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Constant Force Coil Springs in Medical Device Mechanisms
Introduction
Constant force coil springs are the unsung heroes in the medical device design. These special springs are also used when smooth and reliable motion is important over a long deflection and therefore they are best used in applications where such a specification is important. These parts are indispensable in medical mechanisms where there is no compromise on precision and safety.
What Are Constant Force Coil Springs?
Constant force coil spring A constant force coil spring is a prestressed strip material that is wound in the form of a spiral. In comparison to the traditional springs, the constant force springs provide almost constant force in its entire range of movement unlike the traditional springs, which spread the force over their range of motion in a variable manner. This special behavior is attributed to their design and thus when the material is rolled and unrolled, output force changes little.
How They Work
The spring is normally attached to a drum or shaft. Since the spring is being stretched, it does not want to come back and does this uncoiling with a constant force. Upon reeling it back it becomes coiled. This is caused by the predictability of the performance, because during the manufacturing process the stress is engineered on the material and thus it functions smoothly and can be repeated.
Applications in Medical Devices
Medical equipment requires great accuracy, durability and cleanliness. Constant force springs Constant force springs are employed in different applications where tension or retraction should be controlled.
Infusion Pumps and Drug Delivery Systems
In infusion pumps, such springs assist in delivering the fluids or drugs at a constant pace. They make the plunger or mechanism move smoothly and ensure that the rate of flow does not change easily and increases patient safety.
Surgical Tools and Robotics
Handheld surgical tools and robotic surgical systems incorporate numerous constant force springs to respond and provide consistent operation. They help to force elements back to a neutral or be counterbalanced in automated devices.
Patient Mobility and Support Equipment
These springs are regularly installed on devices such as patient lifts and physical therapy machines to help with the easy lifting, lowering, or adjustment of the devices. The electromagnets used manage the movement, making caregivers and patients work less intensively and have gentle movement, which is of benefit.
Retractable Cords and Cables
Constant force springs are used to hold cables and cords in the medical monitors and diagnostic equipment to ensure that working areas are neat and do not tangle and get damaged. This is also useful in preserving sterility and convenience in the clinical set ups.
Advantages in Medical Applications
Constant force coil springs have a number of advantages. They are dependable in performance with low maintenance, they are silent and can perform millions of cycles without much fatigue. Their smaller size enables their incorporation into miniature equipment and they could be made of material fit to the medical grade to be hygienically compliant and resist corrosion.