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With the target clinical specifications defined on this page as the goal, the System Engineering of the Covid India Ventilator (CIV) is being executed on a war-footing.
The primary aspect of the Pneumatic Circuit configuration is developed with the following key considerations:
- Mandatory and Spontaneous Modes of operation are considered in configuring the system design
- Medical Compressed Air Lines may not be available in some facilities. Hence, a Blower is used to generate the air flow
- Oxygen Enrichment is important in Covid situations. Hence, oxygen and air blending feature, with FiO2 sensor is included
- Ensuring certain exhalation “Bias Flow” is medically critical in mechanical ventilation. Hence, valves and actuation is configured to address this.
- Appropriate safety and filtration requirements are included.
- Comfort of patient during exhalation is important, and hence the baseline airway pressure (BAP) is planned to be actively controlled.
- Closed suction performance is valuable in Covid situations, and that is being facilitated by the design
A first draft of the Covid India Ventilator pneumatic schematic is shared below:
The mechanical packaging and enclosure design is developed with the following considerations:
- Pneumatic circuit efficiency & electronics components layout
- Easily visible HMI and resistive touch screen for operation with gloved/wet fingers
- Light weight (< 7 kg) and small sized (350 mm x 280 mm x 170 mm) system with good thermal and noise management
- Easily cleanable external surfaces with medical, or soap water solutions.
- Ergonomically designed for easy operation by doctors and nurses familiar with existing ICU ventilators, to minimize re-training of staff
- Robust structure to ensure structural and functional integrity even in certain shock, drop, vibrations exposure
A glimpse of the model is shared below:
Note:
The system configuration is still being evolved considering the challenges in availability of the right medical grade components. Hence, the configuration will go through revisions in the further development cycle.