Every device used in the medical field requires the use of a spring for the tools to function correctly. From catheters to noninvasive devices like syringes, all use springs for their working mechanisms.
What spring is used in the device depends upon the type of spring and what kind of force is used to make the device work.
Following are the types of springs used in the medical industry to construct medical devices.
Springs: An Overview
Spring is an elastic device used in manufacturing various products, especially in the medical industry. This elastic device has the property to store energy when the force is being applied and when the force has removed the coil back into its original shape by releasing the stored energy.
In the medical field, springs have been an essential part of noninvasive and invasive devices and the increasing automation in hospitals. The demand for the springs is increasing more and more.
Medical Devices That Use The Springs
As we mentioned before, the springs are the essential components of various medical devices. Following are some of the devices in which different kinds of springs are used:
- Endoscopic devices
- Catheters
- Syringes
- Suction lines
- Pill dispensers
- Wheelchairs
- Inhalers
- Orthopedic tools
- Stapler guns
- Peristaltic pumps
- Anesthetic infusion machines
- Shunt valves
- Surgical tools and devise
- Various surgical syringes
These are the most common devices with springs as their most integral part, and these cannot function without the springs.
What Types The Spring Are Used In Medical Industry
Compression Springs
As the name suggests, compression springs work when they are compressed and squeezed while storing and releasing energy. These springs are commonly used in the medical industry for noninvasive and invasive tools.
These are used in devices that require squeezing or compressing, like syringes, inhalers, pill dispensers, etc. Moreover, some specialized springs are directly implanted in the human body to cause the widening of the arteries. Aside from that, they are also used in pacemakers, catheters, etc.
Torsion Springs
Torsion springs use rotatory or twisting forces to coil, recoil, and store energy. Any medical device that needs the use of rotator movement requires the use of torsion springs. Machines like dental – X-rays etc., use torsion springs; aside from that, they have also used devices that require less than 360-degree rotation. These are primarily used in equipment that needs a bending action.
Tension Springs
Tension springs, also known as extension springs, work a little differently from the others. These use resistive forces to avoid stretching and provide tension so that two components can be brought apart.
These types of springs are used in medical equipment that needs the use of resistive forces or needs something that requires an extension. Equipment like stretchers, surgical lights, or any handheld devices needs these resistive forces of the springs.
Constant Force Springs
These springs are commonly used in critical medical devices like X-rays, CT scans, or operating rooms. These springs can enhance the functionality of these tools and help them perform properly.
Conclusion
Any device, be it medical or any other device, cannot function properly without the springs, and problems with these can affect the device’s functionality. So ensure that you get the best quality when you purchase the springs or your device manufacturer.