Drive solutions for ophthalmology

Challenge

A change of product or the lack of long-term availability of motors usually results in high costs, redesigns and unnecessary risks. Medical devices require drive solutions that not only operate reliably, but can also be seamlessly integrated into existing systems.

For Oertli Instrumente AG, a manufacturer of ophthalmic equipment, Antrimon developed two different drive solutions: an identical replacement for an obsolete drive, and a drive system featuring high torque, encoder feedback and a long service life.

Both projects had a common goal: a reliable, ready-to-install solution with plug-and-play integration.

Project 1 – Requirements for replacing an obsolete drive

• Very similar features to the previous model
• Identical design
• Motor with pre-assembled cable and plug
• Integration without modifying the existing end product

Project 2 – Requirements for a high-torque drive system

• High torque
• Precise position feedback
• Long service life for reliable continuous use
• Plug-and-play integration with the same performance
• Assembled motor with cable and plug

 

Antrimon’s solution

For Project 1, Antrimon evaluated a drive system based on a brushed DC motor with a worm gear. 

The assembly was designed to be identical in construction to the obsolete predecessor drive and fitted with a pre-assembled cable, including a plug. This enabled the drive to be integrated on a plug-and-play basis – without any modifications to the existing end product. 

For Project 2, Antrimon evaluated a drive system based on a brushed 24 V DC motor with a rated torque of 7.5 Ncm at a rated speed of 3000 min⁻¹ and a service life of 3000 operating hours. 

The motor is supplied with a 2-channel encoder with 500 pulses per revolution and a pre-assembled cable with a plug. A ball bearing ensures the required long service life.

Both solutions share the same aim: reliable performance with seamless plug-and-play integration, without the need for any adjustments to the end device.

 

From concept to a workable assembly

In both projects, Antrimon handled the entire process from the requirements specification right through to the assembly ready for installation:

• Analysis of the existing or obsolete drive system and the relevant requirements
• Design of the motor, gearbox and – depending on the project – encoder as an integrated system
• Design of the bearing arrangement to meet the required service life
• Cable assembly and connectors
• Validation of performance equivalence, industrialisation and mass production

 

Medical technology with a corresponding understanding of quality

As an ISO 13485-certified company, Antrimon has the necessary structures and processes in place for collaboration in the medical technology sector. From requirements analysis and design through to validation, industrialisation and series production, we support the development of bespoke drive solutions.

 

Result

Both drive solutions fully meet the requirements of Oertli Instruments AG:

• Project 1: Plug-and-play integration without the need for product customisation, consistent performance, and a cost-effective solution.
• Project 2: High torque with precise encoder feedback, a long service life of 3,000 operating hours thanks to ball bearings, and consistent performance with plug-and-play integration.

Antrimon thus demonstrates how various drive-related challenges in medical technology – from efficient replacements to sophisticated drive systems – can be resolved cost-effectively and from a single source.

 

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