Dynamic Magnetic Field Control Using Articulated Magnets
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no general method for automatically controlling the direction and magnitude of a magnetic field generated by multiple articulated magnets to achieve a specific magnetic field at a given point in space, which is crucial for applications like magnetic navigation of catheters and guide wires.
Innovation Solution
A three-step process involving magnetic field apportionment, initial approximation using nested polynomial representations, and subsequent optimization with spherical harmonics expansion to accurately control the articulations of multiple magnets and generate a target magnetic field at a specific point in space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple articulated magnets are used to generate magnetic field, then the magnetic field control flexibility is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the magnetic field generation task into multiple independent magnets, each contributing a portion of the total field. This segmentation allows flexible control of the composite magnetic field while maintaining manageable individual magnet designs, resolving the contradiction between field control flexibility and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs articulated magnets with multiple degrees of freedom that can dynamically adjust their positions and orientations. This dynamic capability enables real-time control of the magnetic field characteristics, achieving high adaptability while the modular articulated structure keeps individual component complexity manageable.
2Measurement precision
If non-linear magnetic field functions are used to represent the fields, then the field representation accuracy is improved, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the complex non-linear magnetic field control problem into a series of simpler optimization problems by parameterizing the magnet configurations and using iterative numerical methods. This approach maintains high field representation accuracy while making the computational task tractable through systematic parameter adjustment rather than direct complex function evaluation.
3Measurement precision
If automatic control method is implemented, then the navigation precision is improved, but the control algorithm complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic control system that uses feedback from the current magnetic field state to iteratively adjust magnet configurations toward the target field. This feedback-based approach achieves high navigation precision by continuously correcting errors, while the iterative nature breaks down the complex control problem into manageable sequential steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary field apportionment that distributes the target magnetic field requirements among multiple magnets before detailed positioning. This preliminary action simplifies the subsequent control algorithm by pre-establishing a feasible distribution scheme, reducing the computational burden while maintaining navigation precision.
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 allows for precise control of magnetic fields, reducing errors in field direction and magnitude, enhancing the accuracy of magnetic navigation and ensuring safe and efficient navigation of medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
control of the direction and magnitude of a magnetic field generated by two or more articulated magnets
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for dynamic magnetic field control using multiple magnets. Control methods and system means are described that allow dynamically changing the magnetic field generated at a point in space by a multiplicity of magnets.