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PROJECT SUMMARY
Pipeline Design & Engineering created a modular thermal imaging fixture to accept multiple devices and perform inspection using an IR camera and custom frost plate.

TEAM:
Mechanical Engineers, Software/Control System Engineer, Electronics/Cabling Engineer, Machinist, Assembly technician

DESIGN TOOLS USED:
SolidWorks 3D CAD

MARKET:
Test Fixture

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

  • Hold various medical devices in controlled positions for thermal imaging
  • Produce a “background” with significant thermal differential vs ambient temperature for thermal contrast during imaging
  • Design a mechanical stand with counterbalance that would allow operators to easily move the camera up and down
  • Incorporate a slide system that allowed operators to move the devices further from or closer to the camera

SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES

Our customer needed a thermal imaging fixture that would allow them to assess the efficacy of a cauterizing procedure for medical devices. To do this, the fixture needed to provide means of thermal imaging, which required a substantial temperature differential between the test specimen and the background. The fixture also needed to accommodate devices from multiple product families.

An IR camera was used to acquire the thermal images. To create the temperature differential (min 30 deg F) an array of Peltier thermoelectric coolers were installed on a flat black Aluminum plate which sat behind the specimen. A universal mounting plate was designed that would accept device-specific holders which positioned the different surgical instruments. Horizontal and vertical rail and carriage systems were integrated to allow a large range of motion for the camera, effectively allowing its position to be changed on the fly for different instruments. Finally, a counter-balanced spring system was installed to negate the weight of the IR camera and allow technicians to raise and lower it easily on the vertical rail.

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Pipeline Design & Engineering provides product development services to established product companies, startups, inventors, and any other groups with design & engineering needs. Please contact us today and let’s get started!

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