When designing new diagnostic medical equipment, manufacturability and ease of assembly can be just as critical as performance. A complex assembly and installation process can lead to higher costs and additional need for maintenance upkeep in the field. Recently, PBC linear worked closely with a medical equipment engineering team to streamline the design of their motion control system for a diagnostic analyzer. After reviewing the initial design, PBC Linear was able to provide a simplified solution that was specifically designed to fit into the compact working area.
The diagnostic analyzer required precise movement to position the bio-samples in place as well as to store/sort them when not being analyzed. To solve their linear motion issues, PBC Linear needed to provide a driven linear guide system that was compact enough to fit into the pre-designed package as well as precise enough to reliably move the samples into place.
Originally, the medical equipment manufacturer approached PBC Linear to offer a compatible substitute to their motion control assembly; which consisted of 33 components including multiple complex machined pieces. Also, the machining and assembly processes had to be completed by several separate vendors; resulting in a slower time to market. PBC resolved to streamline the process and recommended using a single piece plain bearing assembly to simplify installation, improve reliability and reduce total installed cost.
PBC Linear’s lead screw driven Mini-Rail® linear stage was the answer. Accurate and reliable, the Mini-Rail linear stage uses proven Simplicity® plain bearing technology to ensure long-lasting, maintenance-free travel. The linear stages’ 303 stainless steel lead screw provided the optimum drive for subtle adjustment. Installed with custom brackets for optimized application fit, the Mini-Rail linear stage solution offered the compact positioning the design team was searching for.
During testing, the design team saw an immediate savings in both time and cost – not to mention an improvement in reliability. PBC Linear’s custom Mini-rail solution reduced total installed cost by 40%! Also, since PBC does their machining in-house, the new solution streamlined processing and simplified machining vendors down to 1. For more information on Mini-Rail or other Design on a Diet examples, check out the DOD section on our webpage, or you can contact us directly at 1.888.389.6266.
To see the product in action, watch the video case study!
