By 2050 there will be two billion people older than 60, according to the WHO … and 2035 will see a 12.9 million shortage of healthcare professionals. Fortunately, some new linear-motion technologies could help satisfy some of the growing need for healthcare, especially in the segment of the industry dedicated to patient rehabilitation.

Consider one relatively new assistive technology — sit-to-stand patient lifts. These let patients work on their recovery with less help from limited nursing or other staff. In some cases, they even let patients recover at home with more independence. In contrast with traditional patient lifts operated solely by a caregiver, sit-to-stand lifts let the patient control the machine (with help from a caregiver) to increase the feeling of self-reliance.

Linear actuators from LINAK include an array of safety features to work in sit-to-stand patient lifts. The manufacturer leverages years of experience to satisfy country and international standards … and ensure patient safety and healthcare-professional ergonomics. In fact, LINAK manufactures linear actuators to specific standards — such as EN10535 regarding the prevention of overload and abuse, for example.

LINAK patient-lift actuators for both traditional and sit-to-stand lifts — including those specifically for this application (as the LA40 PL, for example) are among the most heavily tested in the market. The LA40 PL is a powerful actuator capable of smooth output of 8,000 N for its full stroke, even with significant side load. Combining it with a BAJL Li-Ion battery, design engineers can also impart eco-friendliness to the motion design.

For safety, the LA40 PL also includes an end-stop switch and a ratchet spline to ensure the patient won’t fall or get squeezed while operating the lift. Other features protect the linear actuator itself. A Service Data Tool lets operators collect data from its control box — often a JUMBO Care actuator- control unit. This data reports battery status, number of cycles, and measures of wear. So design engineers can schedule preventative maintenance to ensure the sit-to-stand lift remains operational.

For more information about sit-to-stand lifts and how LINAK work in these and similar designs, visit linak-us.com/contact.