Capsule Endoscope Magnetic Drive for Fast Intestinal Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capsule endoscopy systems lack efficient magnetic field application units and operability, risking erroneous operations and prolonged examination times, especially in complex bodily environments like the small and large intestines.

Innovation Solution

A capsule endoscopy system with a capsule endoscope containing a permanent magnet and an external magnetic field generation device using three sets of electromagnets arranged orthogonally, allowing independent control of currents through each set to apply oscillating magnetic fields in arbitrary directions, reducing friction and activating peristalsis for high-speed movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a magnetic field application unit is used to induce the capsule endoscope, then magnetic induction accuracy is improved, but operability and movement efficiency remain unclear and potentially poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic induction accuracyVSAvoidoperability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field application unit is segmented into three sets of electromagnets (X-axis: 11, 12; Y-axis: 21, 22; Z-axis: 31, 32), with each set independently controllable. This segmentation allows precise control of magnetic field direction and intensity, improving both induction accuracy and operability by enabling intuitive three-dimensional positioning and orientation control of the capsule endoscope.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic control of magnetic field application by independently adjusting currents in each electromagnet set. This allows real-time adaptation of magnetic field strength and direction based on capsule position and examination requirements, enhancing both precision and ease of operation during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If magnetic induction is performed with high accuracy, then positioning precision is improved, but examination time may be prolonged due to complex control requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidexamination time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the magnetic field application into three independent orthogonal sets of electromagnets, the system can control capsule positioning in three-dimensional space simultaneously rather than sequentially. This parallel control capability achieves high positioning precision while reducing the time required for navigation and examination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The three sets of electromagnets serve multiple functions simultaneously: positioning, orienting, and manipulating the capsule endoscope in three-dimensional space. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms, thereby reducing examination time while maintaining high positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If the capsule endoscope moves quickly through the body, then examination time is reduced, but control precision and stability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement speedVSAvoidcontrol precision
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts magnetic field strength and direction through independent control of each electromagnet set, allowing the capsule to achieve high movement speeds when needed while maintaining precise control and stability when required. The dynamic response capability enables smooth transitions between different operational states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor capsule position and movement, allowing real-time adjustments to magnetic field application. This feedback control ensures that high-speed movement does not compromise control precision or stability, as the system can rapidly correct any deviations from the desired trajectory.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 intuitive and high-speed movement of the capsule endoscope, reducing examination time and burden on patients by minimizing friction and allowing easy navigation through complex bodily paths.

Implementation Method 1

an external magnetic field generation device that drives the capsule endoscope, in which the external magnetic field generation device includes three sets of electromagnets provided at positions facing each other in three orthogonal axes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a method using a magnetic field is widely known... an information acquisition unit that acquires physical information regarding magnetic induction of the capsule endoscope

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12471767B2Capsule endoscopy system
Publication Date: 2025.11.18 MU
  • US12471767B2 patent drawing
  • US12471767B2 patent drawing
  • US12471767B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a capsule endoscopy system that is easy to operate and enables rapid examination. A capsule endoscopy system according to the present invention is a capsule endoscopy system including: a capsule endoscope including a permanent magnet; and an external magnetic field generation device that drives the capsule endoscope, in which the external magnetic field generation device includes three sets of electromagnets provided at positions facing each other in three orthogonal axes, and each of the sets of electromagnets can cause different arbitrary currents to flow in the electromagnets facing each other.