Capsule Endoscope Magnet Offset for 3D Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsule type endoscopes lack complete control over three-dimensional movement, particularly in tilting and rolling motions, and fail to accurately determine their position relative to the extracorporeal magnet, limiting their functionality and examination accuracy in hollow organs like the stomach and colon.
Innovation Solution
The capsule type endoscope is equipped with a permanently arranged capsular magnet offset from its center of gravity and geometrical center, combined with a position sensor and energy source, allowing for tilting, rotation, and rolling motions controlled by an extracorporeal magnet, and a computer-controlled robotic system to maintain optimal positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a permanent magnet is integrated in the capsule to enable magnetic field generation, then the capsule can be controlled by external magnetic fields, but the capsule structure becomes more complex and the magnet occupies valuable internal space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the magnet from the capsule body and places it in the extracorporeal magnet assembly instead. The capsule contains only a lightweight magnet assembly that generates a weak magnetic field, while the strong magnetic field source is located outside the body in the extracorporeal assembly, thereby simplifying the capsule structure while maintaining magnetic control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary magnetic field transmission mechanism where the extracorporeal magnet generates a magnetic field that penetrates through the body wall to interact with the capsule's magnet. This intermediary field transmission allows magnetic control without requiring the magnet to be inside the capsule, resolving the structural complexity issue.
2Device complexity
If the magnet is positioned at the center of the capsule, then the capsule structure is simplified, but the capsule cannot achieve complete three-dimensional movement control especially in tilting and rolling motions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the magnet assembly offset from the capsule's geometric center. This asymmetric placement creates different magnetic moment arms that enable independent control of tilting and rolling motions. The offset position allows the magnetic force to generate torque around multiple axes, achieving complete three-dimensional movement control while keeping the overall capsule structure simple.
3Ease of operation
If passive capsule endoscopes are used, then the capsule can be easily swallowed and advanced by peristaltic motion, but the camera takes random pictures and cannot actively control the examination path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely passive mechanical advancement system with an active magnetic control system. Instead of relying solely on peristaltic motion to advance the capsule, an extracorporeal magnet generates magnetic fields that actively control the capsule's movement and orientation. This substitution enables precise control of the examination path while maintaining ease of swallowing through the magnetic guidance mechanism.
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 configuration enables precise three-dimensional movement and orientation control of the capsule around all axes, enhancing examination accuracy and convenience in navigating complex hollow spaces like the stomach and colon.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic drive comprising a capsular magnet and an extracorporeal magnet is provided so that the movement and the orientation of the capsule can be influenced
Implementation Method 2
These fields can be generated by coils or by a second extracorporeal permanent magnet
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a magnet driven capsule type endoscope comprising an image recording unit as well as an image data processing unit, a position sensor for providing data about the position of the capsule type endoscope with respect to the direction of gravitation, a data transmitting unit, an energy source for supplying the units and the sensor with energy and a permanent magnet. In accordance with the invention, the permanent magnet is arranged offset with respect to the center of gravity and to the geometrical center of the capsule type endoscope.