Sensor Technology: "We always try to create tailor-made solutions for our customer’s product"

At virtual.COMPAMED, Dr. Ronny Leuschner from SMT ELEKTRONIK GmbH gave a presentation to illustrate how unique sensor technology helps prevent medical device failure. We had a conversation with him about the subject.

Dr. Leuschner, at virtual.COMPAMED you gave a lecture titled "Sensoring emergency cases: prevent medical devices from failure". How can we thwart medical equipment failure?

Dr. Ronny Leuschner: We developed devices that detect precarious situations during transportation and storage. Our approach considers the total supply chain and also monitors in-house transport, for example, the repositioning of complex components in a factory workshop or the mounting of these parts in equipment. Continuous measurement of various physical quantities such as acceleration, shock, temperature, air humidity and air pressure delivers a complete report. This helps our customers to identify the conditions present when improper use caused the damage event. It enables them to identify the extent of the damage and how to quickly make repairs. This saves time and money in an emergency.

Do you monitor individual components, the device as a whole or both?

Leuschner: We generally review the entire device. However, data loggers on pre-assembled structural components can also monitor parts of complex devices. Ultimately, these components are assembled into the finished medical device, which is subsequently used by the end user. The assessment of the entire supply chain thus effectively tracks whether all monitored components are in undamaged condition in the final product.

Do your customers want tests that are specific to their products or are these standard tests?

Leuschner: We always try to create tailor-made solutions for the product our customer wants us to monitor. As a result, our devices largely feature custom configurations that are realized through software on the devices. Meanwhile, sensor technology and electronics are usually standard.

Are some products more difficult to monitor?

Leuschner: You might say that since we take a custom approach to every customer product in terms of its characteristics. We often monitor and check the mechanical properties especially during large transports. Some devices can weigh several tons yet contain structures that are sensitive to mechanical shocks, slopes, or slants. On the other hand, you must satisfy the requirements for laser systems that contain lightweight optical components that must remain in the exact same position. You have to strike a difficult balance between the two extremes of very heavy and extremely lightweight products.

This year you gave a virtual presentation via the online COMPAMED 2020 platform. What was it like for you not to speak in-person to an audience in a conference room?

Leuschner: Needless to say, there are obvious differences. Although I am used to talking on the webcam thanks to many online meetings in our company, I only get to envision my virtual audience. It was a pity that there were no questions and responses. Things would likely have been different in an in-person setting. Interacting and responding to your audience is somewhat difficult if you cannot see it during your presentation.