Medical technology
In medical technology, high demands are placed on precision, reliability and hygiene. Special coupling models are therefore often required.
Imagine entering a modern hospital. There is a hustle and bustle everywhere; medical staff rush through the corridors to care for patients and complex equipment is running at full speed in the operating theaters. This world, in which state-of-the-art medical technology is part of everyday life, is characterized by innovations and technical advances that make a decisive contribution to the health and well-being of those being treated. It is not only the medical professionals who achieve great things here every day. A significant part of this success is hidden in the small, often invisible, technical components: the couplings in medical devices.
The couplings contribute to the precision, efficiency and reliability of medical devices. In an industry where individual movements can sometimes mean the difference between life and death, it is the job of these components to provide safety and accuracy.
Whether in robot-assisted surgery, diagnostic imaging or laboratory automation – couplings play a role everywhere. They are the link that enables the sensitive control of instruments and machines, thereby elevating the work of medical personnel to a high level. These couplings have to withstand extreme demands: Not only do they have to work precisely and reliably, they also have to meet the hygiene standards in medical facilities.
The following sections explore the diverse applications of couplings, particularly precision couplings in medical technology, emphasizing the importance of these critical components for healthcare.
Robot-assisted surgery: precision and safety
In robot-assisted surgery, especially in complex operations such as minimally invasive surgery, the precision of the instruments used plays a crucial role. Precision couplings are used here to transfer the surgeon’s movements to the robotic arms.
The bellows couplings must meet high requirements in terms of precision and reliability. In this application in particular, they should also transmit minimal torques with maximum accuracy and absolutely backlash-free, which is essential for the sensitive control of the surgical instruments. A design for a long service life and a high number of cycles is also an advantage, as this reduces maintenance costs and maximizes the operating time of the device.
Bellows couplings can compensate axial, lateral and angular shaft misalignments in parallel and only have a low moment of inertia due to their light weight. An advantage of bellows couplings is the variety of shaft-hub connections, as this allows individual customer configurations for each individual application. The torsional rigidity of the shaft couplings is another key aspect. It ensures that no movement is lost or transmitted inaccurately. The compact design also plays a decisive role, as the bellows coupling can be integrated into tight spaces or robot arms to save space.
MRI devices: Clear images thanks to high-precision movement
In medical imaging, especially in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), precise and trouble-free operation of the devices is essential for clear and accurate diagnoses. This is where the torque limiters make an indispensable contribution. In order to precisely control the movement of the MRI table and align the coils exactly, there are torque limiters specially designed for use in MRI devices, for example from R+W, whose portfolio of precision torque limiters covers a performance range from 0.1 to 2,800 Nm. The smooth and accurate movement of the MRI table is crucial for precise positioning of the person and image quality.
Disengagement in the event of torque overload prevents damage to the device, maximizing operating time and minimizing downtime. Depending on the functional system of the clutch, it automatically resumes operation if the torque drops, ensuring high system availability.
Choosing the right torque limiters is of great importance because of the need to connect and disconnect coupling plugs and sockets quickly. The coupling also makes it possible to adapt the MRI table to people of different heights and weights. Using a torque limiter helps to meet the strict safety standards in the healthcare sector and protects the sensitive, expensive equipment.
Laboratory automation: Efficiency in sample preparation
In laboratory automation, especially in automated pipetting systems, precise and reliable movements are crucial for handling samples. Precision couplings are used in these systems to ensure accurate dosing and distribution of reagents.
(Servo) disc pack couplings must enable fine, repeatable movements while offering a long service life and freedom from maintenance. They should be designed to exert minimal axial and radial forces on the sensitive mechanical components of pipetting systems, ensuring high precision and long equipment life. Thanks to their versatility, they can be configured for different pipetting systems, allowing flexibility of use in different laboratory situations.
The use of these disc pack couplings in pipetting systems increases the accuracy of test results, reduces the error rate and increases efficiency in laboratories. This leads to faster diagnoses and more efficient patient care.
The role of couplings in medical technology underlines their fundamental importance as a driver of medical progress. They are at the heart of technological innovations, from robot-assisted surgery to laboratory automation, and play a crucial role in improving diagnoses and treatments. Their precision and reliability enable medical professionals to work at the highest level while ensuring patient safety.