A recent innovation involves an air-powered computer designed to alert users when certain medical devices fail. This development provides a more dependable and cost-effective method for preventing blood clots and strokes, all without relying on electronic sensors.
A new, air-powered computer sets off alarms when certain medical devices fail. The invention is a more reliable and lower-cost way to help prevent blood clots and strokes — all without electronic sensors.
As detailed in a publication in the journal Device, this inventive computer is powered by air and also uses air to create alerts. It emits a whistle immediately upon detecting an issue with the life-saving compression machine it monitors.
Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) machines are inflatable leg sleeves that periodically fill with air to squeeze the legs, enhancing blood circulation. This method helps to avert clots that could lead to blocked arteries, strokes, or even death. Typically, these machines require electronic components for operation and monitoring.
“IPC devices can save lives, but their electronic features make them costly. Our goal was to create a pneumatic system with fewer electronics, thereby making these devices more affordable and safer,” explained William Grover, an associate professor of bioengineering at UC Riverside and the lead author of the study.
Pneumatic systems utilize compressed air to transfer force from one location to another. This mechanism is similar to how emergency brakes on freight trains function, as well as bicycle pumps, tire gauges, respirators, and IPC devices. Grover and his team reasoned that a single pneumatic logic device could efficiently control another, enhancing safety.
This device operates like electronic circuits by performing parity calculations. “Consider wanting to transmit a sequence of bits, such as 1-0-1, which is three bits,” Grover noted. “Years ago, it was identified that you could convey these three bits along with an extra piece of information to ensure accurate reception.”
The additional piece of information is known as a parity bit. It indicates whether the message includes an odd (1) or even (0) number of ones. If a one is at the end of a message with an even bit count, it signifies an error occurred. This is a common technique among electronic computers for message transmission.
The air-powered computer determines the count of ones and zeroes through variations in air pressure passing through 21 small valves. If it counts accurately, the whistle remains silent.
However, if it detects a counting error, the whistle activates, signaling that the machine needs attention. In a demonstration video featuring Grover and his students, they intentionally damage an IPC device with a knife, leading to an immediate whistle response.
“This device is comparable in size to a matchbox. It replaces multiple sensors and a computer, allowing for cost reduction while still detecting device problems. It’s also suitable for use in conditions with high humidity or temperature that may not be safe for electronic devices,” Grover stated.
The application of air-powered computing extends beyond IPC device monitoring. Grover’s upcoming project aims to create a device capable of replacing a hazardous job that leads to fatalities each year—the manual handling of grain in tall silos.
Grain silos, often filled with corn or wheat, are a common sight in the Midwest. A worker often must enter these silos with a shovel to break apart grain and level the interior piles.
“A shocking number of incidents occur when the grain shifts, trapping the worker inside. A robotic solution could perform this task, thus ensuring safety. However, these silos pose an explosion threat, as a single electric spark could result in a catastrophic explosion; hence, an electronic robot may not be ideal,” Grover noted. “I aim to create an air-powered robot capable of operating safely in this explosive setting, eliminating human risk.”
The concept of air-powered computing is not new; it has existed for over a century. Historically, air-powered pianos played music from perforated paper rolls. However, with the advent of modern computing, interest in pneumatic circuitry waned.
“When a new technology emerges, we often overlook other solutions,” Grover remarked. “One appealing aspect of this research is that it demonstrates how century-old ideas can still hold relevance today.”
