| High precision, miniature machine components have | | | | ultra-compact components (outer diameter between |
| been evolving for many decades. Whereas they | | | | 4 and 12 millimeters) with a high load bearing |
| started as watch and clock components, miniaturized | | | | specification. Guiding machine movements in this |
| machine parts and motors have advanced to the | | | | configuration allows precise movements down to a |
| point where they are used in medical application | | | | scale between 70 and 260 millimeters. |
| solutions. Decades of experience in working with ever | | | | Example Medical Application Solutions |
| shrinking mechanisms have produced the latest | | | | One of the best ways to understand how |
| generation of breakthroughs for medical technology. | | | | miniaturized DC micro-motors are revolutionizing |
| Medical application solutions usually require a | | | | surgical and medical procedures is to explore a few |
| competing set of design specifications, such as high | | | | examples of complete systems in use today. These |
| power DC micro-motors in a small, lightweight frame, | | | | systems include a range of applications from |
| or high precision movements coupled with automatic | | | | prosthetics, implants and medical devices, miniature |
| controls and sensors. Let's explore how the | | | | pumps, positioning actuators to servo-actuators for |
| technology for miniature components, DC | | | | optical systems, analysis instruments, robotics, |
| gearmotors, and DC micro-motors has evolved into | | | | precision tools, and scanners. Body-implantable, |
| effective medical application solutions. | | | | miniature peristaltic pumps and even dosing |
| High Precision Mounts | | | | micro-pumps for implantation in the eye socket have |
| Precision motors rely on mounting and vibration | | | | already been developed as well. |
| control for delicate work. DC micro-motors and DC | | | | To take one example and examine further, consider |
| gearmotors utilize a pair of identical bearings that | | | | a robot for orthopedic surgery aid. This application is |
| provide the ability to absorb radial and axial forces. | | | | a hexapod robot that attached directly onto the |
| For medical application solutions, bearings are | | | | spinal column and can perform parts of spinal cord |
| constructed from ceramic zirconium oxide, a material | | | | operations. A series of CT scans provides a three |
| that is both biocompatible and self-lubricating. This | | | | dimensional guide for a surgeon to use during the |
| type of mounting is ideal for implants and applications | | | | operation in either a manual mode or as a |
| for use in the body itself. The ball bearings | | | | pre-programmed routine. The DC micro-motors in this |
| themselves are less than 1 millimeter in size and | | | | surgical aid are powerful enough to aid in surgery |
| provide a tolerance on axial movement of only 6 | | | | while the entire unit is palm-sized. Maximum precision |
| micrometers. With a hardness value of 1150, the | | | | is used throughout the manufacturing process for a |
| zirconium oxide is extremely wear resistant and | | | | final product that has a maximum tolerance of 8 |
| durable for long term applications. | | | | micrometers. |
| Surgical procedures require very accurate motions | | | | In the end, DC micro-motors and DC gearmotors, |
| during delicate operations. For miniature components, | | | | along with complimenting miniaturized components, |
| this translates into the need for low friction | | | | are expanding the library of effective medical |
| movement that is both rigidly controlled and smoothly | | | | application solutions for the leading generation of |
| performed. Linear bearings are designed as | | | | medical care. |