Naturally, this kind of application needs motors that are small and compact, but offer high performance at the same time. It is an opportunity for modern drive technology to be utilized to its full potential. The quiet movements (due to bearings associated with EndoControl’s ViKY precise mechanism), sensitive reaction to control commands, and high performance ratio are all key factors.
A broad operating temperature range of -30C to 125C is compatible with all standard disinfection methods. Its long service life guarantees reliable functionality over a long period, which is a tangible benefit for a medical device, plus speed can be optimized to the application. The bandwidth of reduction ratios ranges from approximately 3:1 to 1,500:1, giving extensive latitude for optimum adjustment of speed and torque.
Biomedical applications are a great fit for micro motion technology. Motor sizes range from 1.9mm to 40mm in diameter, and, in many applications, precise mechanisms or motion subassemblies are developed as suppliers work with customers on a system concept customized for the particular application.
Using metallic gearheads, up to 700mNm can be achieved. The position resolution generated provides both sufficient power and high levels of precision to the drive shaft. The compact control center integrated into the ViKY control unit also has built-in adjustable control functions, such as power and speed limits. This means that both the controller and the motor fulfill all EMC requirements for use in a medical environment.
Micro motion in biomedical applications Biomedical applications are a great fit for micro motion technology that is being used to implement linear and rotary positioning, highly accurate piezo science, plus stepper motor and servomotor control integrating ball screws and lead screws. Typically, motor sizes range from 1.9mm to 40mm in diameter, and precise mechanisms or motion subassemblies are often created as projects. In many applications, the design team takes standard motion products and, through a design process, suppliers work with individual customers on a system concept that is developed, tested, and ultimately goes through product approval.
“Our technology offering covers an entire spectrum of micro drive solutions, and we look at ourselves as a micro and miniature motion provider,” says Jim Lostetter, a senior sales engineer for Micromo, the North American operations for the Faulhaber Group. “Many projects result in the development of value-added subassemblies, which reduces the integration requirements into the final product by medical device manufacturers. To simplify final assembly, a series of subassemblies created by individual suppliers can be quickly integrated into the final product.”
In addition to micro motors and drives, the building blocks that systems typically integrate include encoders or Hall effect sensors for either linear or rotary positioning feedback. One unique component is a quick shaft-magnetic, linear drive-motor, which uses magnets in the rod itself and rides within a suspension coil, resulting in no wear. The novel design has attracted interest in applications where there is a requirement for precise positioning and a small working envelope.
Well, that does make telemedicine sound scary. AFAIK, hospitals have long been one of the biggest users of massive, high end UPS systems, at least since the early 80s when I worked in the UPS industry. OTOH, when the Northridge quake struck L.A., Santa Monica Hospital lost electricity and a lot of people got hurt.
There are a variety of motion suppliers that are providing miniaturization solutions at different levels which are being implemented in medical applications. This is one of the exciting areas for motion development. Some piezo technology solutions are integrating micro-mechatronic modules (combining controls, drives, sensors) that are ideal for use in medical devices, robotic surgical tools and precision analytical instrumentation. It also can be used to create non-magnetic motion systems for safe operation in MRI environments.
Telemedicine must be seen from a different angle I guess rather different scenarios. In a country like India or some part of Africa where there are many villages without even a primary health centre, leave alone speciality hospitals. But if one can set up a telemedicine centre, it will make the necessary medical services available to the needy. Well that does not take away the risks involved in telemedicine procedures but it is better than that of the scenario where there is no medical service at all.
It's easy to read through this article and skim right past one amazing bit of information: "Motor sizes of 1.9 mm in diameter..." That's a motor diameter of about 1/12th of an inch! I'd be curious to see how a motor of that size is manufacturerd.
I understand the surgical aspect of these small motors but I'm missing the point as to why they are advancing developments of such surgical tools with batteries.Maybe not for the surgical tools, but for post surgical implants-?Guessing batteries would be needed for a prosthetic, perhaps where tiny motors move finger joints? But I'm not clearly envisioning the application.It's different from say, a pace-maker with a 5 year battery sending a micro-pulse to a heart muscle – no moving parts in that App. -- So, why batteries-?
The advantages of medical minaturization are obvious. What I still don't get is how telemedicine. which in terms of its technological heritage is certainly related, is widely applicable. It can work in certain situations but what happens when something goes wrong? An unexpected emergency (bleeding out), power outage, or some physical movement which takes the patient out of the operational window (like falling off the operating table; I guess that's why they strap you down).
Medical surgical robots will change the face of surgery in the future. Miniature medical actuator systems used in minimally invasive surgery need to be as compact as possible. These miniature medical actuator systems will definitely be of help in applications where there is a need for precise positioning.
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