Diamagnetic Levitation for Intraluminal Capsule Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling and affixing microelectronic capsules in the gastrointestinal tract lack effective solutions for precise positioning and steering, leading to instability and inability to maintain desired locations for diagnostic purposes.
Innovation Solution
Diamagnetically-stabilized magnetic levitation is used to affix and steer microelectronic capsules within internal organs by manipulating external solenoids and magnetic fields, allowing for controlled movement and stabilization using feedback from sensors like pressure, acceleration, and position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic force is used to move and position the capsule, then the capsule can be steered to desired locations, but the capsule cannot be stably affixed or held at the target position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical anchoring systems with a magnetic field-based affixing mechanism. External magnets positioned against the body wall create magnetic attraction forces that hold the capsule firmly at target locations without mechanical contact, enabling reliable position maintenance while preserving steering capability through dynamic magnetic field adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes magnetic field parameters (strength, direction, distribution) to achieve different functions: during transit, the field provides directional guidance; at target locations, the field parameters are adjusted to create strong attractive forces for stable affixing. This parameter modulation resolves the contradiction between movement and stable positioning
2Reliability
If strong magnetic fields are used to affix the capsule, then the capsule can be held firmly at position, but the capsule cannot be repositioned or steered
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field system is designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing real-time adjustment of field strength and configuration. Strong magnetic fields are applied when affixing is needed, while field reduction or redistribution enables repositioning. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between firm affixing and flexible repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates position sensing and feedback control mechanisms that monitor capsule location and adjust magnetic field parameters accordingly. When the capsule reaches the desired position, feedback signals trigger increased magnetic field strength for secure affixing; when repositioning is needed, feedback enables field reduction, allowing the capsule to be moved to new locations
3Adaptability or versatility
If the capsule is allowed to move freely in the GI tract, then the capsule can traverse the entire gastrointestinal tract, but the capsule cannot maintain stable position for diagnostic measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The external magnetic field system acts as an intermediary between the capsule and the body wall, enabling controlled interaction without physical attachment. The magnetic field mediates both the movement along the GI tract and the stable positioning at measurement sites, resolving the contradiction between traversal and stable measurement through non-contact force application
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 method enables precise and stable positioning and steering of capsules within the gastrointestinal tract, overcoming the limitations of previous technologies by using diamagnetic levitation to counter gravitational and peristaltic forces, allowing for prolonged and controlled diagnostic monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The shell of the capsule is made of a diamagnetic material, or contains a layer of such material with an appropriate thickness... Diamagnetically-stabilized magnetic levitation is utilized as part of this invention to affix and/or steer autonomous devices
Implementation Method 2
a magnet carried by or forming part of the housing... steering is accomplished by changing the external magnetic field exerted on the levitating capsule
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for magnetically levitating and further steering of an intraluminal device, such as a swallowable microelectronic capsule, for monitoring bodily functions is provided. The method comprises diamagnetically-stabilized levitation, followed by dynamic modification of the external magnetic field producing the said levitation, so that the levitating intraluminal device can be steered in desired direction. The said intraluminal device contains appropriate sensors and reports in real time the forces and pressures exerted on it, as well as its position, so that the levitation and the steering can be dynamically adjusted using appropriate dynamic control of external magnetic devices such as solenoids.