Proposal for a Compact Linear Actuator to Simplify Mechanisms and Improve Reliability of Medical Analyzer

Industries Medical, biochemical analysis, biotechnology
Process and Equipment Name Medical Analyzer
Issue Cost reduction, wiring work time reduction, space saving, reduction man-hours, quality improvement

Issue: To Reduce the Number of Parts in the Vertical Drive Unit to Downsizing of the Equipment and More Reliable

Conventional Problems

  • Conventional medical analyzer uses a screw mechanism to drive the vertical axis of the nozzle and are controlled by a DC motor and an external sensor, but the sensor stop method had a risk of malfunction and reliability issues
  • Time was required for assembly and to adjust mounting accuracy because the motor is connected to the screw mechanism via a coupling

Solution: Linear Actuator Attachment Products and Motor With Encoder Simplified Equipment Design and Achieve Reliability

In reviewing the configuration of medical analyzer, a simple design that both space saving and offers high reliability was required. To address this issue, a mounting adapter for linear actuators, which requires no coupling, and a stepper motor with encoder for position detection used. By replacing complex conventional mechanisms with simple actuator components and 2-phase stepper motors, stable operation and reduced assembly work time are realized.

Space Saving Without Couplings and Simplify Equipment Design

Using a mounting adapter for linear actuators, space saving by reducing the number of parts, and reduces work time for assembly, mounting accuracy adjustment, inspection, and other production tasks, enabling shorter production time.

Concept Image for Equipment Design Simplification

Operation example of an automatic inspection system equipped with specimen transfer and reaction units. Shows the specimens transferred from the sample disk is sent to the reaction process via linear actuators or lifting columns.
Motor and Coupling, Linear Motion Mechanism Assembly Required
Structural drawing of an automatic inspection system that uses a compact unit with an integrated motor and linear slide to simplify equipment design and saving space.
Simply Assemble the Mounting Adapter for Linear Actuators to the Motor

Comparison of Number of Parts

The figure compares the equipment configuration in the home-made configuration and when the mounting adapter for linear actuators is used. The home-made consists of 9 parts, but using the mounting adapter for linear actuators reduces the number of parts to 6, the equipment is saving space.

Motor With Encoder for Improved Reliability

The introduction of the 2-phase stepper motor PKP Series with encoder has greatly improved the reliability of the equipment, as the normal operation of the motors can be confirmed by comparing the current position with the command position.

Conventional external sensors are no longer required, leading to a reduction in the number of parts or assembly time.

Proposed Products: Mounting Adapter for Linear Actuator/2-Phase Stepper Motor PKP Series (With encoder)

Proposed Product Integrating Motor and Lead Screw. With Red Arrow to Indicate Linear Motion.

Combinable Products

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