Innovative Bearing Supports and Ready-to-Fit Complete Solutions for Medical Technology

Schaeffler at Hannover Messe 2013 (Hall 22, booth A12)

Innovative Bearing Supports and Ready-to-Fit Complete Solutions for Medical Technology

Rolling bearings, linear guidance systems, and drives always have to fulfill high requirements in terms of precision, running smoothness, and safety whether they are used in C-arms, patient couches, operating room tables, or ceiling stands. Under its INA, FAG, IDAM, and Barden brands, Schaeffler offers expertise and a range of products for all moving components and systems in medical technology that is unrivalled worldwide, making the company an ideal development partner and supplier. At the Hannover Messe 2013, Schaeffler will be exhibiting a range of innovative and proven solutions that both fulfill the high quality and safety requirements of medical technology applications and provide increased reliability and flexibility, as well as expanding the range of possible applications for medical equipment. These will be on display in the Metropolitan Solutions and Integrated Industries themed areas.

Electromechanical lifting column: A ready-to-fit complete solution for C-arms that fulfills the highest requirements

The electromechanical lifting column, which Schaeffler's Linear Technology business unit will be presenting as a ready-to-fit complete solution for the first time at the Hannover Messe 2013, is characterized by its high-quality, precise guidance. The lifting column features a robust, compact design and can move loads of up to several hundred kilograms safely, continuously, and reliably. The compact mechatronic system is designed for the high requirements of C-arms used in medical technology, but it can easily be adapted to meet the demands of other industrial applications. The lifting columns are delivered as complete, ready-to-fit units that can be integrated into both new and existing systems with no problems.

The lifting column comprises a solid support tube with a cable feed, an inner tube, a motor with reduction gearing, a spindle with a safety retention nut, flexible cable trunking systems to accommodate the cables, a cable set, a flange for mounting a swivel unit, and stable sheet metal components for connecting to the adjacent construction. Bores are also included to allow the lifting column to be mounted on a frame or a trolley. Two high-performance linear guidance systems arranged opposite each other in the lifting column ensure high and precisely reproducible guidance quality. Electronic limit switches detect when the lifting column has reached the end of its stroke travel. A brushless 24 V DC motor serves as the drive.

Linear applications for patient couches and operating room tables

Patient couches, operating room tables, and dentists' chairs require the highest possible level of mobility combined with a high degree of robustness. INA linear guidance systems are the perfect solution here. The KUVE-B and KUSE linear recirculating ball bearing and guideway assemblies in particular fulfill even the highest requirements. These systems feature four and six rows of rolling elements respectively, which provide an extremely high load capacity. The linear recirculating ball bearing and guideway assemblies are designed for high loads on each carriage and ensure that all requirements are met in terms of quality, load carrying capacity, running characteristics, and safety.

In addition to height adjustment, the ability to adjust operating room tables laterally and longitudinally is also important for surgeons, e.g. when tests need to be carried out during an operation. If, for example, a C-arm is used for taking X-rays, the operating room table can be placed in an offset position, thus creating space underneath the patient. The KUVE-B linear system is ideal for both lateral and longitudinal adjustments: Four rows of balls make not only high weight and moment loads possible, they also ensure an even, low-friction displacement resistance. The components and individual parts are perfectly matched to one another and thus also provide a smooth-running, low-noise movement. The integrated grease reservoir ensures that the rolling elements in the linear system are permanently lubricated and therefore almost maintenance-free throughout their entire service life.

The linear guidance systems are also available with an additional Corrotect coating that provides optimum protection against corrosion for the linear system. Further coatings, such as Protect, provide a high level of wear protection and optimum emergency running characteristics in the event of insufficient lubrication. The innovative, robust, and low-noise linear recirculating ball bearing and guideway assemblies are therefore a contributing factor in achieving optimum patient comfort.

Bearings for ceiling stands smooth-running with high load capacity and low noise levels

Modern operating rooms are characterized by flexibility in terms of personnel assignment and the devices used. Safety and cleanliness requirements have made laying cables on the floor a thing of the past. The number of devices used during an operation also continues to rise. But where can all the screens, medical equipment, computers, and cables go? The solution is to use ceiling stands with swivel arms that can carry the equipment and make flexible, individual positioning possible. These ceiling stands have to support high loads, be easy to move, and provide sufficient space for the supply lines (power, oxygen, data, etc.). The AXS axial angular contact roller bearing is specifically suited to use in ceiling stands. This bearing is mounted in pairs, supports high loads and tilting moments, and allows smooth-running, low-noise movement. The small bearing cross-section i.e. the low section height and large inside diameter enlarges the cross-sectional opening of the ceiling stand's support a

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