Calculating AMBU Bag Dimensions for Use in Portable Ventilators

by Camden Smith

Submitted : Spring 2020

Based on the design of non-portable ventilators, this project examined and analyzed the primary individual component used within a motorized AMBU bag ventilator - the AMBU bag. Calculations were conducted to assess the minimum volume an AMBU bag must be able to hold to provide sufficient oxygen for average total lung capacity. These calculations allow for a more accurate determination of the feasibility of an electrical, portable AMBU bag ventilator to be effective given the reduced size requirements. A calculus-based formula, known as the Disk Method, was utilized for these calculations. We tested this method in reverse to develop a process to enter a volume and desired dimensions to generate the function for the curvature of the AMBU bag. Calculations showed that the Disk method can be reversed to find a function for the curvature of an AMBU bag given a predetermined volume and desired dimensions. This information allows us to determine the feasibility of developing an affordable, motorized AMBU bag ventilator that is small enough to be portable while maintaining full functionality and effectiveness.

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