Capsule Endoscope Locomotion Using Electromagnetic Impact Propulsion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional endoscopic capsules rely on biological contractions for movement, limiting control and speed within the digestive tract, and existing locomotion systems face challenges in generating sufficient force to overcome frictional forces.
Innovation Solution
A locomotion system comprising a magnet, a rotor with coil windings, and a ferromagnetic member, where the rotor travels along the ferromagnetic member and impacts a surface to generate a propulsive force, allowing for controlled movement of the capsule endoscope within the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional biological propulsion is used, then the capsule can be easily inserted and travels through the digestive tract, but the speed and position cannot be effectively controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive biological propulsion system with an active electromagnetic propulsion system. A rotor containing coil windings interacts with a ferromagnetic member and external magnets to generate controlled movement, allowing the capsule to be propelled at controlled speeds and positioned at specific locations within the digestive tract, while maintaining the swallowable capsule form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule incorporates its own locomotion mechanism internally, making it self-propelled. The rotor assembly with coil windings and ferromagnetic member enables the capsule to generate its own driving force without external assistance, allowing it to overcome frictional forces and navigate the digestive tract independently under electronic control.
2Force
If an impact-based mechanism is used, then the device can overcome frictional forces more effectively, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic reciprocating motion of the rotor to generate impulsive driving forces. The rotor moves back and forth along the ferromagnetic member, creating periodic impact forces that propel the capsule forward. This periodic action allows the system to overcome static friction and achieve effective locomotion through a relatively simple mechanical arrangement.
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 system provides a more effective driving mechanism for medical devices like capsule endoscopes, enabling greater control and overcoming frictional forces within the digestive tract by generating a larger impact force through electromagnetic interaction and ferromagnetic field guidance.
Implementation Method 1
The motion of the rotor along the ferromagnetic member is caused by the electromagnetic interaction between the at least one magnet and the plurality of coil windings when a current is passed through the windings.
Implementation Method 2
The ferromagnetic member, along which the rotor travels during actuation, acts to guide the magnetic field from the one or more magnets. In particular, the field is guided toward the ferromagnetic member.
Data Source
AI summary
A locomotion system for use in a medical device, including at least one magnet, a rotor including a plurality of coil windings, and a ferromagnetic member. The rotor is configured, on application of a current to the plurality of coil windings, to travel along the ferromagnetic member and to impact on a surface.