Product category:
Gears, brakes, couplings and engines
News Release from: Belden | Subject: Belden universal joint
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 04 September 2007
Universal joint aids keyhole surgery
The Radius Surgical System provides the freedom to operate without the complexity of electromechanical robotic devices.
Belden has developed a miniaturised universal joint for a surgical tool used in minimally invasive surgery The surgical manual manipulator system required a joint to transmit the power from the handle to the connecting shaft
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 21 Jun 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Universal joints suit packaging industry
Belden universal joints can be manufactured to withstand the corrosive environment found in packaging, conveying and food applications while meeting the tough standards set by these industries.
Universal joint has lubricated needle bearings
A new design of needle bearing universal joint is practically maintenance free while operating precisely at high speeds for extended periods.
Tuebingen Scientific Medical is a medical device company specialising in instrumentation for minimally invasive surgery.
The surgical systems fill in the gap between conventional surgical instruments and surgical robotics.
While conventional instrumentation does not meet the requirements of advanced endoscopic surgeons, robotic systems are too complex and costly for routine use.
Further reading
Miniature joints have universal appeal
A new range of high precision miniature joints are suited specifically for miniature machinery, medical equipment, model making and many applications in which space is restricted.
Joints and drive shafts customised to applications
Universal joint manufacturer serves the transport industry with universal joints and drive shaft assemblies for steering and gearchange linkage applications.
Tuebingen's Radius Surgical System provides the freedom to operate without the complexity of electromechanical robotic devices.
The surgical system has been designed to improve endoscopic suturing and other surgical manoeuvres and can be used for a wide variety of surgical procedures in different clinical specialties.
The surgical system consists of two hand-guided surgical manipulators.
Depending on the surgical task, graspers, scissors, needle holders and other devices can be attached to the tip and changeover only takes a few seconds.
The system required a universal joint to transmit the power from the handle, which acts as a natural extension that emulates the movement of the hand, to the connecting shaft.
The joint itself has an outside diameter of 8mm to accommodate the space limitations of the surgical tool.
A deflectable and rotable tip provides all degrees of handling freedom.
During design development, the customer requested a specialised hub configuration to ensure a secure connection and precise operation.
Belden made modifications to the standard universal joint concept and delivered prototypes for testing.
The final design now incorporates the universal joint and a component of the internal extension as a single piece, which was originally done as two separate pieces.
To adhere to the sterilisation regulations required by the medical industry, the universal joint was manufactured in stainless steel.
The miniature universal joints are suitable not only for medical equipment but for also many other applications in which space is restricted, including miniature machinery and model making.
Originally developed in stainless steel for the manual operating device, Belden's miniature joints are available in alloy steel, with or without plating, and a variety of stainless steel grades to fit any application.
• Belden: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Engineeringtalk email newsletter
• Engineeringtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
