototyping is only 4000 INR and can be assembled within minutes on an assembly line. Because of the ventilator’s compact size and light weight it can be used in remote locations and ambulances.