Faculty Sponsor

Peter Krenzke

College

College of Engineering (COE)

Department/Program

Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering

ORCID Identifier(s)

0009-0004-9990-7565 (Gil), 0009-0004-0231-1811 (Kaylee)

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Summer 7-22-2026

Abstract

While supplemental oxygen is frequently administered to premature neonates via oxygen therapy, key details, like oxygen concentration in the lungs, are difficult to measure and not well understood. We aim to simulate the breathing of premature neonates while measuring oxygen concentration through an artificial lung design. Two prototype designs were constructed to control tidal volume and breathing rate as well as observe different breathing patterns. Both designs utilize different methods to expand and compress the lung. Design 1 utilizes a stepper motor and ball screw to expand and compress the bellows, combined with C++ to control tidal volume, breathing rate, and the ratio between inspiration and expiration per breath. Design 2 is driven by two pneumatic cylinders with a spring that pushes the cylinders back. The pneumatic cylinders are controlled with a pressure regulator that converts voltage into proportional pressure output, where two bellows act as the lungs and are compressed and expanded. Both designs utilize an electrochemical oxygen sensor to monitor oxygen concentrations. The flow rate of air moved through the artificial lungs is measured through a custom orifice that forces a pressure drop. The lung designs will be tested with oxygen to replicate measurements similar to those by Sabz et al. to compare correlations, and then simulate the breathing of premature neonates for oxygen therapy.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Kaylee Roberts is a Senior Mechanical Engineering student. She has worked on research in both oxygen therapy for neonates and concentrated solar energy to further her engineering knowledge outside of her regular studies.

Gil Guinto is a Senior Mechanical Engineering student. He has collaborated with a multidisciplinary team in research for oxygen therapy of premature neonates and concentrated solar energy for experience and curiosity.

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