An H-module linear actuator for medical equipment applications

An H-module linear actuator (HMLA) is proposed in this paper for medical equipment applications. Compared to the existing linear actuators used in medical equipment, the proposed H-module linear actuator has much lower normal force, which makes use of an additional air-suspension system unnecessary. The working principle of the HMLA is illustrated in detail in this paper, and its tangential and normal force characteristics are demonstrated by using finite element analysis (FEA). It is proved that the normal force of the HMLA can be greatly reduced without sacrificing the useful tangential force component.