Rotating Permanent Magnets for Compact Field Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic field control devices for medical applications, such as magnetically driven capsule endoscopes and magnetic robots, are bulky, costly, and require complex mechanical parts, making them unsuitable for medical settings.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic field control device with a compact design comprising a housing, multiple magnet members, and a control system that adjusts the angles of these magnet members to generate varying magnetic fields for precise control of objects within the body, using a combination of permanent magnets and motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electromagnet is used to generate external magnetic fields, then magnetic field control capability is achieved, but the device occupies large volume and weight and entails large cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnets with permanent magnets to generate the external magnetic field. This substitution eliminates the need for power generation devices and current control systems, significantly reducing device weight and cost while maintaining magnetic field control capability through mechanical rotation of the permanent magnets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the unnecessary power generation device and current control system from the magnetic field generation mechanism. By using permanent magnets instead of electromagnets, the system eliminates bulky power supplies and complex electrical control infrastructure, achieving miniaturization.
2Weight of stationary object
If a permanent magnet is used to generate external magnetic fields, then device weight is reduced, but large mechanical parts similar to an industrial robot arm are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the magnetic field generation system into multiple independent permanent magnets arranged in a matrix configuration. Each magnet can be independently rotated by simple drive mechanisms, replacing the need for a single complex industrial robot arm structure. This segmentation simplifies the mechanical system while maintaining control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-degree-of-freedom mechanical system (industrial robot arm) to a multi-degree-of-freedom system using multiple permanent magnets that can be independently rotated. By controlling the orientation of multiple magnets in three-dimensional space, the system achieves complex magnetic field control without requiring bulky mechanical arms.
3Measurement precision
If multiple magnet members are added to achieve three-dimensional control, then control precision is improved, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple permanent magnets into a compact matrix array configuration where they share common support structures and rotation mechanisms. This merging approach allows three-dimensional control to be achieved within a compact footprint, preventing structural complexity from increasing proportionally with the number of magnets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the magnet drive mechanisms to perform multiple functions: each drive mechanism not only rotates its associated magnet but also contributes to the overall positional and orientational control of the magnetic field. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of independent components needed, maintaining structural 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
Enables precise, three-dimensional control of objects like capsule endoscopes within the body with a simple, miniaturized structure, overcoming the limitations of bulkiness and complexity in existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnet member located in the accommodation space, having a central shaft arranged parallel to a first axis, and configured to generate a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The object in which the permanent magnet is mounted may be driven by receiving a magnetic torque and a magnetic force from an external magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
The object in which the permanent magnet is mounted may be driven by receiving a magnetic torque and a magnetic force from an external magnetic field
Implementation Method 4
a magnet drive part for rotating the first magnet member and the second magnet member about the central shafts of the first magnet member and the second magnet member, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic field control device is disclosed. A magnetic field control device includes: a housing having an accommodation space formed therein; a first magnet member which is positioned in the accommodation space, has a central shaft disposed parallel to a first axis, and generates a magnetic field; a second magnet member which is positioned at a side of the first magnet member in the direction of a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, has a central shaft disposed parallel to the first axis, and 10 generates a magnetic field; a magnet drive part for rotating the first magnet member and the second magnet member around the central shafts thereof, respectively; and a control part for controlling the magnet drive part to adjust angles of the first magnet member and the second magnet member.