Magnetic Capsule Endoscope Control at Liquid-Gas Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current capsule endoscopes lack precise control over movement and positioning within the human GI tract, leading to inefficient diagnosis and potential missed areas due to reliance on peristalsis, which is slow and unpredictable, and existing magnetic control methods are either too manual or difficult to implement in the complex GI tract anatomy.
Innovation Solution
A system generating a 5-dimensional moving and rotational magnetic field to remotely control a magnetic capsule endoscope suspended at a liquid/gas interface, allowing for precise positioning and orientation of the capsule with a permanent magnetic dipole, enabling it to maintain stability and move within the GI tract despite having a mass greater than 3g.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a capsule endoscope is equipped with a permanent magnetic dipole to achieve better positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but the weight of the capsule increases beyond the 3g limit for stable suspension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies magnetic force as a counteracting force to gravity to achieve suspension. The external magnetic field generates an upward magnetic force that balances the gravitational force on the capsule, allowing the capsule to suspend at the liquid-gas interface regardless of its weight exceeding 3g. This resolves the contradiction by using a counteracting physical force rather than relying on buoyancy alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and parameters of the suspension environment by introducing a liquid-gas interface and utilizing magnetic field parameters. By adjusting the magnetic field strength and distribution, the system can suspend capsules of various weights, decoupling the weight limitation from the suspension capability.
2Productivity
If capsule endoscope relies on peristalsis for movement, then the capsule can travel through the GI tract, but the movement speed is slow and the detection efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical peristalsis-based movement system with an active magnetic field-based control system. External magnets can propel and position the capsule much faster and more efficiently than natural peristalsis, dramatically improving both movement speed and detection efficiency while maintaining the ability to traverse the GI tract.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary positioning of the capsule to specific target locations in the GI tract before examination begins. By using external magnetic fields to pre-position the capsule at areas of interest, the system eliminates the need to wait for slow peristaltic movement to reach diagnostic locations, thereby improving detection efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual control of external magnet is used to navigate capsule, then the system is low cost, but the positioning precision is insufficient for routine testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated magnetic field control systems that can autonomously navigate and position the capsule. The system uses sensors, feedback mechanisms, and control algorithms to automatically adjust the magnetic field, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention while achieving high positioning precision required for routine testing.
4Measurement precision
If linear strip magnet is used to control capsule, then the capsule can be precisely placed in direct route, but it is difficult to implement in snaky GI tract anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic magnetic field control where external magnets can be repositioned and reconfigured in real-time to match the complex three-dimensional geometry of the GI tract. The magnetic field parameters (strength, direction, distribution) are dynamically adjusted to navigate the capsule through bends, curves, and varying anatomical structures, providing both precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional linear magnet control to three-dimensional magnetic field control. By utilizing spatial distribution of multiple external magnets and controlling magnetic field vectors in three dimensions, the system can accurately guide the capsule through the complex 3D anatomy of the GI tract while maintaining precise positioning capability.
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
Enables precise and stable positioning of the capsule endoscope for targeted examination, allowing for efficient data collection and image acquisition, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by providing controlled movement and orientation within the GI tract.
Implementation Method 1
a system generating a 5-dimensional moving and rotational magnetic field to remotely control a magnetic capsule endoscope suspended at a liquid/gas interface
Implementation Method 2
The capsule endoscope changes its position or orientation by interacting with an external magnetic
Implementation Method 3
a magnetic capsule endoscope which is suspended in a liquid gas interface
Data Source
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AI summary
System and method to provide a suspended capsule endoscope at a liquid gas interface is described. The capsule comprises a permanent magnetic dipole and has a density greater than the density of the liquid. A sphere-shaped external magnet is used to suspend and control the movement of the capsule endoscope at the liquid/gas interface. The capsule endoscope can translate along variable axes, rotate and tilt, according to the movement of the external magnet. The external magnet performs a translation and rotation simultaneously to keep the capsule endoscope still and anchored at the same position of the liquid/gas interface. The external magnet adjusts its distance to the liquid/gas interface during the rotation in order to apply a constant magnetic field force to the capsule endoscope.