Capsule Endoscope Magnetic Switch Power Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing capsule endoscopes with reed switches face difficulties in aligning the magnetic field direction with the reed switch's extending direction due to their rotational symmetry, making it cumbersome to operate the power supply.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic switch is integrated into the capsule body, allowing power supply control through a pair of contacts that are activated by a magnetic field applied parallel to the capsule's longitudinal axis, eliminating the need for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reed switch is used for power supply control, then the power source can be turned on/off by magnetic field, but the extending direction of the reed switch must be aligned with the magnetic field direction, making operation cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic switch is designed with asymmetric contact arrangement relative to the capsule axis, where the contact normal direction is intentionally set perpendicular to the capsule longitudinal axis. This asymmetric design allows the magnetic field to be applied parallel to the capsule axis while the switch contacts are oriented perpendicular to it, resolving the alignment problem of conventional reed switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the dimensional relationship between the magnetic field application direction and the switch contact orientation. Instead of aligning the contact extending direction with the magnetic field direction (conventional approach), the contact normal direction is oriented perpendicular to the capsule axis while the magnetic field is applied parallel to it, utilizing a different spatial dimension for field application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the capsule endoscope is rotationally symmetric, then it can move freely in the body cavity, but no rule is applied to rotational directions, making it difficult to align magnetic field with reed switch
Solution Approach 1:
While the capsule maintains rotational symmetry for free movement, the magnetic switch is positioned and oriented asymmetrically with respect to the capsule axis. The switch contact normal direction is set perpendicular to the capsule longitudinal axis, creating a reference orientation that allows reliable power control regardless of the capsule's rotational state during operation.
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
This solution simplifies the power-on/off operation by allowing easy alignment of the magnetic field direction with the capsule's axis, reducing operational complexity and enhancing usability.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic switch which is provided in the capsule body, and controls the power supply from the power source unit to the function executing unit by a pair of contacts, the pair of contacts being brought into contact with or separated from each other by a magnetic field, the magnetic field being applied from the outside of the capsule body
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to easily start to operate a body-insertable apparatus which is introduced into a subject and executes a predetermined function. In a capsule endoscope 3 of the invention, a magnetic switch 14 is arranged in a tubular capsule casing 16 of the capsule endoscope 3 in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis t direction of the capsule casing 16. A movable electrode of the magnetic switch 14 is brought into contact with a fixed electrode of the magnetic switch by a magnetic induction action by a magnetic field generated by a magnet 6, which is applied to the magnetic switch 14 from the outside of the capsule endoscope 3 in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis t direction of the capsule casing 16. As a result, electric power can be supplied from a power source unit to a function executing unit.