The Impact of Finite Element Analysis on Medical Device Design
Finite Element Analysis in Medical Device Design: Benefits, Challenges, and FDA Guidance Published online: 6 June 2018 © Taiwanese Society of Biomedical Engineering Medical device design has advanced rapidly in recent years, thanks in part to the integration of finite element analysis (FEA) into product development. This computational method allows engineers to test, […]
Finite Element Analysis Used in Catheter Design Greatly Reduces Development Costs
Written by Norman T. Neher, P.E. Analytical Engineering Services Introduction Developing new medical devices is both costly and time-consuming. Prototyping, bench testing, and redesign cycles can stretch development timelines and budgets. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) offers a way to break this cycle by enabling engineers to virtually test and refine designs early in the process. […]
Laser-cut catheter hypotube analysis
Using Finite Element Analysis to Evaluate Laser-Cut Hypo Tubes Introduction Medical device development is notoriously expensive and time-consuming. Every new design feature—whether in a catheter, stent, or surgical instrument—typically requires multiple cycles of prototyping and bench testing before it can be approved for use. Each cycle consumes materials, labor, and weeks (or […]
Custom Load Sensor Design-Proof of Concept Model
Reinventing the Load Sensor: Innovation on a Budget Foil strain gauges had their time. But development doesn’t always need high-priced lab gear. Sometimes, hardware-store parts and creativity are enough. The Problem: A Pricey Sensor Market A customer asked me to design a load sensor for a trailer hitch. Since the application could scale to […]
High-speed switch actuator analysis
High-speed switch/actuator ANSYS FEA was used to analyzed a complex switch/actuator assembly. This helped us understand the stresses during a sudden stop caused by an impact with the steel hard stop. See Figure 1. We compared this setup to one with a shock-absorbing stop, shown in Figure 6. If we can reduce the impact effects, […]
Design, Analysis, Testing, and Manufacturing
A System-Wide Approach to Engineering Success Why Integration Matters Design, analysis, testing, and manufacturing can’t exist in silos. To move forward effectively, these disciplines need to align and work as a single system. A system-wide approach ensures that engineering tasks are viewed from every angle, producing stronger, more reliable results. I bring experience across all […]
Computerized Wind Tunnel – A Successful Test
. Smarter Prototyping: How CFD and 3D Printing Are Changing Engineering From Sketch to Prototype in Days Modern engineering tools have transformed the way we develop products. What once required weeks of machining and lab testing can now be achieved in days. With hand sketches, 3D CAD, CFD simulations, and 3D printing, engineers can quickly […]
Combining Test Data and Analysis
A small amount of test data can go a long way to reducing the analysis effort. And it can be easy and inexpensive to acquire. For example, this could be the temperature of electronic components within a circuit card, or wind loads on a structure. The methods by which electronic component manufacturers provide heat dissipation data can vary widely. These can […]
Classic Methods or FEA – Which is Better?
The Hidden Value of Classical Analysis in an FEA World FEA vs. Classical Analysis: Which is better? The short answer? It depends. FEA can do everything classical analysis can, but not the other way around. Still, I often use classical analysis to back up FEA results. It takes more time, but it builds confidence. The […]