There are several different medical applications for a linear medical motor. These include Surgical robots, Magnetic levitation, Lift hills, and roller coasters. Some examples of these applications are described in this article. Other medical applications may present additional challenges. For example, a new actuator may be required for a specific application.
Surgical robots
Surgical robots use linear and servo motors to move the robot, enabling the surgeon to operate without touching the patient. These motors are often controlled by software. Another key but a hidden component in the design of surgical robots is endoscopic components, which allow the surgeon to place a camera and other tiny surgical tools. These components are thin-walled tubing, fluoropolymer-lined catheter shafts, or hybrid tubing.
Intuitive Surgical provides surgeons with a training program that takes 12 to 18 operations before they become comfortable using the da Vinci System. However, some surgeons have complained of a lack of tactile force feedback or the inability to “feel” tissue.
Magnetic levitation
Magnetic levitation is a technique that uses a diamagnetic substance to generate an invisible 3D structure. The diamagnetic substance is a magnetic compound, and the force induced by an external magnetic force is relatively small. An electrical current is fed into a metal ring that surrounds a cylindrical core to produce magnetic levitation. As the current flows through the metal ring, it creates a magnetic field within the core, which creates an additional magnetic field within the ring. This process is known as a ‘dual-action’ magnetic field.
The dual servo magnetic levitation stage possesses high precision and high-speed dynamics, and its mechanism is based on a planar motor consisting of a coarse and fine stage. The coarse stage comprises a planar motor, while the fine stage comprises a set of voice coil motors. The fine stage overcomes the limitations posed by the coarse stage and can achieve the same precision and high-force capabilities.
Roller coasters
The first LSM roller coaster opened in the Hollywood Studios theme park of Walt Disney World in 1999. It was a version of the original Superman coaster and featured high-powered magnets and launched the coaster like a slingshot, and the ride could reach speeds of 70 miles per hour in just four seconds. Three years later, another LSM-launch coaster, the Xpress, opened at Walibi Park in the Netherlands.
Today, roller coasters use linear motors to propel the train to speed. Although gravity still plays an important role in the ride, linear motors are faster and allow for tighter turns and faster maneuvers. They also reduce energy usage and maintenance time.
Lift hills
A linear motor can help you exercise safely. This device uses a programmable logic and force generation control system to determine an exercise routine. The programmable logic controls the amount of force the linear motor can generate in response to a specific amount of weight. It can be programmed to increase or decrease weight gradually or stop quickly if there is no load. This fail-safe mode prevents injury during exercise.
Surgical instruments
Medical linear motors are low-cost, high-speed devices commonly used in surgical instruments. They are small, flexible, and offer several benefits for the surgical practitioner. In addition to their versatility, they are space-saving and cost-effective. They are ideal for complex surgical procedures.
Ball screws typically drive medical linear motors. The shaft of the device has a V-shaped helical thread, which matches the thread inside the nut. The shaft and nut move together using a sliding contact. It allows for precise positioning of the instrument. The device can also be controlled remotely by a hand-held pendant or footswitch.
The linear medical motor can be designed for any desired number of degrees of freedom, allowing it to operate surgical instruments in various ways. For simple procedures, a single degree of freedom may be sufficient. However, in many procedures, multiple degrees of freedom are convenient.
