High-End Solutions for Medical Tripod Systems

When it comes to the application of tripods and lights, the stepless adjustment of the tripod in operation and the backlash-free holding of the position are key elements. The safety brakes fix the tripod arms in their positions. To shift the arms, the doctor opens the electromagnetic brake at the push of a button and positions the tripod as desired. When the proper position is reached, they release the button, the brake closes and holds the tripod arm in position. In case of a power failure, the doctor needs to be able to move the tripod with a certain physical effort by hand. Thus, the maximum torque of the electromagnetic brake may only reach a level that allows to overcome it in an emergency. From a technological point of view, the maximum torque of the brakes should therefore not significantly exceed the set braking torque.

Customer-Specific System Design

To give an example, one of our customers from the medical industry pursued the goal to open up the high-end market for surgical microscopes with a new tripod system. Thus, the electromagnetic brakes used at the axes had to provide high reliability, combine very high forces with compact design, allow for highly precise positioning and work without abrasion. These requirements were defined and verified by our project team, while during the subsequent system design both technological and economic aspects had to be considered. Eventually, we opted for permanent-magnet brakes, as their design is adapted to application specifications and rests on a solid product base. In this way, all requirements could finally be fulfilled within the estimated time frame and budget so that our close cooperation enabled the customer to generate a strong market position in the high-end segment.

Why Permanent-Magnet Brakes?
 
Accordingly, our permanent-magnet brakes are ideally suited for demands made on electromagnetic brakes in medical technology. The braking effect is created by a permanent-magnetic field. Thus, the brake works in a de-energized state and meets the following functions: Holding, positioning, and emergency stop. The braking effect is neutralized by the reverse electromagnetic field, which ensures a high degree of safety even in case of a power failure. Permanent magnet brakes also excel by reliable, residual torque-free opening in any installation position and a backlash-free transfer of the braking torque.
 
At the same time, the permanent magnet brakes offer further benefits as they are low-wear, thus featuring a long service life. Furthermore, our permanent-magnet brakes excel by an above-average constancy of the holding torque and a dynamic braking torque beyond the service life.

Individual Solutions from the Brake Expert

It has already become evident that medical devices often require individual brake solutions as the multitude of applications results in a wide range of specifications, e.g. in terms of torque or dimensions. This is why we offer a wide product portfolio for this range of applications: In this industry, not only permanent-magnet brakes but also spring-applied brakes are used, while our mechatronics experts take care of customer-specific adaptations based on the respective use case.

Industry-specific Requirements:*

Tabelle?

Please feel free to contact us, if you need help to find the right brake for your application. We from Kendrion are flexible and can also meet individual requests!