2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

In the realm of project-based learning, we undertook the development of a smart spirometer. Throughout this endeavor, we gained insight into several fundamental concepts that have proven invaluable for lifelong learning. As students, this project provided us with a fertile ground for honing our problem-solving abilities and immersing ourselves in the engineering design process. We began by identifying a problem, brainstorming potential solutions, selecting the most effective approach, and executing it with diligence.

Moreover, this undertaking bestowed upon us a wealth of practical skills encompassing fabrication, design, analysis, and technical writing. It afforded us the opportunity to refine our skills in computer-aided design (CAD), research, and collaborative teamwork. Notably, the implications of this design extend beyond our educational journey, offering potential applications within the broader field of engineering education.

Our primary concern centers around modernizing the dated volumetric spirometer, which is currently employed by individuals suffering from chronic lung ailments to gauge their breathing input, output, and rate. The conventional spirometer operates by utilizing physical airflow to elevate a ball within a cylinder, necessitating a medical professional to estimate airflow based on the ball's elevation. This methodology introduces potential errors into the collected data. Furthermore, it lacks the capability for patients to independently conduct these tests, as the spirometer is unwieldy and non-portable. Another issue is the limited utility of the volumetric spirometer, as it does not contribute to the treatment or management of the patient's various conditions.

To tackle these challenges, we propose the Smart Spirometer, which employs a hot wire anemometer to measure breath. The spirometer's data is subsequently displayed on a mobile device via a Bluetooth connection through an affiliated app. This innovative approach resolves the aforementioned issues by reducing the device's size, allowing users to hold the spirometer themselves. Additionally, the data is no longer reliant on subjective readings; instead, it digitally measures, collects, and presents breath output to the patient. We have also developed a user-friendly app that integrates the collected data, the patient's demographic information, and their progress over time, and provides breath therapy exercises. In summary, our design overcomes both the aesthetic and functional limitations of the traditional spirometer, ultimately offering users a more personalized and efficient assessment of their lung health.