Overview
ECM’s PrintStator software and integrated printed circuit board (PCB) stator technology enable design of electric motors to precise performance and form factors specs.
ECM has used PrintStator Motor CAD to integrate PCB Stator innovation into several cutting-edge medical devices. Recently, ECM prototyped motors for two diverse medical applications. The first, built for a medical robotics company, actuates the elbow joint of an orthosis. The second, designed with an international medical device OEM, integrated an ECM motor into a portable oxygen concentrator.
Benefits
The planar form factor and minimal axial thickness of ECM’s technology facilitates small, lightweight motors for portable systems.
ECM’s increased efficiency reduces energy cost andextends battery life for portable systems. ECM’s flexible form factor creates systems with high torque density by enabling compact integration with a variety of torque multipliers,. Reduced raw materials and PrintStator’s utilization of well established PCB manufacturing processes lowers cost and environmental impact.
“ECM’s PCB stator technology can significantly improve the performance of mobile medical applications and enhance the comfort of users.”
Chris Fielding ECM, Vice President of Applications
Results
Orthotic Joint Motor
The 40W motor –which ECM designed and prototyped with PCB Stator technology to actuate the elbow joint of an adult orthosis — reduced system size and increased capability. The concise combination of a harmonic drive and ECM’s axially thin motor created a low volume system with high torque density, enabling patients to lift heavier items and wear a long sleeve shirt over the brace. ECM is currently collaborating with this medical robotic company to finalize system design and further benefit their users.
Oxygen Concentrator
ECM’s oxygen concentrator prototype reduced motor axial thickness by 60% and significantly decreased system noise. When compared to the current concentrator package, this compact solution required less raw materials, which in turn reduced manufacturing costs. ECM is currently working with this OEM to optimize the design further improve portability, reduce noise, and minimize the cost responsibility of the patient.
ECM’s integrated 40W motor solution for an adult elbow joint orthosis. Section view displaying the compact integration of a harmonic drive and ECM’s PCB stator in green.
Preliminary designs of the integrated oxygen concentrator solution with ECM’s PCB stator motor in yellow.
Future Medical Projects
ECM is collaborating with a leading mobility solutions provider in Europe. Together, we are pushing the boundaries of prosthetic advancements for individuals with limb loss or musculoskeletal conditions, with the aim of enhancing their quality of life through state-of-the-art design innovation.
ECM’s PCB Stator motor brings numerous advantages to the application, including:
- Smooth torque and motion (enabling a better patient-machine interface and a more realistic feel)
- Quieter operation
- Advanced motion control
- Ultra-thin form factor that seamlessly integrates with gearboxes and other components, creating a compact knee
- Customizability for specific patient needs
Next Steps
ECM offers PrintStator as SaaS and is introducing its Motor CAD software and PCB Stator technology to a wide range of medical applications.
Form factor flexibility, increased efficiency, low noise, and reduced cost are the many benefits of a motor solution built with an ECM PCB stator, making PrintStator’s design capabilities valuable for almost any application.
To explore integrating ECM’s PCB Stator technology into your product line, please email info@pcbstator.com and visit our Design Your Own page to learn more about our five-step integration process.
If you’d like to read more about how PCB Stator Technology can be utalised in medical devices, check out our these features in Surgical Robotics Technology and MedTech.
