Background & Challenge
The world of medicine is an ever-changing landscape since COVID-19 pandemic. As technology changes, medical device manufacturers are turning to lighter, smaller components that can improve the reliability, longevity and performance in the life-saving products and applications. One example is the increasing use of voice coil motors to control the valves in ventilators for patients who have difficulty in breathing on their own.
The construction of a ventilator is straightforward. Requiring only a few components, ventilator machine has traditionally used solenoid valves to control the flow of air. Now, after strictly testing, it becomes clear that the voice coil motor outperforms solenoids in every aspect. High precision, acceleration and lightweight design have come together to revolutionise the way ventilators are made.
With the solenoid valve, you are given an on/off device that requires a spring to activate bi-directional movement, in contrast to the voice coil motor. Hysteresis is also much lower with a voice coil motor, allowing for greater repeatability, an important factor to a medical device.
Product & Solution
In circumstances when a ventilator is needed, lightweight components are a necessity, as healthcare workers often need to move the device quickly from one room to another. Voice coil motors can be built to be the size of a thimble if needed. For example, Akribis’s AVM motor series can be as small as 12.7 millimetres in diameter but still offer a peak force of 3.5 Newtons with a weight of only 12 grams. With the wide range of size option available (from 12mm to 250mm), it is easy to customise a ventilator with the size, weight and force you need. With exceptional designs and high manufacturing capacity, these necessary devices can be ordered quickly.
As medical technology changes, and the need for this technology is greater than ever, it is important to stay on the front lines of change. By taking voice coil actuators out of sound systems and into ventilators, more lives can be saved in more efficient ways.
Motion Control Products Ltd. have a wide range of voice coils with various sizes from as small as diameter of 12mm to large size of diameter 250mm. Integrated shaft (bearing) versions are also available with associated drive electronics to control them precisely.
