Dual-Magnet Capsule for Endoscopy Roll Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic endoscopy capsules face challenges in achieving a large pitch angle for imaging the top and bottom of the stomach, and they experience uncontrolled rolling, which complicates the orientation of additional cameras.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a dual-camera setup with one camera at the tip and another on the side of the capsule, allowing for imaging of both the top and bottom of the stomach even with limited pitch angles. Additionally, a flip magnet mechanism is used to control the roll of the capsule, enabling precise orientation of cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single camera is placed at the tip end of the capsule, then the capsule structure is simple, but the ability to image both the top and bottom of the stomach is limited due to restricted pitch angle
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging function is segmented into two separate cameras: one at the tip end and another on the side of the capsule. This segmentation allows each camera to capture different views (top and bottom of stomach) that a single camera cannot achieve due to pitch angle limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The second camera is positioned on the side of the capsule rather than at the tip, utilizing a different spatial dimension. This side-mounted camera can image the top of the stomach when pitch is zero, complementing the tip camera's capability to image the bottom.
2Device complexity
If the fixed magnet is placed along the longitudinal axis for simple positioning, then the capsule aligns with the magnetic field, but uncontrolled rolling occurs around the longitudinal axis
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic positioning system is segmented into two independent magnets: a primary magnet along the longitudinal axis for position control, and a secondary flip magnet perpendicular to it for roll control. This segmentation allows independent control of pitch/yaw and roll orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The second magnet is positioned asymmetrically relative to the capsule's longitudinal axis, specifically oriented perpendicular to it. This asymmetric configuration enables the flip magnet to control roll without interfering with the primary magnet's position control function.
3Ease of operation
If electromagnets are positioned along the longitudinal axis for straightforward movement control, then the capsule can be moved up and down, but the pitch angle is limited and cannot point the camera at the end of the capsule toward the top of the stomach
Solution Approach 1:
The motion control is segmented into two independent functions: position control (up/down movement) handled by electromagnets along the longitudinal axis, and orientation control (pitch angle adjustment) handled by the flip magnet perpendicular to the axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The flip magnet operates in a dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, enabling pitch angle adjustment without affecting the position control function. This allows the capsule to achieve both straightforward movement and extended pitch angle range.
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 configuration enhances the ability to capture comprehensive images of the stomach, including both the top and bottom, while maintaining control over the capsule's orientation, thereby improving the effectiveness of the endoscopy procedure.
Implementation Method 1
the flip magnet is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is rotatable around the longitudinal axis in response to a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
the primary magnet is mounted on the circuit board and is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis and is movable in response to a magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A swallowable capsule has a primary magnet along a long axis that aligns between movable electromagnets in a magnetic endoscopy machine. A flip magnet is orthogonal to the long axis. The capsule is rolled around the long axis to flip orientation of a side camera on a side of the capsule. An external base electromagnet below the patient's feet is energized to roll the capsule. The base magnet acts on the flip magnet but not on the orthogonal primary magnet when the long axis is orthogonal to a magnetic axis of the base electromagnet. Most components such as a controller, the side camera, a side laser, batteries, and an antenna, are mounted to a long Printed Circuit Board (PCB) along the long axis, while a front camera and laser are mounted to a front PCB that is mounted orthogonally to a front edge of the long PCB.