Ventilator shortages are widespread especially the supplies are in dire need of decreasing. In hopes of helping the dilemma of the breathing device, a 12-year-old boy from Winnetka, Illinois has developed a unique kind of ventilator that is made out of legos.
For an elementary pupil, a lego can only be a source of happiness with it being a mere toy, but for Anthony Hartman who is currently in 7th Grade, there's more to enjoying life with toys through helping more people in a more useful way.
7th Grader Crafts a Lego-Made Ventilator Amid Pandemic Scare
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - APRIL 15: Nina Goodall (8) works on a lesson in contraction words using Lego her mum made after seeing an example online on the first day of term while in lockdown at her home in Kaipara Flats on April 15, 2020 in Auckland, New Zealand. Students across New Zealand are returning to school online for the start of Term 2 with students of all levels learning from home.New Zealand has been in lockdown since Thursday 26 March following tough restrictions imposed by the government to stop the spread of COVID-19 across the country. A State of National Emergency is in place along with an Epidemic Notice to help ensure the continuity of essential Government business. Under the COVID-19 Alert Level Four measures, all non-essential businesses are closed, including bars, restaurants, cinemas and playgrounds. Schools are closed and all indoor and outdoor events are banned. Essential services will remain open, including supermarkets and pharmacies. Lockdown measures are expected to remain in place for around four weeks, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern warning there will be zero tolerance for people ignoring the restrictions, with police able to enforce them if required.
In a report by NY Press News, Hartman has been using his free time in constructing random things in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. While other kids are focused on their robots and dolls, he is thinking of a way on how to alleviate the problems of the country when it comes to the healthcare crisis.
For this cause, Hartman came up with the idea of crafting a ventilator which he believes could be an important solution to combat the looming shortages of the device.
Read Also: FDA Approves Formlabs' 3D-Printed Ventilator Converter
Hartman named his invention "EVentilator2020" which is mainly built from accumulating the small piece of building toys.
According to the 7th grader, he saw that a lot of universities have been making cheaper units of respirators out of their resources.
After seeing them, he grew inspired in trying to engineer his own version of the ventilator, but with the help of a Lego piece, which is a unique component of his creation.
During his in-house stay, he spent his time wisely so he could focus on finishing his invention. Before it became complete, it took him several weeks since it is time-consuming on his part.
But, through the knowledge that he acquired from becoming the chief engineer of the LEGO League Robotics team in middle school, he carried out his aim to help those who are in need at the moment.
It was made possible through the incorporation of the LEGO Mindstorm EV3 motors and robotics bricks.
"He's always been creative, he's always been thinking outside the box," Yuki, Anthony's mother said.
The Contest that Inspired Hartman in his Endeavor
Hartman is an extraordinary kid who is very active in many engagements in the school which are mainly robotics. Since 2019, he has been participating in numerous undertakings like the Kids Think Tank contest where he joined last summer.
In the end, Hartman did not win the contest, but this paved the way for him to strive for his future creation.
For Kid Idea Tank founder, Lowey Sichol, the competition is a channel for kids to think creatively with the application of entrepreneurial skills, as well as brainstorming, collaborating with others, and pitching, ACB7News reported.
In hopes of extending help especially to the struggling persons who need a breathing device, Illinois hopes that his EVentilator2020 proposal to LEGO will be accepted.
For a country like India which is currently suffering from an oxygen supply shortage, Hartman's invention could potentially help them.
Related Article: Maker of $11,000 Ventilator Valves Threatens to Sue Volunteers Using $1 3D-Printed Replicas That Just Saved 10 Coronavirus Patients!
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Written by Joseph Henry
