Capsule Endoscope Starter Magnetic Circuit Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsule endoscopes with reed switches require precise alignment of magnetic fields to switch from an OFF to an ON state, which can be cumbersome and prone to accidental activation, especially when sterilization sheets are not removed from storage cases.
Innovation Solution
A capsule-medical-device dedicated power source starter with a magnetic circuit generating symmetric magnetic force lines about a central axis, allowing easy switching of the capsule endoscope from an OFF to an ON state by aligning the reed switch's sensitivity direction with the magnetic field, even when the switch is positioned outside the starter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a reed switch is used in the capsule endoscope with a magnetic field application method, then the driving can be switched from OFF state to ON state at an arbitrary time and electrical power consumption can be controlled, but precise alignment of magnetic fields is required which makes the operation cumbersome and prone to accidental activation
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic circuit uses asymmetric magnetic shielding plates positioned at specific locations to create a directional magnetic field. The magnetic field lines are concentrated in a specific direction rather than radiating uniformly, which allows the reed switch to be activated only when the capsule endoscope is inserted in the correct orientation into the storage case. This asymmetric field distribution prevents accidental activation while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic shielding plates are strategically positioned to create localized magnetic field zones. The magnetic field is concentrated in specific regions where the reed switch is located, rather than being distributed uniformly throughout the storage case. This localized magnetic field ensures that activation occurs only at the intended location and orientation, reducing accidental activation risk while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If a magnetic field is applied to activate the reed switch, then the capsule endoscope can be activated, but the magnetic field may accidentally activate the switch when sterilization sheets are not removed from storage cases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic circuit employs asymmetric shielding plates that create a directional magnetic field pattern. This asymmetric configuration ensures that the magnetic field strength exceeds the reed switch activation threshold only when the capsule endoscope is inserted in the correct orientation. When sterilization sheets remain in the storage case or when incorrectly positioned, the magnetic field direction does not align with the reed switch sensitivity axis, preventing accidental activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic shielding plates act as intermediaries that mediate between the magnetic field source and the reed switch. These shielding plates selectively guide and concentrate magnetic field lines in specific directions, allowing the magnetic field to reach the reed switch only under correct insertion conditions. This intermediary structure prevents direct magnetic field interaction with the reed switch when the capsule is incorrectly positioned or when sterilization sheets are present.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the reed switch is positioned outside the power source starter, then the capsule endoscope can be activated even when the switch is outside the starter, but the magnetic field alignment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic circuit extends the magnetic field generation in multiple spatial dimensions using strategically positioned magnetic shielding plates. Rather than relying on simple planar alignment, the three-dimensional magnetic circuit structure creates magnetic field lines that converge toward the reed switch position from multiple directions. This multi-dimensional field distribution allows the reed switch to be activated even when positioned outside the immediate vicinity of the power source starter, while maintaining ease of operation through automatic field alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: generating the magnetic field for reed switch activation, guiding the magnetic field lines to specific regions, and providing directional control. This multi-functional magnetic circuit structure allows it to effectively activate the reed switch regardless of slight position variations, making the system more adaptable while maintaining operational simplicity.
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
Ensures reliable and controlled activation of the capsule endoscope by simplifying the alignment process and preventing accidental activation when the storage case is incorrectly positioned, ensuring the reed switch remains in an OFF state until intended use.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic circuit that generates magnetic force lines which are substantially symmetric about the central axis as an axis of symmetry in any planar surfaces including the central axis of the insertion part
Data Source
AI summary
A capsule-medical-device dedicated power source starter that allows switching, by an application of a magnetic field to a magnetic switch that is provided in an inside of a capsule medical device and has a particular sensitivity direction in the magnetic field, a driving of the capsule medical device from an OFF state to an ON state, includes: an insertion part that is formed in a central axis direction and to which the capsule medical device is inserted so that a longitudinal axis direction of the capsule medical device is along the central axis direction; and a magnetic circuit that generates magnetic force lines which are substantially symmetric about the central axis as an axis of symmetry in any planar surfaces including the central axis of the insertion part.