• Closed-Loop Control: A feedback system that automatically adjusts ventilator parameters based on real-time patient data to maintain desired respiratory conditions.
• Patient Assist Mode: A mode where the ventilator supports the patient’s spontaneous breathing efforts, providing breaths only when the patient initiates them.
• Doctor Mode: A fully controlled mode where medical professionals set specific parameters for breath rates and tidal volume, overriding the patient’s spontaneous efforts.
• Ambu Bag: A manual resuscitator used in emergency situations to provide positive pressure ventilation to patients who are not breathing or not breathing adequately.
• ESP32 Microcontroller: A powerful, low-cost microcontroller with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, used to control the ventilator functions.
• Breath Rate: The number of breaths delivered by the ventilator per minute.
• Tidal Volume: The volume of air delivered to the lungs with each ventilator breath.
• COVID-19: A highly infectious respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, leading to severe respiratory distress and increased demand for ventilators.

Technical Implementation

The ventilator system integrates the following key components and technologies:

1. ESP32 Microcontroller: Central to the ventilator’s control system, the ESP32 handles sensor data processing, motor control for the Ambu bag, and communication with the user interface.
2. Sensors: Pressure and flow sensors provide real-time data to the ESP32, enabling precise control and monitoring of respiratory parameters.
3. Motor and Actuator System: Mechanically compresses and releases the Ambu bag based on commands from the ESP32, delivering controlled ventilation.
4. User Interface: A touchscreen or simple display and control knobs/buttons allow healthcare providers to switch between modes, set breath rates, and adjust other parameters.
5. Power Supply: A reliable power system ensuring uninterrupted operation of the ventilator.

Development Process

The development of the intelligent ventilator spanned one year, involving several critical phases:

1. Requirement Analysis: Understanding the medical requirements and constraints, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 crisis.
2. Design and Prototyping: Creating initial designs and prototypes to test the feasibility of the control systems and mechanical components.
3. Hardware Integration: Integrating the ESP32 microcontroller with sensors, actuators, and the Ambu bag.
4. Software Development: Writing firmware for the ESP32 to handle closed-loop control, user inputs, and data processing.
5. Testing and Validation: Rigorous testing to ensure reliability, safety, and performance of the ventilator under various scenarios.
6. Deployment: Preparing the ventilator for production and distribution to healthcare facilities in need.

This project not only addresses the immediate need for ventilators during a global pandemic but also sets the foundation for future innovations in medical device development, leveraging modern microcontroller technology and intelligent control systems.