COVID-19 Ventilator Open Source Project

COVID-19 Ventilator Open Source Project

Thank you for your interest in the COVID-19 Ventilator Project

Ways to help:

Additional Information:

 

In the coming months, projections suggest the US could have a shortfall of over 800,000 ventilators. What are we going to do about this shortfall in coming weeks? 

Here's the scary math...

  • The US is projected to need over 1 million ventilators to treat COVID-19 patients 
  • The US only has around 160,000 ventilators nationwide. 
  • Currently US manufacturers produce just 14,000 ventilators per year. 
  • Some ventilator manufacturers are ramping up production by 40%, so in a year they can produce 20,000 ventilators. 

Based on these eye opening statistics, there is simply no way for current manufacturers to even put a small dent in the number of ventilators required. We have all heard news of corporations like GM and Tesla planning to mass produce ventilators, but as an engineer, it just doesn't sound like enough to solve the problem at hand fast enough. Automakers are accustomed to working on multiple year long timelines, we currently have weeks, maybe a month before we run out of ventilators. 

The Solution

We are putting together a campaign, using a multi-disciplinary team of volunteers, to develop and produce ventilators for emergency use in hospitals. We need makers across the country and globe to manufacture any parts they can handle, and have the ventilators assembled and shipped to hospitals as needed. 

The Concept

Using readily available off the shelf parts, we will develop a device to automatically and smartly control a Bag Valve Mask (commonly referred to as an AMBU bag), which is essentially a human powered ventilator that will be converted to a reusable electric ventilator. 

By using a Bag Valve Mask, the patient is only in contact with a medically approved device that is also disposable. The Bag Valve Mask can then be replaced as needed for sanitary or wear reasons. 

Our design

  • Uses existing hospital supplies to minimize parts required and reduce the risk of sanitary issues. 
  • Has most of the primary functions of a typical ventilator
  • Costs under $1000 in parts to manufacture.
  • Full digital controls

 

What you can do? 

Share this! Spread the message as far as possible.

Right now, we need a design team which consist of
  • Engineers (software, electric, bio-medical and mechanical)
  • Medical professionals with ventilator experience
  • People with business or project management experience

And eventually we will need..

  • Anyone with ability and aptitude to assemble components repetitively.
  • People with CNC machines, 3d printers, or other manufacturing ability.  

 

 

5 comments

  • 5 hours a day, systems Integrator, programmer, maker

    by Tarik@tyfinefurniture.com
  • I am a mechanical engineer and have family who are doctors and nurses who I can reach out for support

    by Robin rehmat
  • Shannon Cherry
    Ashville, Ohio USA
    Recently retired so I can work a full schedule +
    Experienced maker, I’m a member of Idea Foundry, experience with metal, plastic, wood glass etc.
    Retired after 17 years with Mars Inc, Office Manager, in food manufacturing facility, worked with FDA paperwork, telecom, copy equipment, postage, security etc.
    Associate degree in finance CSCC & 20 credits short of business management degree from Franklin University.
    Interested in helping in any way I can, I’m 20 minutes from Columbus, can work from home, your facility or possibly Idea Foundry. I have a lot of experience in managing / scheduling in a FDA manufacturing facility. I worked on Crisis Team so I understand the urgency & privacy concerns. Also interested in assembling & delivery if needed. Thanks for what your doing!

    by Shannon Cherry
  • Registered Respiratory Therapist
    Willing to help in any way I can!

    by Stacey Bidwell
  • I’m curious about the ventilator project. I have a Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering.

    Is there an e-mail address I can use to send details. I would prefer not to have them on a public blog.

    Thanks,

    Chris Fischer

    by Chris Fischer

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