Industries: Medical

Simulation is playing an increasingly significant role in the development of medical devices, saving development costs by optimising device performance and reliability, reducing benchtop tests and clinical trials, and helping speed up the regulatory process.

The Xi team has worked extensively at the interface of humans and technology. By combining exacting measurement and advanced Multiphysics simulation, we provide a risk-free environment to assess and optimise your product design whilst meeting all regulatory requirements.

Using simulation or virtual prototypes reduces the number of real-world prototypes, cutting development costs and getting you to market quicker with a superior product.

Our in-depth knowledge of physical phenomena coupled with pure computing power allows us to optimise your product. We commonly develop systems which require microfluidics, dynamics, MEMS component design, shape memory alloys and other advanced materials in many different areas of medical device design. Making Xi Engineering part of your R&D team gives you immediate access to cutting-edge simulation capabilities without the lead time or cost of having these in-house.

Due to the highly sensitive nature of our clients’ projects, robust confidentiality clauses are included within our contracts, allowing us to fully integrate with your team and freely share information. By developing a deep understanding of your project’s scope, we can deliver the highest quality solutions to technical challenges and help relieve prototype bottlenecks associated with product design.

Through our analytical and scientific approach to your project, Xi can help you become the best in your field.

Talk to us about your project.

Medical Specialisms

Medical professionals depend on a number of types of equipment and devices and it is vital that these function in such a way that vibrations are kept to a minimum so as not to disturb the equipment.

Advances in medical equipment have become a key accelerator in the health industry.  Smart and wearable technologies are helping to provide more accurate observations and diagnoses.  Their design, durability and sensitive performance are therefore pivotal in their success.

Impact of equipment on humans

We apply our knowledge of consumer products and wearable technology to the medical sector. We are familiar with the standards and thresholds of vibration which humans are susceptible to and their negative impact. With capabilities in measuring VDV and PPV values it is possible to capture to what extent medical equipment is affecting the user. Our team of experts can help to design out potential negative impacts on humans that may arise from noise, vibration or inefficient machine operation.

Working in controlled areas

Xi has worked extensively in controlled areas, from operating theatres to clean rooms.  We have the ability to cater to your needs and work to the high standards required by the medical industry.

Structures

Medical equipment is often in areas exposed to the effects of the surrounding environment.  Where specialised tools are in use in a mobile setting, Xi can help ensure these continue to operate efficiently. Medical equipment located in high traffic areas such as operating theatres, or laboratories which are adjacent to plant machinery can be negatively affected by movements caused by the traffic or machinery.  We can help you retrospectively isolate or design out the effects of movements in structures.

Sensitive equipment

Xi are able to assist in getting the most out of sensitive equipment. Xi’s experience in working with electromechanical machinery means the fatigue life of machinery can be reduced. Simulation skills can be used to test design solutions for changes to existing equipment, or indeed design optimisation for products which are in the prototyping phase of development.  Some examples of the sensitive equipment we have helped to improve include cancer treatment lasers, neonatal transportation units and anaesthesiologic monitoring units.

When designing a cleanrooms or workshops it is important to consider the equipment which will be housed within the room itself. For example, some delicate medical equipment and high precision lasers will require extremely strict vibration levels to prevent background vibration from affecting the accuracy of the device. Xi have been working with clients in the medical field across the globe to improve cleanroom and workshop dynamics and isolate sensitive equipment to ensure risk free operation from background vibrations.

When looking at housing the cleanroom, Xi can also complete computational models of the buildings to determine resonant frequencies in the structure and areas of high background vibration. If a retrofit is required, the Xi can use their high precision measurement equipment to evaluate structural dynamics in the workshops and cleanrooms. This information can allow Xi to design isolation for specific machines based off their vibration requirements and the vibration characteristics of the buildings.

Being exposed to vibration may result in health issues, it is therefore important that the levels of vibration are monitored and assessed accordingly.

The operation of vibrating machinery and objects should not be a barrier to a healthy workforce.  Xi can help organisations take action to reduce risks associated with this type of work, whilst optimising productivity levels.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) transmits through the seat or feet of employees who drive mobile machines, or other work vehicles, over rough and uneven surfaces. This may result in large shocks and jolts which pose health risks such as back-pain.  Xi can offer advice to employers to ensure they adhere to “The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005”.

Over exposure to HAVs can lead to highly debilitating and painful conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and White Finger.  In the construction industry, where personal power tools are in use, workers are at particular risk of being exposed to hand vibration.  European legislation “The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005” requires employers to monitor and limit their employees’ exposure to vibration.  The engineering team at Xi were responsible for developing the industry leading HAVmeter which automatically monitors and advises users on their vibration exposure.

Standards

Xi Engineering work to British and International standards on the effects of vibration and acoustics on humans.  Xi sits on several working groups and committees that have kept us at the leading edge of policies on this subject.  These standards are applicable across industries and are used on projects such as the effect of vibration in ambulances, the acoustic impact of a wind turbine, and the effect of working with heavy sewing machinery.

Compliance

Xi can help to identify the monitoring, controls and actions which are required to be taken to ensure compliance with standards.  This may involve, limiting time periods of working with high impact machinery and tools, isolating the object from the user or designing out the negative vibrations.