Parker’s new Latching-X valve series sets the standard
for medical applications that demand smaller, lower power and lightweight solutions
Parker, the global leader in motion and control technologies, has unveiled its Latching-X (LX) valve series at the recent Compamed exhibition in Germany; a miniature latching pneumatic solenoid valve typically for air and oxygen delivery. Intended for applications in the medical and life sciences sectors, LX valve is designed especially for safety and security tasks such as agent detection, as well as environmental monitoring – both portable and stationary. Other applications can be found in the patient therapy (NPWT and IV pumps) and respiratory and anaesthesia markets.
When it comes to portable/battery powered medical device applications, installation space is at a premium so it is imperative that OEM design engineers seek solutions that offer size savings without compromising on performance. With this in mind Parker engineers have optimised the design of the LX valves to offer a compact size of just 23.4 mm long by 7.9 mm wide by 12.2mm high, thus addressing the needs of space limited projects.
Within portable applications, battery life needs to be preserved to ensure maximum operation time, therefore the LX valves have been designed to offer an innovative power saving latching function, which ensures energy consumption is kept to a minimum. This innovative feature enables it to remain in open or closed positions over indefinite periods of time without consuming battery power – only minimal/momentary actuation power is required to change states. In fact, with a single AA lithium-ion battery, the valve can power over 1.4 million switching cycles. This is critically important in a market where the need for more affordable and portable devices is being driven by demand for remote point-of-care, preventative testing and early diagnosis.
With this new series, Parker has really focused on delivering the maximum in application benefits to medical device design engineers. It is noted that in certain portable medical device applications heat generated by system components can adversely affect test results by causing out-gassing. Therefore the reduced power consumption of the LX valve limits heat generated, thus helping to ensure test accuracy. It is also worth noting that this valve series is particularly adept at controlling air sample and gas flow for long periods of time.
The valve, which is both RoHS and REACH compliant, is available in 3, 5, 12 or 24 VDC versions, and with long or short pins for electrical connection.. Accessories include a binding head, 12” wire leads (for use with short pin configuration) and gaskets for where manifold mounting is required.
