ventaid
An open source ventilator to counter the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
Health & Wellness
VentAID
The Challenge
In March 2020, the world was hit by the most severe pandemic of the 21st century. The speed of transmission and the severity of symptoms was something most of the health systems in the world were not ready for. Assisted respirators were scarce, and the situation was worsening. The United States Center for Disease Control expected the country to have a ventilator shortage on the order of 300,000 to 700,000 units.
The Opportunity
Our ambition was not to create an expensive, hard-to-build respirator. We needed something that could be manufactured quickly, easily, and most importantly, at a low-cost. And we wanted to make it available for anyone to download and build for free.
The Solution
The ventAID respirator is a customizable low-cost machine capable of turning manual bag valves into autonomous respirators. Made of steel, manufactured through laser cutting and mechanical bends, and assembled with screws for durability, we kept the size as small as possible to ensure it could be easily disinfected and transported from room to room.
Our Approach
/ LEARNING FROM OTHERS
We knew we had to take into consideration what others were doing around the world, from MIT to SpaceX, so we looked into their approaches and worked on a solution that could be built outside of an industrial environment by anyone with a “couple” of tools.
/ FAST, IF NOT FASTER
Throughout the process, we learned from doctors, engineers, and other experts how to develop functional prototypes, test them against the highest standards, and iterate until we had a final version that could meet the specifications of the U.S. Department of Defense in their Hack-A-Vent Innovation Challenge. In two weeks, we had our first fully functional prototype.
/ OPEN SOURCE
We currently have a 100% functional prototype available for download. The source code, plans, and list of materials can be accessed here so anyone around the world can take them and create their own. We continue working to improve the first versions and will publish our progress.
We are inviting the world to hack us. Take these blueprints, make them yours, and build a respirator. A better one. A more efficient one. As COVID-19 keeps hitting hard in some parts of the world, there might still be a need in your country.
Impact
We invite you to be part of an incredible invention that has the power to positively impact people’s lives. Contact us to gain free access to the VentAID blueprints, empowering you to innovate and develop superior, highly efficient respirators. In light of COVID-19’s ongoing impact on various regions, there remains a pressing need for innovative solutions in your country. Join us in this collaborative project, where your creativity can leave a lasting imprint.
Together, we will forge a brighter and healthier future. Let us unite knowledge, skills, and resources, working hand in hand to overcome this challenge and construct a better tomorrow for all.
