Propulsive Capsule Endoscope Navigation Without Invasive Tube Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopy procedures are invasive, time-consuming, and costly, with limitations in controlling the movement of ingestible cameras within the body, leading to missed areas of interest and prolonged recovery times.
Innovation Solution
A propulsive ingestible device equipped with a camera, antenna, and propulsion components that can navigate and orient itself within the gastrointestinal tract, allowing for real-time image transmission and remote control, enabling targeted imaging and data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible tube is used to position the camera in conventional endoscopy, then the camera can be positioned in desired locations, but the procedure becomes invasive and time-consuming with prolonged recovery times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical flexible tube system with an ingestible camera device that uses electromagnetic propulsion (via external alternating magnetic fields) to navigate through the GI tract. This substitution eliminates the need for invasive mechanical insertion while maintaining the ability to position the camera at desired locations for imaging.
2Measurement precision
If conventional endoscopy procedures are performed, then internal structures can be visualized, but the procedures are invasive and require expensive hospital resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the camera and essential imaging functions from the complex flexible tube endoscope system, creating a simplified ingestible device. This extraction maintains the core imaging capability while eliminating the need for complex mechanical positioning systems, sedation equipment, and hospital-based procedural infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If the ingestible device is equipped with propulsion components, then the device can navigate and orient itself within the gastrointestinal tract, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external magnetic field generator as an intermediary system that provides propulsion control from outside the body. This allows the ingestible device to have simple internal components while achieving complex navigation capabilities through external field manipulation, effectively distributing system complexity between internal and external components.
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
Facilitates more efficient and controlled visualization of internal body structures, reducing the need for invasive procedures and enabling remote medical monitoring, thereby improving diagnostic capabilities and reducing recovery times.
Implementation Method 1
a propulsion component and a propulsion controller. The propulsion component can be configured to generate a propulsive force in response to the control signal
Data Source
AI summary
Introduced here is an ingestible device comprising a capsule having a central axis therethrough, at least one propulsion component, and at least one motor configured to supply motive power to the propulsion component(s). The propulsion component(s) may be disposed at locations radially offset from the central axis. Upon receiving input indicative of a request to alter a position and/or an orientation of the ingestible device, the motor(s) can supply motive power to some or all of the propulsion component(s) to cause movement of the ingestible device.