When we think of saving lives, our minds often go to doctors, nurses, and hospital staff. But what about the small components that make life-saving technology possible? About 15 years ago, we were approached to help develop a crucial hinge for a revolutionary video laryngoscope, used in intubation procedures. At first glance, this component seemed simple, but it required an international team of experts and cutting-edge engineering to meet the precision and stringent medical standards needed for such a critical device.
A laryngoscope is a vital tool used by medical professionals to open a patient’s airway and guide tubes for intubation or CPR. Product innovators IDC came to us with a bold new design: a laryngoscope equipped with a screen that would allow healthcare providers to visually guide the endotracheal tube with greater accuracy. The challenge? They needed a very specific hinge—one that didn’t yet exist.
Inspired by Flip Phone Technology
The innovation behind flip phones, which allowed users to tilt, slide, and flip their screens, had opened up new design possibilities for engineers. IDC’s laryngoscope design drew inspiration from this, requiring a hinge that could precisely tilt the screen, giving medical professionals a clear view while performing critical procedures. Applying this kind of engineering to medical equipment was a bold step, pushing the limits of what a simple hinge could do.
To meet these demands, we worked closely with IDC’s engineering team, holding multiple meetings in Windsor to ensure we could deliver a design that perfectly matched their specifications. Given the complexity of the task, we collaborated with one of our trusted manufacturers in Taiwan, adapting a standard part from the mobile phone industry. We upgraded the material, plating, and spring grades, among other elements, to ensure the hinge met the highest medical standards and stringent regulatory requirements.
A Lifesaving Solution
The result? A medical-grade hinge that has been trusted in this life-saving device for over 15 years. The video laryngoscope has consistently earned praise for its innovative technology, helping medical professionals perform intubation with greater ease and accuracy. We’re proud to have played a part in this life-saving technology, where even the most humble component—the hinge—can make a world of difference.
