Medical Applications for SQUIGGLE Motors
Piezo Motors Enable MRI-Compatible Medical Devices
SQUIGGLE motors generate no electromagnetic fields and can be made
entirely from non-ferrous materials. This makes them valuable for
use in medical research and medical device design, as they can
operate in and around MRI systems without affecting image quality or
motor performance. They are:
- Small - for implantable and portable devices
- Precise - to enable very accurate dosing
- Quiet - for unobtrusive wearable medical devices
- Robust - for high reliability
Miniature Motors for Medical Devices
The SQL Series SQUIGGLE motor is a tiny motor that is
ideal for wearable and implantable medical devices. See the
miniature OEM motors page for details and specifications.
- The tiny ultrasonic motor allows wearable drug pumps, such as
insulin pumps, to be made smaller and more comfortable than ever
before. It also allows creation of smaller implantable pumps, so
that less invasive procedures can be used to install the devices.
- With fewer parts, the SQUIGGLE motor has fewer failure modes and
greater reliability than electromagnetic motors.
- At small sizes, the ultrasonic motor has lower power consumption
than electromagnetic motors, for longer battery life.
- The SQUIGGLE motor’s high precision enables
more precise dosing, so that smaller reservoirs and more
concentrated drugs can be used.
A design concept using a SQUIGGLE motor for a wearable drug pump
uses the motor’s drive screw to directly push the syringe. The motor
easily produces tiny steps, at speeds of micrometers per minute to
micrometers per hour, for basal and bolus drug delivery. An optional
magnetic rotary encoder measures each step with sub-micrometer
accuracy for 0.01 unit dosage control.
The same motor moves at millimeters per second for reservoir replacement and priming.
Non-Magnetic Motors for Medical Research
SQ-100-NM Series laboratory piezo motors are made from non-magnetic
materials, for use in and around MRI systems for biomedical research
applications. See the lab and vacuum motors page for complete
specifications.
Learn More
Contact us for more information
about using SQUIGGLE motors in medical applications including drug
delivery, microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip and more.
