Capsule Endoscope Fan Position Control for Targeted Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Capsule endoscopes face challenges in taking concentric images of specific internal organ regions and re-observing areas without damaging the organ, as they passively move within the digestive system, limiting their ability to accurately diagnose lesions and requiring fasting.

Innovation Solution

A capsule endoscope equipped with a camera, wireless transceiver, fan units, and a fan position-changing device that allows for controlled fluid discharge and directional adjustment, enabling the device to move freely and take focused images of specific regions within the internal organ.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the capsule endoscope passively moves through the digestive system, then the device structure is simple and patient comfort is maintained, but the ability to concentrate images on specific regions and re-observe areas is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The capsule endoscope incorporates movable fan units that can change discharge directions dynamically. The fan units are positioned at different angles and can be controlled to discharge fluid in various directions, enabling the capsule to move actively rather than passively. This dynamic configuration allows precise positioning and re-observation of specific regions while maintaining relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The capsule endoscope uses periodic fluid discharge from the fan units to achieve controlled movement. By alternately activating different fan units with different discharge directions, the capsule can move step-by-step to concentrate images on specific regions and return for re-observation if needed, transforming passive continuous movement into active periodic positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the capsule endoscope is equipped with multiple fan units and position-changing devices, then the ability to freely move and re-observe regions is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement freedomVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The propulsion system is segmented into multiple independent fan units, each capable of discharging fluid in different directions. This segmentation allows the capsule to achieve versatile movement by selectively activating individual fan units, providing movement freedom while keeping each fan unit's structure relatively simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fan units serve multiple functions: they provide propulsion by discharging fluid, enable positioning by changing discharge directions, and allow re-observation by facilitating return movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving movement freedom and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If the capsule endoscope uses active movement control, then the ability to take concentric images and re-observe areas is improved, but the risk of damaging internal organs increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidorgan damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fan units discharge fluid as an intermediary medium to propel the capsule endoscope. This fluid-mediated propulsion is gentler than direct mechanical contact or strong magnetic forces, reducing the risk of damaging internal organs while still enabling active movement for concentric imaging and re-observation. The fluid acts as a cushion between the propulsion mechanism and the organ tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enhances the accuracy of endoscopic examinations by allowing precise imaging and re-observation of internal organ regions, reducing the risk of erroneous diagnoses and eliminating the need for fasting.

Implementation Method 1

a fan unit, which is mounted on the capsule body and is rotated by a motor, thereby discharging a fluid out of the capsule body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid discharge:

Implementation Method 2

a fan position-changing device, which changes a direction in which the fan unit discharges the fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow direction control:

Data Source

PatentUS8702593B2Capsule endoscope

Publication Date: 2014.04.22 SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY R&DB FOUNDATION

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a maneuverable capsule endoscope. A capsule body is input into an internal organ to take images of the inside of the internal organ. A fan unit is mounted on the body. A fan position-changing device changes a direction in which the fan unit discharges fluid. The fan unit is mounted inside a duct without damaging the inner wall of the internal organ. When input into the internal organ, the capsule endoscope can concentrically take images of a specific portion inside the internal organ, and can freely take images of a portion that is intended to be photographed.