TTP Diagnostic using the new Pittman IDEA Motor development of a table-top medical instrument

Quick development in the Diagnostic Lab Instrument field using the new Pittman IDEA Motor

Industry - Application

Medical - Diagnostic Lab Instrument - Lab on a disc

Application Details

TTP is a design consultancy engaged in product research and development in several markets, including industrial, commercial, aerospace, communications, medical, and life sciences. TTP begins as early as scientific discovery and typically produces beta units to begin the production transfer to a selected manufacturer. TTP had begun development of a new diagnostic instrument and were challenged to present concepts on an accelerated time schedule.

Challenge

The instrument requirements included the following:

• Spin a drum of samples according to a defined velocity and acceleration profile

• Rotationally index the drum 12 degrees during the load, unload, and read cycles

• Reliable, quiet, and small enough to fit on a lab table

Why Haydon Kerk Pittman?

• Performance and value compared to a new drive development

• Fast technical response to customer needs for proof of concept

• Quick turnaround on prototype parts

• Customized components for any application

• Motor and drive package designed to work as a single system

• Wide range of motion products from a single supplier

Solution

TTP was contracted for development of a table-top lab on a chip style medical instrument that required precise velocity and indexing profiles. HKP approached TTP with a new Pittman product, the IDEA® Motor, a 42 mm, BLDC motor with an integrated servo drive that appeared to meet all the current requirements. After receiving and testing a sample unit and software, TTP was encouraged with the servo capabilities of the compact package.

As the development progressed, TTP provided a solid model of the drum that the IDEA Motor would spin in the instrument, as well as the desired velocity and acceleration profiles. Within a few days, HKP 3D-printed the drum, fabricated a coupling, and programmed the motion profiles into the drive. With the pieces assembled, HKP then recorded a video of the system tracking according to the specified motion sequence. The video and prototype were sent to TTP for testing. The indexing functionality was tested earlier and deemed sufficient. The IDEA Motor provided high flexibility and allowed TTP to test several concepts by making small changes to software and by utilizing the on-board inputs and outputs.

TTP was delighted with the performance and assembled a proof-of-concept for their end customer within weeks instead of months. The proof of concept worked well, but the IDEA Motor was too tall.

Favoring the servo capabilities of the IDEA drive, TTP inquired whether the drive electronics could be adapted to be a pluggable module to install into a motherboard. HKP again quickly prototyped the drive electronics module from the IDEA Motor and presented the module solution to TTP. The accommodation to the board design was extremely valuable as TTP had confidence that the drive would perform as expected. The drive was not being de-featured, just reconfigured.

To better fit the motor into the instrument and improve the positional accuracy, further height reduction and better encoder resolution was needed. TTP specified a shorter motor shaft length and selected an encoder with a higher resolution. These changes are considered standard customizations and are very much part of the HKP culture. To validate the thermal models, TTP ordered a motor with thermocouples added to the winding and to the motor case. Again, HKP reacted quickly and delivered the necessary test unit.

Results

The IDEA Motor enabled TTP to accelerate their delivery of the proof of concept and rapidly enter the development phase. Collectively, TTP and HKP worked to define the connector requirements of the module and motor and prototypes were delivered. Satisfied with results to date, TTP’s customer has ordered the drive module and customized motors for their beta build. Fast response, adaptability, and a preference for customization led HKP to a valued partnership. HKP continues building its credibility with TTP as a trusted motion control provider.