Minimized sensing goes high tech

Japanese corporation Yaskawa coined the term mechatronics in 1969 by combining mechanical and electronics. Since then, steady developments in technology – notably drive systems and wireless connectivity – have significantly expanded its usage.

Today, medical devices are a major focus of mechatronics. One breakthrough innovation is mechatronic integrated devices (3D-MID) – a technology allowing higher density integration of electronic components into smaller spaces.

As medical devices such as hearing aids and dental instruments become smaller, the manufacture of their most important elements – traditionally printed circuit boards (PCBs with wires and other electrical parts) – requires much more delicacy and precision.

High-end miniaturization is facilitated by 3D-circuits: a combination of mechanical and electronic integration. Following is a look at 3D-MID technology, its many benefits, and its applications in the medical device industry.

3D-MID technology

HARTING’s 3D-circuits technology makes it possible to combine mechanical and electronic functions into a single component to fit into small spaces. The electronic circuit can be built into the device, making it more compact and functionally dense. By using injection-molded circuit boards, the number of process steps, assembly times, and parts can all be greatly reduced.

Device designers can go beyond the limits of traditional manufacturing with the help of 3D-circuits, unifying electrical and mechanical functions in a single three-dimensional component.

These components are constructed using malleable bits of plastic through injection molding, making it possible to create precise measurements.

Injection molding is perfect for mass production of products with complex geometries and in miniature sizes, such as high-end medical device components. Laser direct structuring (LDS), developed by LPKF Laser & Electronics in 1996, can draw the needed electrical trace layout to these components, which will be made conductive in a subsequent chemical plating process.

3D-MID technology opens a world of possibilities for designers and potentially huge savings for manufacturers and consumers alike. Combining mechanical and electrical hardware makes designing and creating electronic devices with very complex functions easier and more affordable.

3D-MID in medical tech

3D printing (3DP) has accelerated many advancements in medical technology with millions of people benefiting from components and devices created with ease. Now, 3D-MID is poised to be the next change. This technology takes these advancements a step further by using mechatronics to create devices with an even wider range of electronic functions that fit in even smaller spaces.

Mechatronics allow for extreme miniaturizing of medical applications, enabling examination, sensing, and monitoring from within the patient. With such technology, medical devices can be designed to be less invasive, significantly improving patient care.

Many years of experience – HARTING started its activities in this field in 2003 – and numerous series production projects confirm this. Taking large medical machines and devices and putting them into a more compact package is a big part of what 3D-circuits offer, significantly changing how medical devices are used today.

One important benefit of this technology is making these advances possible without sacrificing quality. As 3D-circuits continue to grow in popularity, it’ll open new options for even smaller and more effective medical devices, from hearing aids and implants to surgical and dental instruments.

Benefits and uses

Miniaturization is a critical trend in healthcare affecting how mechatronics technology is used. The development of ever-smaller instruments, devices, and equipment enables less invasive treatment methods, allowing faster recovery times and improved patient care.

The micro actuators and miniature sensors also propel development of small mechatronics systems for:

• Handheld diagnostics at the point of care, including ultrasound and blood testing
• Scientific instruments for flow cytometry, DNA identification, pathogen detection, DNA sequencing
• Medical imaging using small, precise modules for lens control and laser tuning
• Implantable devices that can be dynamically adjusted in-place
• Mobile miniature robots
• Micropumps and auto-injectors for drug delivery

There’s also a greater emphasis on the convenience and aesthetics of medical technology and the level of comfort a patient experiences. Because more treatments are shifting from hospitals to outpatient settings, today’s customers expect a more positive patient experience.

Redesign efforts for medical equipment aim for easier use and more convenience for patients. Conventional hydraulics are being phased out and replaced with mechatronics as the method of choice for controlling motion. Mechatronics systems are much simpler to operate, create less noise, weigh less, and are more compact.

Some value-added benefits gained from using mechatronics in place of conventional manufacturing methods include:

• Miniaturization of medical devices
• Development of low-cost disposable gadgets
• Device portability
• High levels of accuracy, precision
• Improved performance
• Design freedom
• Weight reduction
• Simplification of products

Conclusion

The most important developments in mechatronics lead to new technologies that’ll shape healthcare of the future so devices are safer, more portable, and, most importantly, painless. HARTING’s 3D-circuits technology is changing how medical devices are made, especially complex equipment with integrated electronics that must fit into increasingly miniscule spaces.

Harting
https://www.3D-circuits.com