Method for synchronizing microrobot operation control and position recognition using dual hybrid electromagnet module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic field devices for microrobot control in medical procedures are inefficient due to high power consumption, large size, and limited control precision, while existing position recognition methods suffer from errors and require separate devices, increasing the overall device size and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A method using a dual hybrid electromagnet module with intersecting central axes to synchronize motion control and position recognition, employing a direct current magnetic field for steering and an alternating current magnetic field for position recognition, reducing the number of electromagnets and minimizing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electromagnets are used to control microrobot motion, then control capability is improved, but device size and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicrorobot control capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling electromagnet modules to perform both position recognition and motion control functions. The dual hybrid electromagnet module generates both gradient magnetic fields for position recognition and uniform magnetic fields for motion control, allowing a single device to replace what would traditionally require separate systems, thereby reducing overall power consumption and device size while maintaining full control capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges position recognition and motion control functions into a single dual hybrid electromagnet module. By combining gradient magnetic field generation (for position recognition) and uniform magnetic field generation (for motion control) in one integrated device, the system reduces the total number of electromagnets needed while maintaining both functions simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Weight of stationary object

If permanent magnets are used to reduce electromagnet数量, then device size is reduced, but control performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidcontrol performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetry by using different electromagnet configurations for different functions within the same module. The dual hybrid electromagnet module uses asymmetric winding arrangements where one electromagnet is optimized for generating gradient magnetic fields (position recognition) while the other is optimized for uniform magnetic fields (motion control), allowing each component to excel at its specific function while maintaining compact size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling real-time switching between different magnetic field configurations. The system can dynamically adjust the current applied to each electromagnet to generate either gradient fields for position recognition or uniform fields for motion control, providing adaptive control performance that responds to real-time operational requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If separate position recognition device is used, then position recognition accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition recognition accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges position recognition and motion control into a single dual hybrid electromagnet module. The same electromagnets that generate magnetic fields for motion control also generate gradient magnetic fields for position recognition, eliminating the need for separate position recognition devices and reducing system complexity while maintaining accurate position monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnet module serves multiple functions: it generates uniform magnetic fields for motion control, generates gradient magnetic fields for position recognition, and enables real-time feedback control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated position recognition devices, simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If motor is used to control permanent magnet position, then control space is secured, but real-time control is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol spaceVSAvoidcontrol response time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical motor systems with an electromagnetic field-based control system. Instead of using motors to physically move permanent magnets, the system uses electronically controllable electromagnets to generate magnetic fields that directly act on the microrobot, eliminating mechanical inertia and achieving real-time control response without mechanical movement delays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 microrobot driving and position recognition with reduced power consumption and heat generation, allowing for efficient use in medical procedures and surgeries.

Implementation Method 1

a steering step of controlling a motion of the microrobot by using a direct current magnetic field generated from the first hybrid electromagnet module and the second hybrid electromagnet module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a reflected signal reception step of receiving, via a communication module, a reflected signal generated by an Rx module included in the microrobot by using an alternating current magnetic field generated from the first hybrid electromagnet module and the second hybrid electromagnet module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAlternating magnetic field: Alternating Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20250318884A1Method for synchronizing microrobot operation control and position recognition using dual hybrid electromagnet module
Publication Date: 2025.10.16 KOREA INST OF MEDICAL MICROROBOTICS
  • US20250318884A1 patent drawing
  • US20250318884A1 patent drawing
  • US20250318884A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for synchronizing microrobot operation control and position recognition using a dual hybrid electromagnet module, and specifically, precise driving of a microrobot and position recognition of the microrobot may be synchronized by using an electromagnetic field system in which a dual hybrid electromagnet module comprising a permanent magnet and an electromagnet is used for microrobot control so as to enable reducing the number of electromagnets that are used and thus enable reducing power consumption and the amount of heat generated from the electromagnet module. Thus, the present invention may be used for various medical procedures and surgeries using a microrobot.