Biomedical Wire Connections

Situation:

Medically implanted electrical devices improve and often extend lives. Engineers at Alfred E Mann Foundation for Scientic Research created a method of connecting biomedical wires that does not activate the body's natural defense system. The wires attach to implanted devices like sensors and stimulators. The method requires a sliding mechanism of two stainless steel parts. Since stainless steel is notorious for galling when rubbed against itself, the design requires a biocompatible lubricant.

Requirements:

In order to achieve their objectives, design engineers require a lubricant for wire connectors and crimpers that would:

 

  • Not compromise the tolerances within a 1 mm electrode
  • Allow for precision control of sliding components
  • Adhere to materials used
  • Prevent galling
  • Provide long-term compatibility with the host such that tissue inamation, cellular alteration, and other adverse reactions are avoided or minimized
  • Not be susceptible to damage or deterioration due to chemicals, electrolytes, or other substances present in the human body

Results:

Because Dicronite® is biocompatible and meets the design requirements, it was selected as the lubricant for wire connectors. Dicronite® bonded to the substrate and formed a strong, thin film. Testing confirmed that Dicronite® resisted hydrolysis, tolerated exposure to high temperatures and remained stable during autoclaving. This method for connecting wires compatible with human implants was successfully patented by Alfred E Mann Foundation for Scientific Research.

Dicronite® DL-5 was proven to be an effective dry film lubrication for biomedical wires implanted within the human body.

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Sliding Wear

Sliding wear occurs when two surfaces slide against one another causing material loss to one or both surfaces. Over time, this can result in component failures, additional maintenance, and costly down time.  

Coating components with Dicronite® can help minimize this wear and reduce the need for maintenance and down time.

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Tight Tolerance Lubrication

Extremely tight tolerances can present challenges when lubricants or coatings are needed to reduce friction. Many products are available to help reduce friction, but in the case of very tight tolerances, few can be integrated without the need for adjustments.

Dicronite® has an average thickness of 0.5 microns (0.00002 inch) or less. This precision thin film allows users to incorporate Dicronite® on designs with tight tolerances without the need for design or manufacturing changes.

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Vacuum Environment Lubrication

Vacuum environments present a challenge for lubrication. Many conventional lubricants aren’t effective under vacuum and are largely vaporized.

Dicronite® can be used in vacuum to reduce friction where other lubricants can’t function. The outgassing of Dicronite® under vacuum conditions is well below screening levels for spacecraft materials per ASTM E595.

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Energy Lost to Friction

Friction is wasted energy! Systems with critical mechanical power output need to be extremely efficient.

Dicronite® optimizes mechanical efficiency by reducing friction losses and can even work in tandem with existing lubrication to further optimize efficiency.

Dicronite® is especially useful in precision systems, extreme environments, or where minimizing size and weight is vital.

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Fretting

Fretting is a unique form of sliding wear that occurs when contact surfaces oscillate over a very small range of motion. Although it may seem minor, this surface wear can ultimately lead to fatigue cracking and devastating damage.

Dicronite® helps remedy fretting by providing lubrication at contact surfaces. This effectively reduces the wear and surface stresses that cause so much damage.

Dicronite® can be integrated into existing designs and assemblies without any other adjustments for seamless reduction of fretting wear.

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Extreme Temperature Lubrication

Extreme low or high temperatures can be challenging environments for lubrication. At low temperatures, conventional lubricants may be too viscous to be effective, while extreme high temperatures can result in breakdown of the lubricant.

Dicronite can be used in extreme environments to ensure effective lubrication while also being used in combination with oils and greases.

Dicronite is stable across a wide temperature range:

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Excessive Heat from Friction

As friction in an assembly generates heat, elevated temperatures can result in unwanted operating conditions.

This can cause overheating and accelerate the breakdown of materials, resulting in costly maintenance and down time or destructive failure.

Proper lubrication can help minimize friction, reduce heat, and increase mechanical efficiency. Coat parts with Dicronite® to avoid excessive maintenance and ensure components will run as efficiently as possible.

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