Scientific Report 2003-2004 - Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research ...

ELECTRONICS CORE AND MECHANICAL PROTOTYPE LABORATORYThe Electronics Core and the Mechanical Prototype Laboratory are among the Lerner ResearchInstitute’s core services providing support for physicians, surgeons, and investigators throughout TheCleveland Clinic Foundation. These areas also form two of four subgroups within the Design &Technology Group (DTG) in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. The other functional groups inthe DTG include the Polymer Laboratory and the Engineering Design & Analysis Group. The mission ofthis integrated cross-functional team is twofold: (1) provide technical support for CCF research andclinical activities and (2) promote the development of innovative medical devices that can advancepatient care. Working closely with the CCF’s technology transfer office (CCF Innovations), the DTGdesigns and prototypes new medical device concepts with the goal of bringing these new inventions tothe medical marketplace.MECHANICAL PROTOTYPE LABORATORYThe Mechanical Prototype Laboratory (MPL) provides a wide range of design, fabrication,customization and repair services for mechanical devices and equipment in support of CCF research andclinical activities. MPL personnel are available to meet with researchers and clinicians to discuss theirideas and to develop ways to implement them. Our staff is experienced in precision machining ofmetals and polymers, welding of structural and exotic metals and mechanical repair of existing equipment.The MPL is located in ND1-27, on the first floor, West Wing of the Lerner Research Institute,near the corner of Carnegie and East 96th Street.The MPL features state-of-the-art Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment for thefabrication of highly complex devices or when identical multiple components are required. The CNCequipment list includes: a 5-axis vertical machining center, a 4-axis lathe, and a 4-axis Wire ElectrodeDischarge Machine (W-EDM). A Coordinate Measurement Machine (CMM), which enables precisioninspection of devices fabricated, is also located in the laboratory. Additional machining equipmentincludes: 2 ½-axis CNC milling centers, a 2-axis CNC lathe, 3-axis manual milling machines, manuallathes, universal tool grinder, and surface and sectioning grinders. Sheet-metal work equipment, weldingcapabilities, and heat treating of metals are also available.MPL personnel have years of practical design experience and can provide the mechanicalexpertise needed by clinicians and researchers. The laboratory personnel can work from conceptsketches to design and fabricate new devices, test fixtures, and equipment. Documentation of thenewly created part or device is also available through the generation of two- or three-dimensionalcomputer-aided design (CAD) drawings. These CAD drawings can then be converted into computeraidedmanufacturing (CAM) programs that are directly fed into the CNC machines to fabricate thedesired parts.A cornerstone of the laboratory is the growing capability for the customization, refurbishing,sharpening, and repair of a variety of surgical devices and instruments. This service can reduce the needto replace costly instruments and provide “personalization” of instruments to meet the needs of thesurgeon. The MPL has built replicas of discontinued devices. The MPL can help staff membersdevelop a custom device that may enable them to complete projects or procedures.The equipment at our disposal allows us to create high-precision devices for a wide range ofclinical or research applications. Examples of recent projects include: (1) design and fabrication of adevice to simulate slipping injuries for humans; (2) extensive design and development of test fixtures formicro material testing of cartilage, tendon and ligaments; (3) design and fabrication of components andphantoms for a micro-CT system as well as a 10' w x 14' l x 7' h lead-lined room to enclose the CTsystem; and (4) design, development, and preliminary testing of new medical devices for laparoscopicorthopedic and urologic surgeries.MECHANICALPROTOTYPELABORATORYMANAGERAnthony ShawanSUPPORT PERSONNELEdward CloesmeijerHelmuth KotschiJames ProudfitBrian SauerWalter ZimmerWeb site: http://www.lerner.ccf.org/bme/dtg/prototype/189