Project Overview

Currently, a basic balloon and latex membrane model is being used to represent the lungs, and diaphragm, respectively for classroom instructional purposes. While they demonstrate respiratory mechanics, the models have a short lifespan and do not display alveolar and intrapleural pressure changes. Further, current models do not accurately depict the anatomical scaling of the lungs with respect to the thoracic cavity. Our goal is to design and build an adequate mechanical respiratory model for class instruction purposes. This model should demonstrate relative pressure differences between alveolar and intrapleural spaces. It must further demonstrate the expansion of the thoracic cavity from the rib cage as well as the diaphragm, thereby displaying a 3-D expansion. The scaling of the lungs relative to the size of the thoracic cavity enclosure should be more anatomically correct. The device must be portable and small enough to use with a document camera.

Files

• Midsemester Presentation (October 18, 2007)
• Bill of Materials (November 17, 2007)
• Final Poster (December 7, 2007)
• Final Report (December 12, 2007)
• Product Design Specifications (December 12, 2007)

Contact Information

Team Members

• Chris Goplen - Communicator
• Kristen Seashore - BSAC
• Lynn Murray - BWIG
• Janelle Anderson - Co- Team Leader
• Malini Soundarrajan - Co- Team Leader

Advisor and Client

• Prof. Naomi Chesler - Advisor
• Prof. Andrew Lokuta - Client
• Kevin Strang - Alternate Contact

Related Projects

• Spring 2008: Respritory Demonstration Model
• Fall 2007: Respiratory System Model