Precision in every intervention: failsafe brakes for medical applications

The health of people is top priority in the medical field. That’s why the safety and quality requirements are higher in this sector than in almost any other industry.

KEB has been developing specialised products in the field of medical technology for decades in order to make medical end products safer and more reliable. From simple, standard failsafe brakes to complex individual solutions, KEB develops products and concepts that meet the requirements of end systems such as surgical robots, patient beds or even mobile devices and vehicles.

Surgical robots

KEB meets the requirement for extremely compact products in surgical robots by adapting its standard products or developing completely new solutions. In doing so, the high vertical integration helps achieve maximum flexibility. The requirements for generating less heat and consuming minimal power can also be met through the appropriate customer-oriented product design.

Due to exact positioning, it is now possible to perform even complex operations in a minimally invasive way. Surgical robots eliminate the slightest unintentional movement of the human hand and therefore achieve the highest quality and reliability. Safety brakes used in the respective robot axes are designed accordingly and hold devices safely and reliably in place even in the event of a power failure.

Electric wheelchairs and mobile devices

Electric wheelchairs, service robots, mobile X-ray machines or driverless transport systems for in-house logistics are becoming increasingly important when it comes to caring for patients. For these areas, KEB offers, for example, safety brakes with parking and emergency stop functions so that unintended movements or potential collisions and accidents can be avoided.

Individual speeds and mounting conditions are standard when it comes to electric wheelchairs, mobile X-ray equipment and driverless transport systems. However, the safety of people is also top priority here. This is precisely where KEB’s safety brakes come into play. Brakes, which are normally designed for stopping, are designed in such a way that emergency stops can be carried out in emergency situations with a defined braking distance, without the brake then becoming inoperable. Safety brakes do not require any energy when parking the wheelchair or medical device.

Patient beds

Whether during X-rays or in a dental chair – the correct sitting or lying position is crucial to high-quality patient care. This area requires positioning accuracy and retention force, which are achieved using KEB’s product solutions.

For multifunctional operating tables, X-ray tables and dental chairs in particular, it is important that the set position is reliably held. KEB’s holding brakes are crucial to this process. The brakes, which are normally only designed for holding, are designed in such a way that they are able to withstand the forces arising from the loads and maximum inclinations, and hold the bed or chair securely in position. Whether you require a particularly flat bed, a high holding torque in a limited space, or an increased IP degree of protection, KEB fulfils the customer requirements in product implementation.

Microscopes and lights

A clear view and lighting in the correct position make a significant contribution to ensuring quality in operating theatres, laboratories and outpatient treatment rooms. KEB’s products reliably hold medical devices in their set position in these applications.

In the area of microscopes, including surgical microscopes, safety brakes hold the equipment precisely in position so that users can carry out their work reliably and safely without any shakes or wobbles. This is ensured by brakes with a high power density and no backlash. Holding brakes are also used for surgical lights. A simple press of a button is all it takes to adjust the position of the surgical light’s stand arm. After releasing the button again, the brake continues to hold the lamp’s arm in position. In order to also secure movements in the event of a power failure, the brakes can also be designed with a narrow tolerance window in relation to the holding torque.

Types of brake

Permanent magnet brakes

High holding torque in a small installation space: the ability to hold equipment precisely in place is extremely important and must therefore be achieved using the right products and controls. KEB offers compact permanent magnet brakes, which hold the drives and positions of devices in place in medical applications and robotics, even in the event of a power failure.

Spring-applied brakes

Failsafe throughout their service life: the advantage of KEB’s spring-applied brakes is that the brake remains closed after the wear limit has been reached following frequent emergency stops, and continues to reliably hold the position. The position can still be changed via the manual release lever.

Safety brakes

Safe holding in all positions. Accident prevention is a top priority and must be ensured using appropriate products and controls. KEB offers various solutions in this area which, in the event of imminent danger, bring the drive safely to a standstill via an emergency stop and reliably hold it in position when the motor is at a standstill or in the event of a power failure.

For more information:

www.keb.co.uk

Tel: +44 1933 402220