Ewellix demos set of new products for the X-ray suite

Ewellix, the leading global innovator and manufacturer of advanced linear motion technologies, has developed a package of modular lifting column platforms developed specifically for medical applications. In particular, they are designed for use with patient tables, ceiling stands and wall/ floor units in X-ray suites and other medical imaging modalities.

The new products include lifting columns and sophisticated control units based on the company’s innovative SmartX digital technology. The focus is on creating products that are robust, smooth, low noise and ergonomic for healthcare professionals, while being modular, and engineered to the highest quality to simplify the design and assembly process by medical device OEMs.

One of the challenges for X-ray departments is positioning relatively heavy X-ray tube heads or detector systems, which are often mounted on overhead or wall/floor frames. Each head or detector system can typically weigh up to 50kg, yet has to be moved easily and precisely to target the appropriate area of the patient’s body.

The solution developed by Ewellix is based on its patented ‘Effortless Technology’. This eliminates the traditional approach where counterweights are used to balance the head or the detector. Instead, the Ewellix system incorporates an intelligent 5-stage lifting column fitted with servo motors and a force sensing unit. Controlled as part of the SmartX digital platform, this modular construction allows the X-ray head or detector to be moved at speed – up to two metres in a few seconds with the lightest touch from an operator. The speed and strength of force applied by the user is automatically detected by the force sensing unit and then converted into a linear motion under precise control from the SmartX software.

The lifting column is capable at moving at speeds of up 600mm/sec, yet provides exceptionally smooth and silent operation. Digital communication in combination with the SmartX controller enables precise synchronised motion of the X-ray tube and the detector. The synchronised motion can be controlled automatically by the X-ray suite control system or by user input on the force sensing unit of the X-ray tube or the detector.

Thanks to the Drive Assisted Motion (X-Motion) in the fivestage lifting column, users can move and position ceiling- or wallmounted X-ray tubes effortlessly. The lifting column extends from floor level to head height in two to three seconds without the operator even noticing that he is moving 50 kilograms.

Use of individual force sensing units and position detection sensors for each lifting column and the SmartX digital controller constantly cross-reference the sensor outputs, ensuring that the movement of the X-ray tube and detector is precisely and safely regulated.

Also included in the new package for medical applications is the smart TLT series of lifting columns equipped with an integrated SmartX controller and absolute position encoder. These are robust, fast and powerful, being fitted with two DC motors that are capable of providing a lifting force of up to 5’000N. The TLT series also has a low, torsion-resistant profile and compact design that minimises the overall dimensions of each unit, at both maximum and minimum extension. The design and construction of each TLT unit enables them to be used for heavy and off-centre loads. With the built-in smart controller, the TLT lifting columns provide a digital communication interface and advanced position and speed control. Precise synchronised motion, soft start and stop and safety features like anti-pinching detection makes it a perfect lifting column for X-ray patient tables.

The complement of the new medical devices is made up of high-performance modular profile-rail LLT guides. These precision devices provide smooth, load-bearing guides for use with, for example, adjusting the X-ray tabletop in the X- and Y-axis. Ewellix offers a wide choice of sizes, lengths and rail and carriage options.

SmartX telescopic columns are also used for the synchronised patient table. The two TLT columns are synchronised by a SmartX controller integrated into each lifting column, which communicates with each other via a digital bus system. This ensures that the two TLTs retract and extend in parallel and evenly under all circumstances.

The new medical package for X-ray and medical imaging systems is backed by Ewellix’s global network of technical and applications support, with the addition of custom design and engineering services for medical device OEMs.