Human Machine Interface (HMI) solutions are an essential element of medical applications. HMIs are used across the entire industry and face harsh conditions including in operating theatres and laboratories.
Piezo Touch technology is suited for use in medical devices as it provides high precision sensing whilst being hygiene-friendly and durable.
1. High Precision
Across the healthcare sector in operating theatres, intensive care units and diagnostic laboratories, minor input errors can have significant consequences; this makes the need for precise systems essential. Piezo touch technology has highly accurate sensors that detect precise force changes and react. This is suitable for systems in repetitive use as it ensures accurate user inputs. Piezo sensors also provide a glove-friendly operation when clinicians are wearing surgical gloves.
2. Hygienic Design
Healthcare associated infections are of great concern to healthcare providers, particularly when there are many high-touch points in medical settings. Medical equipment must therefore be designed to withstand consistent disinfecting. Piezo technology can be designed to create a fully sealed and integrated interface solution beneath stainless steel, glass, plastic, ceramic and anti-microbial polymer surfaces. This leaves no gaps, crevices to harbour microbes or exposed paths of ingress which can be detrimental to a device’s performance.
3. Durable & Reliable Technology
Medical equipment is often in use 24/7 and is expected to remain functional and reliable throughout extended periods. Piezo systems are built for continuous and long-lasting operation. Piezo systems have no moving mechanical contacts which significantly reduces the wear that they experience, especially in demanding conditions including operating theatres, laboratories and access control systems.
4.Chemical Resistance.
Healthcare environments require frequent cleaning using strong chemicals, Piezo touch interfaces can be protected by chemically resistant materials. This ensures that the systems can withstand repetitive cleaning cycles without experiencing degradation. Many of these materials used increase the general robustness of the systems making sure the technology remains stable under temperature fluctuations, humidity exposure, fluid splashes and electromagnetic interference.
Healthcare settings require reliable and precise technologies which Piezo touch systems can offer. Diamond HMI delivers advanced Piezo Touch solutions by working with customers to ensure system remain accurate and robust in the environments which they are designed for.
Contact Diamond HMI today to discover how your next design can take advantage of this technology revolution.
UV Exposure and Weathering
HMI interfaces in exposed industrial environments experience ultraviolet (UV) radiation and weathering which may significantly reduce service life. UV degradation is often gradual and may go unnoticed until there are signs of failure including loss of mechanical strength or discolouration. In many cases of membrane keypads, the overlay graphics and adhesive systems degrade before the switch technology itself reaches the end of its operational life.
Corrosion and Salt Exposure
Salt exposure presents one of the most aggressive environmental challenges for HMI systems because it not only affects external materials but can also accelerate degradation of internal electrical and mechanical components. Salt exposure can also create both chemical and electrical failure mechanisms, making material selection particularly important for long-term reliability.
Dust and Particulate Contamination
Dust and Particulate contamination present a significant challenge for HMI systems operating in industries such as mining, construction and agriculture. Dust causes gradual degradation and can lead to mechanical or electrical failure. The contaminants can penetrate poorly sealed interfaces, accumulate within mechanical assemblies and accelerate wear mechanisms throughout the keypads service life.
Solutions
Extreme environments present challenges for HMIs and Diamond HMI can support in choosing the right materials in designs. Changing the materials used is the most effective way to overcome many challenges. Silicone rubber keypads are a common solution across extreme conditions as their silicon-oxygen molecular structure provides excellent resistance to degradation, offering better thermal stability, better sealing performance and greater flexibility. Another common design solution is the use of Piezo switching technology, particularly with added stainless steel front panels. Piezo switching technology is a popular HMI design solution as they have a fully sealed metal operating surface which combats UV exposure, dust exposure, and water ingress. Equally, by Piezo technology having no moving mechanical contacts, many corrosion related failures can be eliminated.
Diamond HMI works with our customers to ensure help ensure designs can remain robust within extreme environments and are experienced in providing HMI systems specifically designed for harsh environments.