The pandemic reminded the world of the need for cleanliness and disinfection – particularly in healthcare environments. One of the most popular disinfection applications involves ultraviolet (UV) light to deactivate bacteria, spores and viruses. UV light systems deactivate pathogens at wavelengths where they are most susceptible – and UV light does not damage expensive materials that are present in most hospitals, hotels and other environments.
Haydon Kerk Dual Guide Rails are used to mobilize the UV light as it ascends and descends out of disinfecting robots.
HKP has extensive experience working with solutions providers for disinfecting robot applications. HKP’s Dual Guide Rail with a single assembly (on one side of the UV light) simplifies alignment and eliminates the need for multiple assemblies. HKP offers numerous options to support a range of load and speed requirements. One of the challenges for these applications is selecting the ideal thread size and lead to match the required torque, movement and load requirements.
• Too coarse of a thread would require the system to maintain position using holding current on the motor.
• Too fine of a thread would not address the desired movement profile.
Overhung loads are also prone to vibration & noise. To address these issues, HKP offers a patented centralizer – which applies light-but-constant pressure to the outer diameter of the lead
screw. This pressure creates a damping effect while maintaining a low running torque. HKP’s centralizer can be added to both freewheeling nuts and anti-backlash nuts.
Additional Challenges:
Disinfecting robots typically require the need to support a tall, 20-lb moment load (with a safety margin of up to 40-lbs). Overhung loads require high thrust, while maintaining smooth movement and controlled speed. Additionally, these units need to be modular, to enable easy maintenance and simple field service.
Why Haydon Kerk Pittman?
HKP has gained extensive experience with these types of applications, and HKPs technology is specifically designed to provide:
• Fully customizable systems
• A controlled and smooth rate of motion
• Vibration & noise mitigation with a patented centralizer nut
• The ability to achieve 40-lbs of overhanging load support
• A wide variety of lead options
• Pre-aligned, turn-key solutions that facilitate simple & inexpensive installation.