Tesla Ventilator [video]

36 points by snake117 5 years ago | 8 comments
  • mips_avatar 5 years ago
    I am glad this isn't just another bag valve mask with a linear actuator. Unless the patient is heavily sedated a system that just pumps air in and out can cause damage to the lung because it isn't working with the patient. This Tesla system unlike the other corporate ventilator PR stunts is monitoring pressure, and heating the air going in.
    • thomaskcr 5 years ago
      Why not just build components? They're using a Tesla infotainment touchscreen for the screen, which means custom control software built in a few days...

      All of this to make another lie Musk told retroactively true.

      • wilg 5 years ago
        You’re saying that making ventilators because Musk said he was going to make ventilators is somehow a lie?

        I can’t speak to the medical or hardware engineering, but seems like a sensible approach to use parts they already have if they can to build these emergency ventilators. They’ve also bought up normal ones and are distributing them so seems like they are trying?

        • thomaskcr 5 years ago
          Per Cuomo's aide they were asked to make a valve and have made no progress on doing what they were asked by Medtronic. Its stupid to build an entire ventilator from scratch as a company that doesn't even do biomed stuff, everyone else is using another company's design or just building needed parts and bringing in engineers from the companies that have been doing this. Tesla is on the "2nd rev" of their own design.

          It was a stupid thing to say in the first place, they have been told how they can help, they are doing their own thing and not actually contributing.

          And Musk did lie - he delivered not what he promised for the vast majority of what was given, for the few that were actually given they took them out of the box and slapped their own holographic label on them. The whole thing is an insane show of narcissism because he feeds on attention from people tweeting "Thanks Elon!!!!1!" while the people actually helping are doing it quietly.

          • wilg 5 years ago
            I have not been following it as closely is you, seems like Medtronic is saying SpaceX is making that valve, not Tesla? https://twitter.com/MedtronicCEO/status/1246452743851716608

            Not sure how to evaluate the engineering decision, but it does seem reasonable to see if they can make something more quickly with mostly parts they already have in great supply. As you say, other companies (including SpaceX) seem to be working the other strategy.

            It seems like you're making a bit of a spurious/personal argument but would be curious if there is any evidence for what you are saying! From what I've been reading seems like you're a bit off base. Hopefully you are wrong and they end up actually helping out!