What are the common applications of linear actuators in the medical industry?

In many cases,weight-bearing medical devices(such as beds,chairs,and examination tables)with the features of adjustable for moving and positioning the patient,increasing patient comfort and ease of use,and improving the accessibility of medical staff to perform examinations or medical procedures.

Linear actuator helps move the patient in a way that avoids injury and improves ergonomics for both the patient and the healthcare worker.Devices called"patient mechanical lifts"or"patient hoists" lift and transport patients over short distances(e.g.from bed to wheelchair)with the help of slings,body mechanics,electromechanical linear actuators,or a combination of these devices.Patient lifts can be floor-based,ceiling/overhead mounted,or so-called"sit-to-stand" devices.

Mechanical patient lifts that move all(or most)of a patient's body weight usually use 24-volt rod-style linear actuators.Rod-style linear actuators provide a great deal of force in push(extension)and pull(retraction)motion,and can incorporate safety features such as safety nuts or spline shafts to prevent rod rotation.If axial load support is required,the linear guide is used in conjunction with the linear actuator to prevent bending moments on the linear actuator thrust rod.

 

The sit-to-stand device can help patients rebuild strength and mobility.The rod-type 24 volt linear actuator helps lift the patient.

Even fixed patient beds,operating tables and surgical chairs are integrated with linear actuators.For example,in imaging devices such as CT and MRI scanners,patient tables are lowered and raised vertically so that patients with a variety of mobility difficulties can easily and safely get on and off the table.The table is then moved horizontally in and out of range of the imaging device to facilitate scanning a specified area of the body.

In these dynamic patient table applications,vertical motion is typically provided by a telescopic linear actuator,while horizontal motion(usually with more stringent positioning accuracy requirements)is provided by high-capacity linear guides and precision ball screw or rack and pinion drives.Equipment such as hospital beds and operating tables,where only parts of the bed or table need to be adjusted and moved,typically use smaller 12-volt rod-style linear actuators.

In this operating table,a telescopic surgical column provides pure vertical motion,while rod-style linear actuators and profiled guides adjust the angle of the table head and feet.

 

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