Feature

Medical wave springs: Designing with size in mind

Medical device engineers strive for compact designs for a variety of reasons, such as portability, enhanced patient comfort, and increased efficiency. In many cases, a compact design requires compact components. To help designers to optimise the size of their devices, Simon Ward, Technical Manager of TFC, highlights the capabilities of wave springs.

02/08/2023 11:05:53

Springs are commonly used in a variety of medical products, such as surgical instruments, medical devices, wearable medical technology, and orthopaedic equipment. They are commonly used as return springs for function buttons, where they can provide the necessary force to restore a button to its original position. Springs are also used to maintain electrical contact or compensate for assembly tolerances.

While coil springs have conventionally served these purposes, there has been a shift in preferences, and wave springs are gaining traction as an alternative. One key reason for this is their space-saving advantage, as wave springs require less than half the space of a coil spring – delivering the same spring force with a smaller operating height.

Read the full article in DPA's August issue

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.