CUE-V

a DIY ventilator

Food Background

CUE-V is an open-source, low-cost emergency ventilator that uses a rotary hinge mechanism to compress an AMBU bag, creating a makeshift yet effective respiratory support system.

This project was born out of the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020, when hospitals—especially in the NYC area—faced severe ventilator shortages. In response, Columbia University launched a design challenge for teams to develop low-cost ventilators that could be built in compromised supply chains.

Our team of six volunteered for this two-week design sprint, developing a solution that prioritized functionality, affordability, and accessibility. Out of 100 teams, we were one of 10 selected to receive a $6,000 prize, recognizing our innovative approach and feasibility in real-world applications.

Goal: Design a low-cost ventilator that could be constructed using an AMBU bag and readily available materials.

Purpose: Created in response to the COVID-induced ventilator shortage of April 2020.

Design Constraints

Given the fast-paced nature of the design sprint (2 weeks), our team aimed to create a simple, purely functional model that could be adaptable to available resources—whether in a makerspace or at home.

Key constraints included:

  • Compatibility with an AMBU bag (5–7 inches in diameter).
  • Adjustable squeeze rate (10–30 squeezes per minute with a variable control knob).
  • Built-in safety alarm – If there was a drop in pressure, an alarm would sound.
  • Minimized reliance on 3D-printing & laser cutting – To ensure it could be easily constructed with common tools.

Design Process

We conducted a brief but thorough ideation phase, ultimately settling on a lever mechanism to compress the AMBU bag.

To reduce failure risks, we incorporated:

  • Dual-motor actuation – Built-in redundancy to minimize failure points.
  • Manual operation failsafe – Quick-release AMBU bag mechanism to allow for manual operation in case of mechanical failure.

Iterations for Different Applications

Design 1 ($390) – DIY / Hardware Store Build

  • Maximizes use of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) parts.
  • Most components can be sourced from hardware stores, scrap metal, etc.
  • Requires basic drilling and cutting of parts to size.

Design 2 ($450) – Industrial / Makerspace Build

  • No 3D-printed parts.
  • Uses predominantly aluminum-based extrusions for durability.
  • Aside from paneling and motor couplings, all parts are COTS.

Design 3 ($360) – 3D-Printed Build

  • Mostly 3D-printed parts.
  • Can be built with a low-cost FDM printer.
  • Longest single print is 3 hours, with a total print time < 15 hours (varies based on resolution/printer specs).
  • Ideal for workshops with multiple 3D printers.

User Functionality

The ventilator allows users to specify and adjust key parameters based on patient needs:

  • Tidal Volume – Amplitude of compression.
  • Respiratory Rate – Frequency of compression.
  • I/E Ratio – The ratio of inhalation to exhalation.

Our design prioritizes low-cost adaptability, making it easily customizable based on available materials and different levels of accessibility for builders worldwide.

Teammates

Joni Mici, Rand Hidaya, Jared West, Gabriel Seymour, Jeffrey Jacquith.

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