The Harmony of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
Developing a medical device that combines mechanical and electrical systems requires more than parallel workstreams, it demands true integration.
In this MedTechMan insight, Justin Bushko explains why mechanical and electrical engineering must be considered together from the earliest stages of design to create devices that are reliable, functional, and ready for real-world use.
Designing Integration From the Start
One of the most common pitfalls in electromechanical device development is treating mechanical and electrical components as separate entities. Taking a mechanical widget and an electrical box and forcing them together late in the process rarely results in a strong product. Instead, integration must be intentional from day one, with both disciplines influencing form, function, and constraints as the design evolves.
Custom design on both sides ensures that components fit together naturally, rather than being adapted reactively. When mechanical and electrical systems are designed in harmony, the result is a device that performs better, is easier to manufacture, and is more robust over time.
Collaboration Between Engineering Disciplines
Successful integration depends on communication. Mechanical and electrical engineers must work closely and continuously, not just during handoffs or reviews. Design changes in one area often have downstream impacts in the other, whether it’s electronics affecting enclosure design or mechanical updates influencing thermal or signal performance.
Ignoring these interdependencies can introduce unexpected risks. A change to electronics, for example, may affect how components interact with a console or housing. Maintaining ongoing dialogue between teams ensures changes are evaluated holistically, not in isolation.
Using Simulation to Reduce Risk
Both mechanical and electrical engineering offer powerful simulation tools that can identify issues early in development. Thermal modeling, structural analysis, and electrical simulations provide insight into how systems will behave before physical prototypes are built.
By leveraging simulation across disciplines, teams can explore design options, reduce uncertainty, and minimize late-stage surprises. Looking at the full electromechanical system rather than individual components leads to better-informed decisions and stronger outcomes.
Electromechanical medical devices succeed when integration is treated as a priority, not an afterthought. If you’d like to learn more about designing mechanical and electrical systems that work seamlessly together, visit our website and reach out through the contact form to schedule a call.
Justin Bushko
President, Concise Engineering
Next Steps
We hope you find this newsletter valuable and insightful.
If you have any questions, if you have feedback or would like to explore any specific topics further, please feel free to reach out to us.
Please email me at jbushko@concise-engineering.com or to book a call with me, click this link.
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