Capsule Endoscope Control System with Counterweight Balance Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for capsule endoscopes are cumbersome, costly, and prone to deformation due to the weight of heavy permanent magnets, limiting their precision and movement range, with complex system structures and inconvenient operation.
Innovation Solution
A control device comprising a balance arm device, a 2-DOF rotary platform, and an examination bed, where the balance arm counterbalances the weight of the permanent magnet, allowing for 5-DOF movement and precise control of the capsule endoscope using a pneumatic or spring-assisted balance arm in conjunction with a full-manual or electrically controlled 2-DOF rotary platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heavy permanent magnet (30-50 kg) is used to control the capsule endoscope, then the control effectiveness is improved, but the C-arm becomes deformed or damaged due to long-term loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a balance arm device with counterweight mechanism that offsets the weight of the permanent magnet. The balance arm includes a first arm and second arm arranged in an inverted L-shape, where the center of gravity of the permanent magnet and C-arm assembly is balanced by the counterweight, reducing the loading on the C-arm to approximately 1/6 of the original weight while maintaining control effectiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the C-arm is fixed on the rotating device to ensure permanent magnet reaches all examination positions, then the examination coverage is improved, but the system structure becomes complicated and operation becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the movement control into two independent parts: the balance arm device controls the vertical position and the rotating device controls the horizontal rotation. This segmentation allows the permanent magnet to reach all examination positions through coordinated movement of both devices, while simplifying the overall structure compared to a fixed C-arm on the rotating device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the C-arm independent from the rotating device, allowing it to move vertically on the balance arm device while the rotating device rotates horizontally. This dynamic arrangement enables the permanent magnet to cover all examination areas through combined movements, replacing the fixed connection with flexible independent motion control.
3Force
If the C-arm bears the full weight of the permanent magnet, then the control force is sufficient, but the C-arm deformation affects examination accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The balance arm device with counterweight mechanism reduces the effective loading on the C-arm from 30-50 kg to approximately 1/6 of that weight, preventing deformation and maintaining examination accuracy while the permanent magnet retains sufficient control force through the balanced mechanical system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces the space and cost requirements, enhances examination accuracy by allowing free control of the capsule endoscope with reduced mechanical friction, and simplifies the operation by providing a more direct and efficient control mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the balance arm device... counterbalances the weight of the permanent magnet
Implementation Method 2
the balance arm device... allows for 5-DOF movement and precise control
Implementation Method 3
an external magnetic device is used to control the capsule endoscope through magnetic induction
Implementation Method 4
control the capsule endoscope through magnetic induction to move and rotate
Data Source
AI summary
A control device for a capsule endoscope is provided. The control device includes a balance arm device, a permanent magnet, a 2-DOF rotary platform and an examination bed. The bottom of the balance arm device is fixed, and the active end of the balance arm device connects with a boom. The 2-DOF rotary platform is fixed below the boom and the permanent magnet is located in the 2-DOF rotary platform. The examination bed is put below the 2-DOF rotary platform, and the area between the examination bed and the 2-DOF rotary platform is an examination area.