Our project team is working together to discuss the development of an innovative 3D printed origami portable ventilator. Traditional ventilators have airbags that can prematurely breakdown with extended usage due to the repeated compression cycles. In addition, traditional ventilators are costly and not easily portable. There is a need for improved ventilators and airbags for situations such as patient transportation and remote care settings. In this ventilator project, the 3D designed airbag utilizes a pattern of linear creases or fold lines inspired by origami-based patterns. The 3D printing allows for more cost-effective production as well as a sufficiently small size that may result in more ease of portability.

This project highlights the importance of engaging frontline healthcare clinicians early in the process when developing healthcare technologies. It also demonstrates how both the engineering team and healthcare providers can mutually benefit from collaboration at the beginning of the project.

We’ve applied for a provisional patent for the design; the following document details how the ventilator works and the current state of the project. If you want to learn more, please read through it!

To learn more about the SFU Additive Manufacturing Lab, go to: hyperlinked website here.