Tesla engineers have shared an update on the ventilator they were developing to address the critical shortage of life-saving machines. The company showed two versions of the machine on its YouTube channel.
First was a prototype model with its components laid out across a desk. A second version was a packaged model that shows how it might look when used by a hospital.
Last month, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio asked the company to manufacture the device for coronavirus patients. Tesla CEO Elon Musk promised to build crucial ventilators to help patients with severe symptoms of COVID-19.
Tesla has prepared the video explaining why it attempted to invent a new ventilator rather than utilize an existing design. A Tesla engineer said they wanted to use parts that they knew really well, and knew the reliability of. They’re available in volume, the engineer added.
The ventilator design re-purposes multiple components from its cars, including the Model 3’s infotainment screen and computer. This also includes a part used in the Model S’s suspension system. Using these components was supposed to help speed up the development and manufacturing process of the machine.
Tesla and Other Makers of Ventilator for COVID-19
COVID-19, the pneumonia-like virus is spreading fast and there’s not enough of these life-saving machines in hospitals right now. In Britain, many companies have pulled resources attempting to produce tens of thousands of machines in their own design.
Dyson, a high profile manufacturer received an order for 10,000 machines from the British government. However, as of yesterday, the design is yet to receive regulatory approval from the relevant authorities.
Car manufacturers in the U.S. Ford and General Motors have joined Tesla in helping with ventilator and mask supply.
Ford is working with GE and 3M to supply more vital equipment to the medical community. It is working with GE’s health care division to try and make a “simplified version” of its machine. On the other hand, GM is working with Ventec Life Systems to help increase the production of its machines.
Ventilators, which help patients struggling to breathe, are in short supply in many countries dealing with COVID-19. Tesla’s latest video on YouTube shows that the company’s work on ventilators is progressing.
Medical Equipment Makers Approached by Governments
Governments have asked a maker of animal ventilators in Japan to mass-produce veterinary ventilators to treat human COVID-19 patients. Dozens of other countries have expressed interest as well.
Kazufuku Nitta, Metran Co. Chief Executive said government officials have been calling since late last month. The United States, Britain and India are among over 30 other countries were making their requests.
The privately held company also makes the machine for people. However, the veterinary devices are simpler, and cost a tenth as much to produce and easier to operate, Nitta said.
Metran is considering a system for producing 5,000 to 15,000 animal respirators, without providing a time frame, Nitta added.
Moreover, he nevertheless expects demand to outpace that. So the company is also considering licensing the product so it can be made overseas for use on COVID-19 patients.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told the Diet that his government had secured over 8,000 ventilators for patients in serious condition.
In the United States, similar companies try to simplify ventilator designs and push other work aside to increase production. Automakers have offered to make the devices.
Meanwhile, Swiss manufacturer Hamilton Medical AG said Britain faces a “massive shortage” of the device.
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