Capsule Guidance via Rotating Electromagnetic Field and Spiral Thrust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical device guidance systems face challenges in efficiently propelling and guiding capsule-type medical devices within body cavities due to insufficient thrust and control over the spiral structure parameters, leading to difficulties in navigating complex anatomical structures.
Innovation Solution
A medical device guidance system that includes a rotating electromagnetic field generating device, a capsule with a spiral structure section on its outer surface to convert rotational movement into thrust, and a control system for adjusting the electromagnetic field pattern to optimize propulsion and navigation, utilizing a spiral projection with optimized parameters such as pitch and angle to enhance thrust and maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a capsule type medical device is used for gastrointestinal examination, then minimally invasive diagnosis is achieved, but sufficient propulsion thrust cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule body is divided into functional sections: a drive unit with electromagnetic field generating sections, a spiral propulsion section on the outer surface, and a sensing unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the spiral section provides sufficient thrust while the capsule remains minimally invasive for gastrointestinal examination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical propulsion systems with electromagnetic field-based propulsion. Electromagnetic field generating sections create rotating electromagnetic fields that interact with the spiral structure to generate thrust, eliminating the need for mechanical propellers or motors inside the capsule body.
2Ease of manufacture
If the spiral structure parameters are not optimized, then manufacturing is simpler, but sufficient thrust cannot be generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes specific parameters of the spiral structure including the spiral angle (30-60 degrees), pitch (0.5-2.0 times the capsule diameter), and number of turns (2-5 turns). These parameter changes ensure sufficient thrust generation while maintaining manufacturability through standard fabrication processes.
3Productivity
If the capsule moves at high speed, then examination efficiency increases, but control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule includes position detecting sections that continuously monitor the capsule's location and orientation. This feedback information is fed to the control unit, which adjusts the electromagnetic field generating sections in real-time to maintain precise control of the capsule's movement, enabling both high speed and high precision simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the frequency and amplitude of the rotating electromagnetic fields based on the capsule's current state and desired trajectory. This dynamic control allows the capsule to move at optimal speeds while maintaining precise position and orientation control through real-time field modulation.
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 effectively propels and navigates the capsule within body cavities by generating a rotating electromagnetic field that interacts with the spiral structure, improving propulsion control characteristics and enabling smooth movement through complex tissues like the colon, while optimizing the spiral structure parameters to achieve sufficient thrust.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating electromagnetic field generating device for generating a rotating electromagnetic field for applying from the outside of a subject into the subject; an electromagnetic field response section provided in the medical device main body, and acting on the rotating electromagnetic field generated by the rotating electromagnetic field generating device
Implementation Method 2
a spiral structure section provided on the outer surface of the medical device main body, and converting a rotational movement generated by the electromagnetic field response section into a thrust
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention realizes a medical device guidance system capable of improving propulsion control characteristic. The capsule guidance system 1 includes a rotating electromagnetic field generating device 4 for generating a rotating electromagnetic field for applying from the outside of a subject into the subject; a capsule 3 to be inserted into the body cavity of the subject; a magnet 16 provided in this capsule 3 and acting on the rotating electromagnetic field generated by the rotating electromagnetic field generating device 4; a spiral projection portion 12 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the capsule 3 and converting the rotational movement generated by the magnet 16 into a thrust; a controller 6 for controlling the rotating electromagnetic field generating device 4 to continuously change the state of the rotating electromagnetic field generated by rotating electromagnetic field generating device 4; and a capsule rotational direction pattern generator 41 for interchanging the rotational directions of the rotating electromagnetic field generated by the rotating electromagnetic field generating device 4 for each set rotational direction.