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It’s during times like these that inspire innovation. Like all the entries below.
In that spirit, the “Fighting Germs” contest is here to not only reward that innovation ─ but also give to other charities for those attempting the same thing! It’s fun, it’s beneficial.
They say the best time to plant a tree is thirty years ago. The next best time is today.
COVID-19 (Image credit: Department of State)
There’s both good news and bad news when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic- according to the CDC, mortality rates attributed to the virus have been declining, compared to last week. That’s the good news, the bad news- it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and the decrease in cases could be elevated, and even increased as additional death certificates are counted.
That being said, engineers and the maker community have been practicing their skills developing projects to combat the virus, and help those working the front lines. As strange as it might sound, those community members with no medical background or training have stepped up to help those that do, which is, according to Thor, what heroes do. Below are several projects that are helping flatten the COVID-19 curve and protecting those who are fighting to mitigate the virus.
(Image credit: Marco Mascorro via YouTube)
AI engineer Marco Mascorro decided to build a mechanical ventilator (AKA Pandemic Ventilator) after learning his local hospital had a limited supply. His build uses off-the-shelf car parts (mostly), and doesn’t rely on SBCs, PLCs, or microcontrollers, but rather relays and switches. In his YouTube video, Marco explains how he built his ventilator using an air compressor, air regulators, multiple valves, cylinders, and a ULPA filter and UV light, which is used to filter the contaminated air patients exhale.
As Marco points out, his Pandemic Ventilator isn’t FDA approved, and shouldn’t be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. That said, many viewers liked the idea and have expressed a desire to build their own, which could then be donated to local hospitals that have equipment shortages. Marco has already prototyped a second version of the ventilator, which uses a Raspberry Pi and Arduino to operate.
(Image credit: Sarah Maker)
Here in the US, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends wearing a face mask any time you’re out in public, and as with shortages of N95 masks, some have turned to DIY versions. Sarah Maker offers an intuitive tutorial that walks you through on how to make a pleated surgical mask, which comprises two layers of 100% cotton fabric and features an internal pocket for filter inserts. She also incorporates elastic ear bands to keep the mask snug and in-place. It should be noted that this version requires a sewing machine, but others, such as Japanese Creations, details how to create a simple pleated mask using readily available materials that don’t require sewing at all.
For those with 3D printers, Rowan University has detailed instructions on how to print reusable masks and form fit them to users’ specific face shapes (set the edges in hot water and hold to face). The mask has a detachable filter housing for replacing used filter materials and can be sanitized and reused as necessary.
3: 3D Printed Surgical Mask Strap
(Image credit: Ken Lord)
To help relieve the pressure of wearing face masks all day, a Canadian hospital asked the community for help, and 12-year-old boy scout Quinn Callander answered their call by designing and 3D printing surgical mask straps to alleviate that pressure. His design features several retaining hooks that allow hospital workers to adjust their masks to their faces without cutting off circulation around the ears and face. Shortly after a local news interview, the demand for the mask strap skyrocketed, so Quinn uploaded his design to maker Ken Lord’s (who remixed Quinn’s design) Thingiverse page for anyone to use.
4: Open-Source PCR Thermocycler
(Image credit: OpenPCR)
OpenPCR’s DIY thermocycler allows users to test for the coronavirus in the field, which it does by amplifying segments of DNA via PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), a process that produces millions/billions of copies to study in detail. The Arduino-based Open-Source PCR Thermocycler features a metal heat plate, PC heatsink fan, and OpenPCR LCD, all packed into a laser-cut wooden box. The thermocycler connects to a PC or laptop via a USB Type-C port for analyzing the DNA sequences. The OpenPCR not only works for testing COVID-19 samples but bad batches of beer and sushi as well.
5: Open Source COVID-19 Medical Supplies
(Image credit: OSMS via Facebook)
The Open Source COVID-19 Medical Supplies community is a Facebook group that’s crowdsourcing solutions to help mitigate diminishing stocks of medical supplies being felt the world over. Engineers, makers, and anyone who would like to help for that matter. Founded by MegaBots CEO Gui Cavalcanti, the group designs and produces new and existing medical gear that helps save lives. Volunteers around the globe produce everything imaginable, including face masks, 3D printed ventilator parts, face shields, and other PPE (Personal Protection Equipment), and are then sent to hospitals with shortages.
These are just a few entries that engineers and makers have created to help with the current pandemic sweeping the globe. Hundreds of others are being undertaken to solve one issue or another by people just like you- the problem-solvers backing the medical workers on the front lines to help eradicate the COVID-19 virus.
Have a story tip? Message me at: cabe(at)element14(dot)com
