Capsule Endoscope Direction Control via Magnetic Field Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capsule endoscopes propelled by vibration of a fin portion face challenges in accurately controlling their moving direction within the body, especially in varying environments like the stomach and intestines, due to gradual changes in direction while moving.
Innovation Solution
A medical device featuring a capsule endoscope with a magnet having an axial magnetization direction and a fin portion, controlled by a capsule controller generating a static magnetic field and an alternating magnetic field, allowing precise direction control through a magnetic field generating portion with Helmholtz coils or electromagnets, enabling the endoscope to rotate and vibrate for propulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bias magnetic field is applied in parallel to the alternating magnetic field to change the moving direction of the capsule endoscope, then the moving direction can be changed, but it is not always easy to accurately move the capsule endoscope to a destination to be examined since the capsule endoscope gradually changes the moving direction thereof while moving
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field control is segmented into two independent components: alternating magnetic field for propulsion and bias magnetic field for direction control. This allows separate optimization of each function, with the bias magnetic field applied independently to control the magnetization direction without interfering with the propulsion mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The bias magnetic field is applied in advance to set the magnetization direction of the magnet before propulsion begins. By pre-aligning the magnetization direction with the desired moving direction, the capsule endoscope starts moving in the correct direction rather than gradually changing direction during movement, improving positioning accuracy.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the capsule endoscope is propelled by vibration of the fin portion, then stable images can be obtained and examinations can be performed easily, but it is not always easy to accurately control the moving direction within the body
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the bias magnetic field based on the desired moving direction. The bias magnetic field is applied in real-time to rotate the magnetization direction of the magnet, allowing the capsule endoscope to change direction dynamically while maintaining stable propulsion through the fin portion vibration mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The direction of the bias magnetic field is changed to control the magnetization direction of the magnet. By adjusting the parameters of the bias magnetic field (direction and magnitude), the capsule endoscope's moving direction is precisely controlled while maintaining the stability provided by the fin portion propulsion.
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
This solution allows for precise control of the capsule endoscope's moving direction and speed, stabilizing the device's attitude and reducing the risk of body wall damage, while efficiently navigating through diverse bodily paths.
Implementation Method 1
the magnet rotates in response to a rotational magnetic field generated by a capsule controller disposed at the outside of the body
Implementation Method 2
the magnet vibrates in response to an alternating magnetic field generated by a capsule controller disposed at the outside, and the fin portion vibrates by bending with the vibration of the magnet to push surrounding liquid backward
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes a capsule endoscope in which a magnet having a magnetization direction in an axial direction is mounted and a fin portion is provided at a rear end of an endoscope main body, and which can be self-propelled through the inside of a body; and a capsule controller which controls self-propulsion of the capsule endoscope from the outside of the body by generating a static magnetic field whose direction is controlled three-dimensionally, and an alternating magnetic field orthogonal to the static magnetic field. The capsule endoscope rotates upon receiving the static magnetic field so that the magnetization direction of the magnet is parallel to the direction of the static magnetic field and the fin portion vibrates by bending with movement of the magnet in response to the alternating magnetic field.