Medical

Tag Archive: Medical

1. Precise Brake Solutions for Precision Small  & Mini Motors

   March 2, 2023 9:07 pm Leave a Comment

   As the demand for smaller motors increases, so does the need for small-diameter brakes and other small components. With recent technological advancements, electromagnetic brakes are able to generate powerful torque even in compact sizes. SEPAC is recognized for our capability to customize standard brake and clutch products to meet the application requirements of our customers. The following paragraphs will discuss the rising demand for smaller motors and components within various industries and applications. We will also discuss some challenges manufacturers face when engineering these parts.

    

   Larger Than Life Demand for Mini Motors

   Industries with common applications where failure can result in human casualty or harm demand reliable parts that operate with very specific spatial and functionality requirements. These critical operation industries are requiring smaller motors to power various equipment and machinery within these critical applications. As such, these industries also require smaller-diameter brakes that can still deliver the required torque, precision, and safety. 

   Aerospace & Defense Demand for Miniature Electromagnetic Brakes

   The aerospace and defense industry demands efficient electromagnetic brakes for various applications. Missiles make up a significant percentage of that demand, as the need for smaller and smaller missiles (smaller than 12 inches in diameter) continues to grow. SEPAC’s  small electromagnetic brakes offer several key benefits to the aerospace and defense industry, including:

   • Reliability
   • Energy efficiency
   • Lower-weight components, resulting in lighter loads
   • Cost savings due to reduced weight

    

   Medical Robotics Demand for Miniature Electromagnetic Brakes

   In the past decade, the robotics industry has recognized a dramatic improvement in successfully completing  a larger range of surgical procedures due to software and hardware advancements. With the introduction of smaller components, these surgical robotic applications can see reduced integration costs. Medical and surgical robotics demand miniature electromagnetic brakes to perform delicate operations with small tools and high precision. Because of their compact design, surgical robots can operate in confined spaces. They offer increased portability, allowing them to move easily between operating rooms and storage areas.

   SEPAC’s PMBs, TSEBs, and UTSEBs offer  surgical and medical robotic manufacturers to benefit from brake sizes as well as powerful torque.

   One of the most significant requirements for brakes used in surgical robots is that they provide zero backlash to ensure optimal precision. Because of this, the use of electromagnetic permanent magnet power-off brakes (PMBs) are often the best solution. PMBs lock joints into place with no radial movement, providing zero backlash, making them ideal for robotic surgery equipment. In addition to zero-backlash performance, PMBs offer quiet operation, a compact design, and high torque compared to body size.

   Other surgical applications that do not require zero backlash can benefit from thin spring-engaged brakes (TSEB) and ultra-thin spring-engaged brakes (UTSEB).

    

   Technical & Machining Challenges of Mini-Scale Mobility

   Engineering smaller motors and brakes does not come with a sacrifice of performance or quality. While there are many challenges that engineers face designing and manufacturing these smaller components , SEPAC is able to customize a solution to meet your application requirements with premium quality and safety.

   Size plays a critical role when it comes to how much torque a brake can produce for a particular application. At SEPAC, we offer a range of products that fit the role of being compact yet powerful. If your application requires brakes capable of operating in small envelopes while still producing high torque levels, we have the solutions you need.  

   To increase the torque of our products, we can:

   • Reduce the teeth angle
   • Adjust the size and/or strength of the springs
   • Increase the number of friction surfaces
   • Utilizing  materials with higher coefficients of friction
   • And more!

   These capabilities allow SEPAC to modify our existing standard products to meet exacting torque requirements. If you do not see a standard product in our offerings that meets your requirements, contact our team of experts to discover a solution. Our TSEB, UTSEB, and PMB brakes offer great torque-to-size ratios and can be modified to fit your application’s torque requirements.

    

   Have An Application in Mind?

   Fast-track your project by filling out our Application Data Form to discuss your application in detail with an expert today.

    

   Rely on SEPAC for Your Brake Solutions

   Critical industries, or industries that require safe and precise technology to prevent human harm, like the Aerospace or Medical Industries, rely heavily on proper component functionality. While these components present many engineering challenges, the experts at SEPAC are here to deliver quality solutions. Our small-diameter brakes feature compact sizes while delivering efficient, trusted performance and powerful torque. We can work with you to deliver a customized solution to meet your particular needs over a wide range of applications.

   For more information about our powerful brakes and solutions for precision control, request information today. 

2. Guide to Troubleshooting Permanent Magnet Brakes

   January 13, 2023 8:06 pm Leave a Comment

   Click to Expand

   

   The first step in fixing something is to understand how it works. Permanent magnet brakes (PMBs) are a form of brake that uses permanent magnets to provide the normal magnetic force necessary to attract the armature and produce torque.

   Permanent magnet brakes are used to hold or stop a load. Also called permanent magnet power off brakes, PMBs use permanent magnets to produce normal magnetic force within the magnet body assembly.

   In the absence of DC power, the magnet’s normal force attracts the armature plate and creates torque. When power is supplied, it engages the polarized DC coil in the brake assembly, reversing the magnetic strength within the flux path of the permanent magnet. This reduces the force to zero, and the diaphragm spring releases the armature, releasing the brake.

   Troubleshooting

   Permanent magnet brakes and spring-engaged brakes perform similar functions but have distinct properties. PMBs can stop dynamically or simply hold a rotating shaft when power is removed. Because PMBs are also lighter and smaller in diameter than spring-engaged brakes vs torque output, PMBs are preferred for applications with weight or space limitations.

   Potential problems using PMBs are often the result of not following the manufacturer’s installation guide and other best practices. Some possible issues include:

   • Wrong voltage
   • Wrong polarity
   • Wrong air gap

   These issues, if not mitigated, can result in functionality errors, including:

   • Not releasing
   • Low torque
   • Re-engaging

   Other PMB troubleshooting considerations include:

   Contaminants and Your Environment

   SEPAC permanent magnet brakes should be mounted in a dry environment, away from contaminants like water, oil, and grease. This ensures that the brakes can function correctly. Oil or grease can lower the friction force, lowering the torque capability. Also, water can cause corrosion, which can lead to low torque or even a loss of torque.

   Permanent magnet brakes should be piloted on the inner diameter (ID) of the magnet body or outside of the mounting flange.

   Because PMBs contain permanent magnets, be sure not to use magnetic steel around or in the brake. Nonmagnetic materials like aluminum alloys, zinc, or 300 series stainless steel are suitable alternatives. If you must use magnetic steels, make sure to leave at least a 0.25” gap around the field of the brake.

   Mounting

   Improper mounting could also result in poor PMB performance. Here are some tips for troubleshooting mounting issues:

   • Mounting Interface: The shaft should be perpendicular to the mounting surface within 0.005” total indicator reading (TIR). Mounting surfaces should be level and perpendicular to the shaft within 0.002”. If not, it can result in surfaces being hit or struck when power is supplied.
   • Supply Voltage: The supplied voltage should change no more than ±10%. The brake may not release if the voltage isn’t between 21.6 and 26.4 V. The positive electrode is marked red, and the negative electrode is marked black. If the polarity is wrong, the brake may not operate.
   • Power & Current: Use only direct current or full-wave rectified direct current. A DC PWM can be used as well. The Brakes will not function with alternating current (AC) applied.

   SEPAC ships brakes without burnishing or run-in. This means you may have to manually turn it a few revolutions to obtain the proper torque.

   Electrical Connections

   Electrical connections refer to the wiring between the brake’s magnetic coil and DC power supply. Make sure the polarity is correct. The red wire should go to the positive terminal, while the black wire goes to the negative terminal. Control switching should be in the DC circuit, as AC circuit switching can cause slow disengagement. All circuits should be using arc suppressors.

   Air Gap Set at Assembly

   If your PMB is not releasing when you apply power or not engaging when you remove power, you could be dealing with an improperly set air gap. See the below table for specific air gaps by brake model size:

   Model	Air Gap Set at Assembly
   	Min.		Max.
   	MM	Inches	MM	Inches
   PMB-110-24-M06	0.150	0.006	0.250	0.010
   PMB-126-24-M06	0.150	0.006	0.250	0.010
   PMB-157-24-M10	0.150	0.006	0.250	0.010
   PMB-197-24-M15	0.250	0.010	0.350	0.014
   PMB-252-24-M18	0.250	0.010	0.350	0.014
   PMB-319-24-M020	0.250	0.010	0.350	0.014
   PMB-398-24-M30	0.250	0.010	0.380	0.015
   PMB-496-24-M30	0.400	0.016	0.500	0.020
   PMB-634-24-M40	0.750	0.030	0.850	0.033

   Additional Support From SEPAC, Inc.

   Now that you understand more about permanent magnetic brakes, you’re better prepared to troubleshoot potential issues. If you have further questions, visit our FAQ page to learn more. For tailored support, contact SEPAC or request a quote today.

3. Evolution of Medical Technology & Surgical Robotics

   July 10, 2020 9:52 am Leave a Comment

   Since the 1980s, the advancement of medical technology has reached heights that medical professionals could previously only dream of. While the idea of surgical robotics may once have seemed impossible, this technology is available for many medical procedures today. At SEPAC, our team is constantly tracking the evolution of medical technology, enabling us to provide you with modern, customized solutions for any application in the medical industry.

   The Beginning of the Medical Technology Evolution

   To understand what robotic surgery is, we first must look back to the mid-1980s. It was during this period that the field of robotics truly began to expand as, for the first time, computer technology began to catch up with design engineering.

   The earliest version of what would become surgical robotic technology was a standard industrial robot arm known as the PUMA 560 (Programmable Universal Machine for Assembly/Programmable Universal Manipulation Arm). An engineer at Unimation first developed this technology. Eventually, Unimation would go on to become a subsidiary of Westinghouse Corp.

   Working off the structure of the PUMA 560, Dr. Yik San Kwoh of California’s Memorial Medical Center went on to develop a specialized computer program for it in 1985. This groundbreaking program made it possible for a surgical robot to utilize Computed Tomography (CT) to place a needle for a human brain biopsy. The success of this surgery shattered the medical industry’s preconceived ideas of robotics in surgery, and launched a global “Age of Medical Robots.”

   Robotic Medical Technology Advances

   As news of the PUMA 560’s success spread, scientists across the world began working to develop more advanced robotic surgery technology. In London’s Imperial College, a new surgical robot known as the PROBOT was invented. In 1992, Dr. Senthil Nathan utilized this new technology to complete the world’s first fully robotic surgery.

   In California, researchers at Integrated Surgical Supplies were developing a surgical robot called ROBODOC. This technology was specifically designed for use in Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), as it was able to mill out highly precise cavities in the femur, making it easier to insert the necessary fillings during hip replacement surgery.

   ROBODOC ultimately became the first robot to assist in this type of surgery. As this type of technology advances, it is vital to take safety precautions to ensure patient wellbeing and avoid any potential hazards.

   SEPAC’s Contribution to the Medical Robotics Industry

   Today, the da Vinci Surgical System is the most advanced technology in surgical robotics. It is designed with a Surgeon Console, a Vision System, and a Patient-side Cart, all of which work together to enable surgeons to perform surgery with an immense range of motion and precision.

   This level of precision is vital for the proper performance of surgical robotics. At SEPAC, we are experts in precision and proud to be one of the best resources for low to zero backlash electromagnetic clutch and brake solutions.

   Our years of expertise enable us to consistently meet and exceed the expectations of our customers. We provide custom clutch and brake solutions for any application. For example, we have worked with multiple OEMs on development of their surgical robot platform and utilized each brake technology we offer in different axis, joints and actuators to increase performance of their overall system. We provided them with a custom design perfectly tailored to their specific needs and budget.

   For more examples of our product applications, explore our interactive infographic.

   Trusted Electromagnetic Clutch and Brake Solutions From SEPAC

   At SEPAC, we understand that the right technology saves lives. Our team of design engineers is continually creating dependable designs to meet the needs of each individual customer. We are AS9100 and ISO 9001 certified, and have become one of the most trusted resources for clutch and brake solutions in industries that require immense precision and reliability. To learn more about our solutions, reach out to us today.