Quiet and frictionless linear bearings as rail in transport incubator

• What was needed: drylin® W-profile guides
• Requirements: It was important that the linear movement of the bed was smooth and reliable, required no lubrication and met all infection control protocols. The linear transfer device also had to be able to be operated in confined spaces.
• Industry: Medical technology
• Success for the customer: Bed stroke and stability were drastically increased compared to plastic competitor products. The system is also completely lubrication and maintenance free, cost-effective, exceeds infection control protocols, matches the clean aesthetics of the Neo-Capsul and is quiet.

Transport incubators have hardly changed since the 1950s and are currently based on a fixed station incubator design. As a result, they are heavy, difficult to handle and offer the newborn little protection from extreme transport requirements such as noise or vibrations. The Neo-Capsul brings a far more flexible, new design to the market. The incubator can be opened at one end so that the bed with the newborn can slide out of the incubator as far as possible. The baby is then reintubated, a frequent procedure that is absolutely crucial for the newborn's chances of survival. It was important that the bed movement is smooth and reliable, requires no lubrication and fulfils all infection control protocols. The linear transfer device also had to operate within tight space constraints to ensure that maximum space was left for neonatal care.

Today, drylin® W polymer linear bearings are responsible for the linear movement of the bed in the incubator, which have drastically increased the bed stroke and stability compared to competitor plastic products. The system is also completely lubrication and maintenance free, cost-effective, exceeds infection control protocol, matches the clean aesthetics of the Neo-Capsul and is quiet. The compactness of the rail design also ensures that the baby is offered the maximum space, which is also important for care. As a key component of the new incubator, the drylin® linear rails were able to help solve an extremely important design challenge.