Miniature Medical Universal Joints

Precisely what the doctor ordered

Belden’s Miniature Universal Joints, with an outer diameter of only 0.315" [8 mm], are perfect for small machines like medical equipment where space is restricted. Originally developed in stainless steel for a manual operating device, Belden’s miniature joints are now available in alloy heat-treated steel. While standard joints feature an operational angle of deflection of up to 35°, you can request modified versions with a higher angle of deflection, or even double joints.

Belden has developed a miniaturized universal joint for a company that specializes in surgical instrumentation that needed a solution for a tool used in minimally invasive surgery.  The surgical manual manipulator system required a joint to transmit the power from the handle to the connecting shaft.  The surgical systems fill in the gap between conventional surgical instruments and surgical robotics. While conventional instrumentation does not meet the requirements of advanced endoscopic surgeons, robotic systems are too complex and costly for daily routine use. The instrumentation company's manual manipulator system represents a new class of surgical devices entirely focused on providing full freedom to operate and optimal ergonomics without the complexity of electromechanical robotic devices. The surgical system has been designed to improve endoscopic suturing and other surgical maneuvers and can be used for a wide variety of surgical procedures in different clinical specialties.

The surgical system consists of two hand-guided surgical manipulators. Depending on the surgical task, graspers, scissors, needle holders and other devices can be attached to the tip and changeover only takes a few seconds. The system required a universal joint to transmit the power from the handle, which acts as a natural extension that emulates the movement of the hand, to the connecting shaft. The joint itself has an outside diameter of 8 mm to accommodate the space limitations of the surgical tool. A deflectable and rotatable tip provides all degrees of handling freedom. During design development, the customer requested a specialized hub configuration to ensure a secure connection and precise operation. By means of innovative manufacturing processes, Belden made modifications to the standard universal joint concept and delivered prototypes for testing. The final design now incorporates the universal joint and a component of the internal extension as a single piece, which was originally done as two separate pieces. To adhere to the sterilization regulations required by the medical industry, the universal joint was manufactured in stainless steel.

With an outer diameter of only 8 mm (0.315"), Belden’s miniature universal joints are suitable not only for medical equipment but for also many other applications in which space is restricted, including miniature machinery and model making. Originally developed in stainless steel for the manual operating device, Belden’s miniature joints are available in alloy steel, with or without plating, and a variety of stainless steel grades to fit any application.

Additional Application Briefs Information