Infant Heated Lungs Model
Temperature-controlled neonatal lung simulator for ventilator testing with real-time data logging
Image represents the actual instrumentation developed for this project. Technical details have been abstracted for confidentiality purposes.
Challenge
Ventilator testing for neonatal applications requires realistic simulation of infant respiratory physiology, particularly temperature response. Standard test lungs provide mechanical compliance but lack thermal characteristics critical for humidification system validation. Testing humidifiers with ventilators requires understanding how heated, humidified air interacts with lung tissue at body temperature. Commercial heated lung simulators are expensive and lack the flexibility needed for research applications requiring custom configurations and real-time data logging.
Solution
Developed bespoke heated lung simulator using 50mL Drager Neonatal Test Lungs as the mechanical foundation, augmented with custom thermal control system. Each lung pair is maintained at 37°C (core body temperature) through resistive heating with PID control, providing stable thermal mass that accurately simulates neonatal physiology. System provides serial data output for integration with test automation and logging systems.
Key Technical Features
- • 50mL Drager Neonatal Test Lung mechanical base for standard compliance
- • Custom enclosure with spiral resistive heating element around lungs
- • Expansion space designed into enclosure for natural breathing motion
- • Integrated thermocouple temperature sensing within enclosure
- • High thermal mass and insulation for excellent temperature stability
- • Bespoke PCB with microcontroller for control and communication
- • Custom PID algorithm tuned to system entropy and thermal characteristics
- • Power control switching for resistive heater element
- • Thermocouple signal conditioning and ADC
- • Serial output for real-time temperature, power, and status logging
- • 37°C target temperature (human body core temperature)
- • Validated performance in all tested ventilation modes
- • Functional inside and outside incubator environments
- • Commissioned 5 sets for System Testing laboratory use
Applications
Humidifier System Testing
Validation of medical humidification systems with realistic thermal response
Ventilator Development
Neonatal ventilator testing with physiologically accurate thermal conditions
Research Instrumentation
Flexible platform for respiratory device research
Quality Assurance
Production testing of infant care respiratory equipment