Engineering Students Redesign Ventilators in Response to Covid-19

As part of a unit on biomedical engineering, Ms. Masau’s class discussed medical needs in the current global pandemic and identified ventilators as one of the most important types of medical equipment to fight Covid-19. 

Students researched functions of a basic ventilator - its features, programmable options, and how to operate it. Then, they compared and contrasted two recent models developed by the University of Florida and Rice University. Students analyzed positive features of the new, cheaper ventilators and made suggestions as to possible improvements. 

Lastly, students redesigned the ventilators by sketching what their version might look like, with material suggestions for various parts. Students put together a video presentation, making a case for why their design is better and more economical.