Feature

The benefits of wave springs for medical applications

There are more than 500,000 medical technologies on the market, from thermometers to mechanical ventilators.

04/01/2021 11:48:16

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Products typically have a short lifecycle of around 18 to 24 months before an improved version becomes available; design engineers in this sector are constantly innovating to improve patient care. Here, Simon Ward, Technical Manager
at fastening and fixing supplier TFC, explains how designers can reduce the size of their devices with wave springs.

One example of rapid innovation is wearable technologies, which are now available to track everything from patient
blood pressure to walking gait, electrolyte levels and heart rhythms. Across the board, we are seeing innovation in tools and technology for the prevention, diagnosis and management of diseases. As the use of digital technology in
medical applications rises, engineers are designing new, innovative products to aid patient welfare.

When innovation makes technology more complex, design engineers are often challenged with device size, particularly when integrating all the mechanical components into a
practical size. For example, traditional coil springs may be too large for medical technologies that are designed to be small and lightweight – causing the design engineer to consider alternatives.

Read the full article in the January issue of DPA

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.