Fully customizable controls and the new generation of medical-grade keyboards are helping healthcare facilities in their battle against hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).

Unlike the generic keyboards with plastic covers that serve as breeding grounds for viruses, the new generation of medical-grade controls features high-end membrane surfaces that are sealed according to IP65 specifications. Unlike the plastic-covered keyboards, the membrane surfaces allow for fast and frequent cleaning to ensure a safe operating environment. Further, several units are now available with optional antimicrobial coating to reduce the growth of harmful viruses and bacteria overall. And commonly integrated LED disinfection reminders monitor the appropriate time interval in which cleaning is recommended, encouraging frequent cleaning throughout the day.

Membrane keyboard solutions are popular for the medical device industry since almost any design concept can be realized using membrane keyboards. With or without tactile feedback, rigid or flexible, membrane keyboards can offer the features required for a particular application. Membrane keyboards with pressure points ensure clear and low-bounce switching behavior. The shape of the contact fields guarantees secure contact with clear feedback. The highest demands for reliability in almost current-free switching can be fulfilled via a double-sided contact gold-plating for rigid designs with circuit boards.

The membrane surface is wipe-resistant and scratch-proof. Given the flexibility and design control provided, illuminated devices are now more frequently requested for operability in low lighting conditions. Hoffmann + Krippner Inc has an innovative mechanical design concept referred to as GT-Technology, which features dome-shaped keys integrated onto flat membrane keyboards. The patented technology produces excellent tactile feedback, allowing for accelerated data entry. The domed keys feature an extremely high chemical and mechanical durability. A plastic dome is mounted on the design foil membrane, which evenly distributes the forces affecting the key, allowing contact fields to switch reliably, even in the most extreme conditions. Any keys that have experienced damage due to mechanical strain revert back to their original state after just a short time of inactivity.

Besides fully customizable control units, many applications simply require standard products such as proper medical-grade keyboards. They are typically manufactured according to universal PC keyboard dimensions in order to fit most common medical drawers for hassle-free implementation. For comfortable data input, the layout is compatible with 10-finger typing, providing tactical- or adjustable acoustic feedback. As a compact design is often preferred, most medical keyboards feature an integrated mouse pad, also eliminating infection risks due to an external mouse. Medical devices are frequently operated wearing gloves, which makes the concept of resistive touch pads the ideal solution for healthcare facilities of every kind. The touch pads can be easily integrated into membrane keyboards to perform the same functions as an external mouse without the necessity of a trackball, which tends to collect large amounts of dirt and bacteria. In order to simplify the installation process, a USB connector allows Plug & Play functionality. And with technology constantly emerging, wireless keyboard solutions for medical technology are becoming more accessible as well. Medical keyboards are generally equipped with a cleaning function to disable all keys during disinfection process, encouraging frequent cleaning and preventing devices from possibly getting lost or stolen. Many manufacturers offer a fully sealed external PC mouse, as well, featuring the same resistance to alcohol and disinfection liquids.

Membrane potentiometers

Ultra-flat membrane potentiometers are fast replacing conventional mechanical potentiometers in various applications due to their adaptable design characteristics. A membrane potentiometer is a voltage divider constructed as an open circuit that only creates output when the wiper connects the top and bottom circuits by applying pressure to the membrane surface. These ultra-thin position sensors can fit in tight spaces, allowing for various wiper options, including by hand.

Often available in standard variations, as well as customized designs, membrane potentiometers can be perfectly integrated into medical controls to fulfill a wide range of functions. Membrane potentiometers can be fully integrated into a keypad for hand-control. Seamless integration makes the keypad highly innovative and useful for completely sealed and washable front-panel surfaces. They can work as input devices, both for direct input (i.e. pressing of a button) or continuous input (i.e. slider functionalities).

As healthcare facilities step up their efforts to battle HAIs, membrane potentiometers, resistant surfaces and customizable controls are certain to be joined by more infection-risk-reducing advancements.