Professional Seismic Design And Testing of Medical Equipment Casters

In modern medical environments, equipment stability and mobility are critical factors affecting diagnostic and treatment efficiency and safety. As crucial supporting and mobile components, medical equipment casters not only bear weight and load but must also exhibit excellent seismic resistance to ensure stability during pushing, pulling, moving, and external impact. This article will provide a detailed discussion of seismic design principles, material and structural selection, testing methods, international standards, and application cases. It will also incorporate practical production and procurement considerations to provide a systematic reference for medical industry users and buyers.

Seismic Design Principles of Medical Equipment Casters

The Need for Seismic Casters in Medical Equipment

Medical equipment often contains high-precision electronic components and monitoring devices, such as ECG monitors, infusion pumps, ventilators, and mobile imaging equipment. These devices require stable data during movement to avoid signal distortion or damage to mechanical components due to vibration. Therefore, medical equipment casters must meet the following basic requirements:

Low vibration transmission: Minimizes shock transmission during movement or on uneven surfaces. High load-bearing capacity: Supports the weight of medical equipment of varying sizes.

Flexibility: Enables medical staff to quickly adjust equipment positions in confined spaces.

Quietness: Reduces noise to avoid disturbing patients' rest.

Key Factors in Seismic Design

Seismic design for medical equipment casters typically requires consideration of the following aspects:

Damping properties of the tire material: High-elasticity thermoplastic rubber (TPR) and polyurethane (PU) are used, for example, to effectively absorb vibration.

Strength design of the wheel core and bracket: High-strength nylon or stainless steel is used to ensure structural stability.

Precision of rotating components: High-precision bearings reduce vibration and improve rolling stability.

Locking function: A dual brake system secures the equipment to prevent slipping during earthquakes or external forces.

The Impact of Materials and Structure on Seismic Performance

Comparison of Common Wheel Materials and Their Characteristics

Casters made of different materials exhibit significant differences in seismic performance. The following table compares the advantages and disadvantages of common materials in medical equipment applications:

Structural Design Optimization

Dual-layer shock-absorbing design: Some high-end medical equipment casters use a dual-layer shock-absorbing system, with an outer layer of elastic material absorbing primary shock and an inner layer further filtering vibration.

Large Diameter Design: The increased wheel diameter effectively bridges gaps in the floor and reduces vibration transmission.

Thickened Bracket: The high-strength steel bracket resists damage to the connection caused by high-frequency vibration.

Anti-corrosion Coating: Extends the caster's lifespan in humid environments or where it is frequently exposed to disinfectants.

Vibration Test Methods for Medical Equipment Casters

Static and Dynamic Load Testing

Static load testing involves applying a rated load for a long period of time to observe caster deformation and structural strength. Dynamic load testing simulates the vibration environment experienced by the equipment during movement, verifying the durability of the wheel and bearing.

Vibration Simulation Testing

In the laboratory, vibrations of varying frequencies and amplitudes are typically simulated using a vibration table to evaluate the vibration resistance of medical casters. This process is particularly important for ensuring the stability of high-precision equipment such as ECG monitors.

Rolling Resistance and Vibration Absorption Testing

Standardized testing equipment is used to measure the rolling resistance of casters on different floor materials and to record changes in acceleration when passing over obstacles to quantify their vibration absorption performance.

Noise Level Testing

Medical environments require extremely quiet environments, so testing caster noise levels during rolling and vibration is essential.

International Standards and Certification Requirements for Caster Vibration Resistance

Medical Industry Standards

ISO 22883: Performance and Safety Requirements for Casters. EN 12531: Safety Standard for Mobile Medical Devices.

FDA Medical Device Certification: Some export markets are required to comply with US medical device safety requirements.

Testing Differences Across Markets

European and American markets have higher requirements for vibration resistance and noise control, while Asian markets prioritize cost and durability. Therefore, medical equipment caster suppliers need to adjust their product design and testing strategies based on target markets when exporting.

Practical Application Cases and Market Trends

Common Hospital Medical Cart Case Studies

In large tertiary hospitals, infusion pump carts and surgical anesthesia machine carts all utilize vibration-resistant casters with dual brakes to maintain stability during movement and reduce instrument errors.

Mobile Imaging Equipment Case Studies

Mobile CT and X-ray equipment place extremely high demands on casters for load-bearing and vibration resistance. Large-diameter PU casters with independent locking mechanisms are typically used to ensure stability during examinations.

Market Development Trends

With the advancement of intelligent medical equipment, future medical equipment casters will tend to feature:

Intelligent Monitoring: Built-in sensors monitor load and vibration conditions. Environmentally friendly materials: Recyclable and low-noise materials are used.

Highly customizable: Customized seismic solutions are provided to meet the needs of different departments and equipment.

Procurement and Supply Chain Recommendations

When purchasing casters for medical equipment, medical institutions or distributors should consider the following aspects:

Supplier qualifications: Select an experienced medical equipment caster supplier to ensure compliance with international certifications.

Wholesale pricing and scale: Bulk purchasing can reduce unit costs based on hospital needs.

After-sales and maintenance: Professional caster suppliers should provide installation instructions and maintenance manuals.

The following is a comparison table of key points for purchasing medical equipment casters:

Conclusion

Seismic design and testing of medical equipment casters are crucial for ensuring medical safety and efficient diagnosis and treatment. From material selection and structural optimization to rigorous testing and compliance with international standards, every step requires rigorous control. For hospitals, medical device manufacturers, and distributors, choosing a reliable medical equipment caster supplier not only ensures stable equipment operation but also improves the overall quality of medical services.

For wholesale or purchase requests, please contact Giessen Casters at Giessencasters@gmail.com or visit their official website at https://www.giessencasters.com for more information.