Electronic Control Circuit for In-Vivo Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional on/off switching mechanisms for in-vivo devices, such as swallowable capsules, are prone to electromagnetic interference and mechanical issues, making them unreliable for controlling the power states of devices like imagers and transmitters within the gastrointestinal system.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit and switching circuit mechanism that uses a communication and energy harvesting unit to sense wireless signals and physical parameters, interpreting them to transition the switching circuit between 'on' and 'off' states without the need for manual operation, ensuring electromagnetic interference-free control and reliable power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If reed switches are used for on/off control, then the device can be activated and deactivated prior to use, but the switching mechanism becomes sensitive to electromagnetic interference and mechanical shock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reed switch with an electronic control circuit that uses a microcontroller and software logic to detect activation signals and control the switching of power to device components. This substitution eliminates the mechanical moving parts and magnetic sensitivity of reed switches while achieving the same on/off control function through electronic means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control circuit between the activation signal and the power switching function. This control circuit processes the activation signal, validates it against predefined criteria, and then controls the power switching, thereby filtering out unwanted electromagnetic interference and mechanical shock that would directly affect a reed switch.
2Ease of operation
If reed switches are used for switching, then the device can be turned on and off, but the electrical contacts may get stuck mechanically and fail to function properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reed switch with an electronic control circuit that uses a microcontroller and software logic to detect activation signals and control the switching of power to device components. This substitution eliminates the mechanical moving parts and magnetic sensitivity of reed switches while achieving the same on/off control function through electronic means.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit includes self-diagnostic functionality that monitors the switching elements and detects potential failures. The system can identify when a switching element becomes stuck or malfunctioning and respond appropriately, providing a level of self-monitoring and fault detection that prevents complete system failure.
3Ease of operation
If conventional switching schemes are used, then the device can be controlled on and off, but electromagnetic interference may cause unintended activation or deactivation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control circuit between the activation signal and the power switching function. This control circuit processes the activation signal, validates it against predefined criteria, and then controls the power switching, thereby filtering out unwanted electromagnetic interference and mechanical shock that would directly affect a reed switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the device state and the received signals. By comparing the received activation signal against expected patterns and using feedback from the current device state, the system can distinguish between intentional activation commands and spurious electromagnetic interference signals.
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
The solution provides a reliable and interference-free method for controlling the power states of in-vivo devices, ensuring efficient energy use and preventing unintended activation or deactivation, thus enhancing the functionality and reliability of in-vivo systems.
Implementation Method 1
a communication and energy harvesting unit to sense wireless signals and physical parameters
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A control circuit for controlling a state of a switching circuit may include a first unit to sense and interpret a wireless signal or physical parameter as an "on" signal to transition the switching circuit to the "on" state, or as an "off" signal to transition the switching circuit to the "off" state, and to transfer a first digital signal or logic value and/or a second digital signal or logic value, which may respectively or combinatorially represent the "on" signal or the "off" signal, to a second unit via a first output and/or a second output of the first unit, respectively. The second unit may force a control input of the switching circuit to a logic value which is a function of the first digital signal or value and/or second digital signal or value and congruent with the state to which the switching circuit is to be transitioned.