Draw-wire sensors provide operating precision
A
Micro-Epsilon UK product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Aug 10, 2009
Draw-wire displacement sensors are helping medical operating theatres in a number of critical applications, says Chris Jones, managing director at Micro-Epsilon (UK).
The latest operating tables offer numerous functions for precise handling of the patient, but need to be efficient and cost effective.
Draw-wire sensors can be used to position mechanical moving parts
Typically, operating tables are modular in design and offer multiple adjustment options for the precise positioning of the patient during an operation.
As well as the height of the table, the horizontal position and several angular functions for the head, torso and legs also need to be adjustable.
In order to enable these adjustments, suitable measuring devices are required.
Draw-wire displacement sensors are ideal for this, combining a compact design with high precision and long service life.
The sensors can integrate with the operating table, offering an excellent price/performance ratio for the customer.
The principle of a draw-wire displacement sensor is relatively straightforward, hence its reliability.
The sensor works like a tape measure, except with a draw-wire sensor, the user does not have to read off the measurement of the extended tape.
The rotation of the drum on which the steel wire is wound is measured automatically and the measurement signal is output in either analogue or digital formats.
The drum itself incorporates a long-life spring drive, which ensures the steel wire is rewound.
The latest X-ray machines also require precise positioning so that they can provide high-quality images of patients.
The digital camera on these machines has to be aligned exactly with the X-ray tubes so that high-resolution recordings can be produced.
The cameras, X-ray tubes, the table and the wall stands can be moved on several axes, providing maximum flexibility.
Draw-wire sensors can be used to position the mechanical moving parts.
The synchronisation controller in the X-ray unit then uses the displacement data from the sensors to ensure that the X-ray tube and camera move parallel to each other.
Similarly, computer topography (CT) equipment requires fast, precise, but cost-effective measurement systems.
Spiral, helical and dual-source CT systems all require more precise, faster sensors.
The length measurement equipment for the horizontal reclined position is important here.
In order to obtain the best possible overall image of the target, the individual X-ray sections, which normally travel through the object, have to be measured with smaller and smaller spacing.
To do this, the sections are compiled in a 3D model to obtain voxels (volumetric and pixel).
Based on this complete volume data set, any 3D views or sectional planes can be produced.
In order to correctly align the sections, the horizontal position of the couch must be measured precisely.
Therefore, a measuring system with very high resolution and long measuring range is required.
Here, draw-wire sensors can offer resolutions down to 0.001 per cent of the measuring range.
Draw-wire sensors are not only suitable for horizontal and vertical axis measurements; they can also be used to measure angles on operating tables and flexible surgical arms.
Flexible surgical arms are used to assist surgeons during surgical procedures, providing them with several degrees of freedom of movement.
Starting from a calibrated zero point, the arm, which is attached to an operating table, automatically performs the required incremental movements.
An endoscopic camera is guided by the robot arm, achieving a 360deg view with up to 80deg incline from the perpendicular of the endoscope.
Typically, the arm must be immune to MR and X-rays and so sensors cannot be used in the area directly above the operating table.
Therefore, direct measurement of the angular movements of the arm with angle sensors is not possible.
However, the angle of rotation can be measured indirectly by using draw-wire sensors, which are installed underneath the operating table.
Several sensors are required, which provide either an angle proportional output signal (potentiometer) or a digital incremental output.
Not what you're looking for? Search the site.
Contact Micro-Epsilon UK
Tel +44 151 355 6070
Other Micro-Epsilon UK stories
-
Displacement sensors protect sattelite
The principle of a draw-wire displacement sensor is relatively straightforward, hence its inherent reliability. -
CSP2008 can process six input and output signals
Micro-Epsilon has brought out a programmable controller that enables the real-time processing (up to 100kHz) of up to six input and output signals from the company's displacement sensors. -
Micro-Epsilon introduces Scancontrol 2710 sensor
The latest addition to Micro-Epsilon's Scancontrol range of 2D/3D laser profile sensors is the Scancontrol 2710, which is compact and offers new setup and configuration software. -
Optoelectronic displacement sensors launched
Micro-Epsilon has launched the OptoNCDT 1402 series of optoelectronic displacement sensors. -
Eddy current sensors used in telescope
Micro-Epsilon has supplied 600 eddy current sensors to the Chinese Academy of Science for use on the Lamost (Large sky Area Multi-Object fibre Spectroscopic Telescope).
Browse by category
- Consultancy and Services (909)
- Machine Building (4,554)
-
Engineering Design Software (6,221)
- Engineering Design Software (13)
- 2D CAD software (201)
- 3D CAD software (1,162)
- FEA and structural analysis software (374)
- Fluid, thermal, noise, vibration software (334)
- Simulation, modelling, validation software (922)
- Rendering, visualisation, styling software (200)
- Materials design and moulding design software (152)
- Process, instrumentation, automation software (260)
- Electrical design software (165)
- Publishing and documentation software (230)
- Maths, charting, statistics, QA software (318)
- Data, document management software (312)
- CAM, CNC, production management software (571)
- File conversion software, data capture (355)
- PLM and collaboration software (652)
-
Drives, Motors and Controls (3,392)
- Drives, Motors and Controls (1)
- Precision Motors and Gears (417)
- Industrial Drives/Controls (1,283)
- Linear Drives and Motors (115)
- Industrial Motors (500)
- Stepper and Servo Drives, Motors, Controls (1,074)
- Small Mechanical Components, Joining, Tools (1,984)
-
Control and Instrumentation (5,061)
- Control and Instrumentation (2)
- Plantwide control (1,333)
- Plant- and Machine-Wide Communications (1,183)
- Smaller-Sized PLCs (388)
- CNC and Motion Controllers (187)
- Mid-range and Large PLCs (202)
- Power Supplies, Uninterruptible Power (568)
- HMIs/Operator Interfaces (295)
- Logic Controllers, Timers and Relays (96)
- Cabling, Conduit, Signal Conditioning (807)
-
Monitoring, Measurement and Quality (5,516)
- Monitoring, Measurement and Quality (1)
- Data acquisition Software and Communications (497)
- Data Acquisition Hardware and PC I/O Boards (478)
- Electrical and Electronic Testing, PAT Equipment (633)
- Form/co-ordinate, optical, vision instruments (728)
- Gauges, Indicators and Instruments (442)
- Data loggers (421)
- Materials testing equipment (419)
- Telecomms/network test equipment, software etc (156)
- Testing and Calibration Services and Information (508)
- Testing, analysing and monitoring equipment (1,233)
-
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Design (4,197)
- Batteries, chargers and circuit protection (558)
- Connectors, Terminals, Busbars, Slip Rings (690)
- Enclosures and Equipment Cooling Fans (710)
- Knobs, Handles and Enclosure Hardware (425)
- PCs and Embedded Systems (809)
- Electrical and Electronic Subassemblies (370)
- Electrical and Electronic Components (635)
-
Materials and Processing (2,984)
- Materials and Processing (5)
- Materials and components (2,232)
- Rapid Prototyping (459)
- Materials processing and testing (288)
-
Engineering Industry News, Resources (6,116)
- Engineering Industry News, Resources (4)
- Engineering Business News, Views (388)
- Engineering Exhibitions, Events (566)
- Engineering Conferences (427)
- Engineering Seminars (401)
- Engineering Industry Developments, Awards (634)
- Engineering Guides, Newsletters (352)
- Engineering Recruitment, Employment (219)
- Engineering Training Courses (438)
- Engineering Education, Resources, Standards (843)
- Engineering Industry Reports, Surveys (597)
- Electronic Resources for Engineers (278)
- Health and Safety Legislation (402)
- Health and Safety Strategy, Risk Assessment (114)
- Health and Safety Consultancy, Software (175)
- Health and Safety Events, Training, News (278)
-
Powertrain Design (3,638)
- Powertrain Design (2)
- Bearings (954)
- Chains and belts (328)
- Gears, brakes, couplings and engines (1,452)
- Hydraulic Components (471)
- Lubricants (430)
-
Capital Equipment (3,410)
- Capital Equipment (1)
- Manufacturing Machinery and Plant Equipment (468)
- Production line blowers and fans (64)
- Compressors and Air Treatment (517)
- Electronics Manufacturing, Tools, Instruments (192)
- Electrical hardware (131)
- Machinery and Production Equipment (1,102)
- Robotics, Handling and Storage (935)
-
Sensors (7,134)
- Sensors (8)
- Accelerometers and Vibration Sensors (431)
- Loadcells, Force Sensors, Torque Sensors (708)
- Pressure sensors (625)
- Flowmeters and Flow Sensors (621)
- Level Sensors and Leak Detectors (529)
- Linear Position Sensors (407)
- Rotary Position, Tilt and Angular Sensors (551)
- Proximity Sensors (708)
- Gas, Chemical, Radiation, Magnetic Sensors (286)
- Humidity and Environmental Sensors (154)
- Temperature sensors (613)
- Vision and Colour Sensors (1,390)
- Barcode Sensors (103)
- Valves, Pumps, Process Hardware (3,650)
