Capsule Endoscope Reed Switch Orientation Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing capsule endoscopes face difficulties in reliably activating the reed switch for power supply due to the challenge of aligning the magnetic field direction with the lead extending direction, which is cumbersome and requires orientation confirmation.
Innovation Solution
A capsule medical apparatus with a reed switch that has a pair of contacts which come into contact or separate based on magnetic induction, and a direction index to indicate the magnetic field direction, allowing for easy recognition and operation, with the switch being arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the capsule body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the reed switch is activated by applying a magnetic field, then the power supply to the function executing unit can be controlled, but the operation becomes cumbersome because the direction of the magnetic field must be aligned with the lead extending direction of the reed switch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing a direction index (arrow mark) on the capsule endoscope that indicates the required orientation for magnetic field application. This asymmetric visual cue guides the operator to align the magnet in the correct direction relative to the capsule's longitudinal axis, resolving the orientation alignment problem without requiring complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The direction index serves as an intermediary between the operator and the reed switch mechanism. Instead of requiring direct knowledge of the reed switch's internal lead orientation, the arrow mark mediates this information, translating the internal component orientation into an externally visible guide that simplifies operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the reed switch lead extending direction is set vertical to the longitudinal axis of the capsule endoscope, then the switch can be activated by a magnet, but it is difficult to make the magnetic field direction and lead extending direction coincide
Solution Approach 1:
The direction index acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the internal reed switch orientation and external magnet application. The arrow mark on the capsule surface provides a visible reference that corresponds to the vertical orientation of the reed switch leads, eliminating the need for complex detection or measurement procedures during activation.
Solution Approach 2:
While not directly involving color changes, this principle relates to visual indicators. The patent uses a visual direction index (arrow mark) on the capsule endoscope that provides clear visual guidance for proper orientation, similar to how color changes provide visual feedback in other systems.
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 on/off operations of the reed switch by allowing power supply to the function executing unit without needing to confirm the switch orientation, enabling secure and easy initiation of the capsule endoscope's operation.
Implementation Method 1
a switch that has a pair of contacts which come into contact with each other and separate from each other according to a magnetic induction of a magnetic field applied from an outside of the main capsule body
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to readily initiate an operation of a capsule medical apparatus which is inserted into a subject and executes a predetermined function. In a capsule endoscope 3 according to the present invention, a reed switch 14 connected to a power supply unit and a function executing unit is arranged parallel to a direction of a longitudinal axis t of a capsule-like casing 16 in the substantially cylindrical capsule-like casing 16 of the capsule endoscope 3. A pair of movable electrodes of the reed switch 14 operates according to magnetic induction of a magnetic field of a magnet 6 applied substantially parallel to the direction t of the longitudinal axis of the capsule-like casing 16, and come into contact with each other. As a result, power supply from the power supply unit to the function executing unit is allowed.