Incubator Redesign Streamlines Manufacturing and Improves Thermal Performance
.
Problem: A healthcare original equipment manufacturer (OEM) was developing a second generation incubator used in a verification process of surgical tools sterilization. The design engineer wanted to make the assembly of the incubator more efficient and improve the thermal consistency of the previous incubator. One option was to reconsider the process of installing the temperature sensor into a machined cavity in a temperature controlled aluminum block. Thermally conductive epoxy was used to pot the temperature sensor in the heatsink cavity.  Despite a high thermal conductivity epoxy rating and fast sensor time response, the location of the sensor in the epoxy was critical to consistent heater control. And although lot to lot measurements were within specs, the design engineer was determined to improve on the original design.

Solution: The solution was to integrate the temperature sensor into the flexible heater that was being used to heat the aluminum block. By integrating the temperature sensor and adding a layer of neoprene insulation on the back side of the sensor, the manufacturing process was dramatically simplified and the assembly time was considerably reduced. And with the sensor built into the heater, temperature variation was reduced which resulted in greater temperature consistency without sacrificing accuracy. It also eliminated the need for a cavity to be machined into the aluminum block.

Engineering Tip: The application of heat typically requires the need for a sensor so consider integrating your heater/sensor early in the design process to streamline manufacturing and improve thermal performance.


 LEARN MORE...Download a PDF or request a complimentary copy...
"Critical Components for Medical Diagnostic and Implant Applications" Industry Guide  
From In Vivo and In Vitro diagnostic devices to imaging and surgical applications, learn how flex circuits, heaters, and sensors prove themselves when accuracy, repeatability, reliability and compact size are vital.







Minco designs, manufactures and markets critical components for critical applications. We are unsurpassed in our ability to integrate and assemble Thermofoil Heaters, Flex Circuits, Sensors and Instruments into a single component for greater efficiency. We will help you minimize the risk of product failure by providing highly reliable components and expert design services.