A Mumbai-based student innovator Nihaal Singh Adarsh has invented a ventilation system for PPE kits which will bring much-needed relief for frontline and healthcare workers amid the spread of COVID-19. Nihaal, who was inspired to make this invention seeing his doctor mother’s necessity, has named this compact and frugal innovation ‘Cov-Tech’.
Cov-Tech: What makes this PPE kit different and cooler?
The relief factor of Cov-Tech lies in the design of the ventilation system which ensures a complete air seal from the PPE kit. It keeps providing a breeze of fresh air to the person using it in a gap of just 100 seconds. “Cov-Tech Ventilation System is like you are sitting under the fan even while you are inside the PPE suit. It takes the surrounding air, filters it and pushes it into the PPE suit. Normally, due to lack of ventilation, it is hot and humid within the PPE suit; our solution offers a way out of this uncomfortable experience, by creating a steady airflow inside.” Nihal, who is a second-year student of K J Somaiya College of Engineering, told PIB.
Mothered by a Mother’s Service
Nihal got inspired by his mother, Dr. Poonam Kaur Adarsh, who is a doctor and has been treating COVID-19 patients. Her mother would narrate to him the difficulty faced by her and those like her while wearing PPE kits and getting drenched in sweat. 19-year-old Nihaal recognized the problem and this led him to participate in a design challenge for COVID-related equipment, organized by Technological Business Incubator, Research Innovation Incubation Design Laboratory.
From first Prototype to the final product
In the challenge, Nihaal was able to develop the first model in 20 days. He got the support of various government organisations, doctors and experts through the design challenge and after more than 6 months of hard work, the initial prototype emerged. But it was found unfit and he started working on further designs with an aim of creating a prototype that does not obstruct the work of Health Care Workers in any way.
The Final Prototype: Simply a belt
Around 20 developmental prototypes and 11 ergonomic prototypes were developed and tested till the final product emerged. The final design is such that the product can be wrapped around the waist, like a belt. It can be attached with the conventional PPE kits. This design not only helps in keeping the health workers well-ventilated, while preventing bodily discomfort, but also will keep them safe from various fungal infections. “When I told my mom that I am going to file a patent for this product, she was very happy. Being a General Physician, my mother uses it whenever she goes out for work”, says Nihal.
Economical and Cost-Competitive option
The system comes with a lithium-ion battery which lasts for 6 to 8 hours. Cov-Tech is being used in Sai Sneh hospital, Pune and Lotus Multi-Specialty hospital, Pune. The company is also planning to scale up its production in May / June 2021. The product costs Rs. 5,499 per piece and is far cheaper than the competitive products which cost around Rs. 1 lakh per piece. The team is trying to further reduce the price. The first batch of these kits is already out, with around 30-40 units which will be delivered as trial units to doctors/NGOs across the country. The next batch of around 100 units is also under production.
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