What is the RAD?
The RAD is a time triggering air delivery device that is designed to deliver a volume
of air at a rate to a patient in need of ventilation. RAD stands for
Respiratory Aid Device. An open source design for a respiratory aid device
that can be built and used around the world. The design philosophy is around open
source, ‘simplicity of build’ and the use of ubiquitous parts.
All the necessary components can likely be sourced locally, or where not, the
builder can substitute in parts. Where this happens, it is important to adapt
accordingly, so that the volume, breath rate and inhalation : exhalation (I:E)
ratios are maintained, otherwise further characterisation will be required.
There are two models of the RAD. RAD1 is a basic model while RAD2 has additional
features as explained below:
• RAD1 provides a basic tidal volume adjustment with a fixed IE ratio for
each tidal volume delivered and a variable respiration rate. It utilises a straight
actuator arm.
Its operating circuit can be as simple as a 12v battery and motor speed controller
or utilise a power supply and additional features.
Please see the circuit options.
• RAD2 provides a finely adjustable tidal volume meter with a variable IE
ratio range for each tidal volume and a variable respiration rate.
It utilises an articulated actuator arm in order to achieve the range of variable
IE. The circuits are more sophisticated on the RAD2 and may include a display for
the breaths per minute rate.
Please see the circuit options.
The RAD has been developed by a diverse Team in consultation with
intensivists and medical personnel and with the support from a number in the
respiratory healthcare, engineering and woodworking industries in the West of
Ireland in response to the current Covid-19 pandemic.
OUR TEAM MEMBERS
Brendan O’Brien - Cutting Ply Components (Burren Design}
David & Robert Dunne - Laser Cutting Steel work and 3D Printing (MetalTech Engineering)
David Brickenden- Design and build
David Mulligan - Electrical Build
David Roberts - Design and build (I.T. Sligo)
Declan Healy - Electrical Build
Eamonn Price - Mechanical Prototyping
Gerard McGranagan
John and Tom Fitzgerald - Ideas Generation and Assembly
John Hession - Electrical Design
Kevin McGlynn - Electrical Build
Michael Casey - Electrical Build
Mike Sweeney - Blasting and Painting Metalwork (Munster Precision Services)
Noel Hickey - Drawings and Assembly
Padraig Cornyn - Electrical Design and Development
Patrick Kennedy - Electrical
Prof. Trevor Young - Interpolation of Data / Production of Scales
Ray Tobin - Electrical Design
Richard Brickenden - Assembly
Ross McMorrow - Electrical Design
Sean Reynolds - CNC Cutting, Dials, Articulated Arms, Sample Graphics (Alphaset)
Terry O'Neill - Website, Video & Graphics
Tom Golden / Cillian Keane - Performance Monitoring
Tom O'Callaghan - Test and Calibration
Wendy Williams - Design – Graphics
Vitalograph - Pneumotrac and Spirotrac Software
What are the RAD’s limitations?(IMPORTANT)
The RAD should be utilized only in a healthcare setting with direct monitoring by a
clinical professional. While it cannot replace an FDA-approved ICU ventilator, in terms
of functionality, flexibility, and clinical efficacy - the RAD is anticipated to have
utility in helping free up existing supply or in life-or-death situations when there is
no other option.
Who Can build the RAD?
The RAD can be built where a team have access to a small workshop. Access to a basic
woodworking workshop is best, while the builder will also require some electrical
skill when putting the electrical components together.
How do I build the RAD?
The RAD can be built using the instructional videos, drawings and parts lists provided,
all of which are Open Source and free to download.