Wireless Power Transfer to Capsule Endoscope via Laparoscopic Antenna
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wirelessly powered medical devices in minimally invasive surgeries face inefficiencies due to patient tissue attenuation and interference from metallic components, especially at higher frequencies, limiting effective power transfer and visualization during surgical operations.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging system utilizing a capsule endoscope with a power transmitting antenna and a camera control unit, operating at microwave and mmWave frequencies (3.1-10.6 GHz) to deliver wireless power and data, minimizing tissue attenuation and interference by using non-overlapping wireless spectra for power and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional near-field magnetic inductive coupling at low frequency (135 kHz) is used for wireless power transfer, then power can be transmitted through tissue, but charging efficiency is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from conventional low frequency (135 kHz) to high frequency (13.56 MHz) electromagnetic waves. This parameter change enables much faster power transfer rates while the patent addresses tissue attenuation through alternative positioning of the transmitting coil outside the body, maintaining efficiency while achieving high-speed charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic electromagnetic wave transmission at 13.56 MHz frequency to transfer power wirelessly. The periodic nature of EM wave transmission allows for efficient energy transfer while the external positioning of the transmitting coil maintains sustained power delivery to the capsule endoscope.
2Speed
If high frequency (13.56 MHz) electromagnetic waves are used for wireless power transfer, then power transfer speed increases, but patient tissue attenuation significantly reduces charging efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces air (insufflation gas) as an intermediary medium between the transmitting coil and the capsule endoscope. By positioning the transmitting coil outside the body and using the insufflation gas layer as the coupling medium, the system achieves high-frequency power transfer without significant tissue attenuation, maintaining charging efficiency while enabling fast power transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the transmitting coil inside the body (conventional approach), the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning the transmitting coil outside the patient's body. This inversion allows high-frequency EM waves to transmit through air/insufflation gas rather than through lossy tissue, achieving both high speed and high efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If transmitting coil is placed outside patient's body, then tissue attenuation is avoided, but metallic or ferromagnetic components alter magnetic field distribution reducing charging performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the magnetic field specifically in the region where the capsule endoscope is located within the abdominal cavity. The transmitting coil is positioned and oriented to create a localized magnetic field that penetrates through the abdominal wall and insufflation gas to reach the capsule, avoiding interference from distant metallic components while maintaining efficient power transfer to the target device.
4Loss of information
If capsule endoscope is placed in proximity to surgical devices, then situational awareness is enhanced, but interference from metallic components reduces wireless power transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless power transfer system by using separate frequency bands for different functions. The 13.56 MHz frequency is dedicated to power transfer, while other frequencies are available for data communication and video transmission. This frequency segmentation allows the capsule to operate in proximity to surgical devices for enhanced situational awareness while maintaining reliable power transfer through dedicated spectral allocation.
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
Enhances situational awareness and safety during surgeries by providing efficient wireless power and data transmission, reducing tissue attenuation and interference, thereby improving visualization and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A power source coupled to the power transmitting antenna configured to transmit wireless power
Implementation Method 2
a power receiving antenna disposed within the capsule endoscope
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes a medical instrument having a power transmitting antenna configured to transmit wireless power. The imaging system also includes a capsule endoscope having a camera configured to capture a first video stream, a first antenna configured to receive the wireless power from the power transmitting antenna, and a second antenna configured to transmit data may include the first video stream. The system may further include an endoscopic camera configured to capture a second video stream, and a camera control unit configured to receive the first video stream and the second video stream.