BEI Kimco's Actuator with Magnetic Spring Technology
BEI Kimco's Actuator with Magnetic Spring Technology Solves Challenging Application Requirements for High Reliability and Superior Service Life
VISTA, Calif. - BEI Kimco Magnetics, a company of Custom Sensors & Technologies (CST), Inc., recently met the challenging valve control actuator requirements for a medical ventilator system for critical care patients. Two Kimco Voice Coil Actuators support different functions within the ventilator. One actuator controls the diaphragm valves that regulate the air pressure within the patient's lungs during the inhalation and exhalation cycles. A second actuator operates a safety valve that diverts the air flow around the ventilator in the event of a system malfunction or power failure. Both actuators incorporate a magnetic spring that establishes the preferred or home position. This feature was an important design element to support maximum battery life and the fail-safe valve mechanism.
Key to the ventilator's design specification was to develop a highly reliable Voice Coil Actuator that would provide exceptional repeatability and reduced power consumption when compared to competing technologies. To meet these requirements, BEI Kimco developed the VCA LA16 series with a patented Magnetic Spring.
"The magnetic spring eliminates the need for a mechanical return spring or alternative option which may fatigue or fail," explains Miguel Hermosillo, BEI Kimco Applications Engineer. "Over time, these mechanical type springs exhibit wear and tear, resulting in a reduced spring constant that causes undesirable performance deviations, especially critical for medical equipment operation"
The actuator's performance characteristics included a 6 mm stroke, a peak force of 60 N, and a continuous force of 17 N. Small size featured an outside diameter of just 40.6 mm and a length of 46 mm. BEI Kimco's VCA with magnetic spring can be customized to individual applications with customer-specified actuator size, stroke, stall force, peak force, and other key performance requirements.
For further information contact BEI Kimco Magnetics, 2470 Coral Street, Bldg. D, Vista, CA 92081-8430, USA, Tel: (760) 597-7042; Toll-free: (800) 572-7560; Fax: (760) 597-6320; email: sales@beikimco.com; www.beikimco.com
About BEI Kimco Magnetics:
BEI Kimco Magnetics is an operation of Custom Sensors & Technologies (CST). BEI Kimco Magnetics was founded in 1974 and is a leading manufacturer of high speed, fractional horsepower brushless bldc motors, voice coil actuators, smart voice coil actuators and bldc motor controllers for the Transportation, Industrial, and Aerospace & Defense markets. These products are used across a wide range of applications including medical and scientific, factory and office automation, optics, semiconductor/electronics, military, aviation, space systems, and security. Kimco merges leading-edge capabilities and cost-effective manufacturing know-how with highly customized applications expertise. www.beikimco.com
About Custom Sensors & Technologies:
Headquartered in Moorpark, CA - Custom Sensors & Technologies (CST) is comprised of industry-leading brands including Crouzet, Kavlico, Crydom, and former divisions of BEI Technologies - Newall and Systron Donner. CST provides sensors, controls, and actuation products for the Transportation, Industrial and Aerospace & Defense markets. www.cstsensors.com
