Transport incubators to move critically sick newborn babies

by ambulance or aircraft between hospitals

"igus® linear rails were the key component which helped us to solve a critically important design challenge which will help save the lives of very sick babies."
Transport incubators have changed little since the 1950s and are currently based on an inappropriate, fixed ward incubator design. This means they are heavy, difficult to use, and offer little protection to a baby from the extreme challenges faced during transportation, such as noise, vibration and potential vehicle collisions.

The Neo-Capsul changes all that.

Features include opening to allow the bed to slide out as far as possible from the enclosure to enable a baby to be reintubated: a frequent procedure absolutely critical to the survival chances of a baby. It was important that the bed action was smooth, reliable, did not require lubrication and, crucially, met infection-control protocols. The linear transfer device also needed to operate under tight spatial constraints to ensure maximum space was left for neonate care.

igus® drylin® W linear guides dramatically increased bed stroke and stability over competitors’ products and enabled the Neo-Capsul to offer a significant USP to the market. drylin® W linear guides are lubrication-free, cost effective, exceed infection-control protocol, and fit with the clean aesthetic of the transport incubator. They also provide a silent and low-maintenance solution.

The compact nature of the rail design also ensures that maximum space is provided for a baby.

Rory Wilkinson
Director and Design Engineer
Lightweight Medical