Everting Capsule for GI Tract Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Maneuvering imaging apparatus within the gastrointestinal tract is challenging due to friction with the intestinal wall and navigating tortuous paths without puncturing the wall, existing technologies fail to minimize stress and smoothly navigate corners.
Innovation Solution
A cyclically everting sleeve capsule with electrically-conductive coils that apply an everting force by alternating magnetization, reducing friction and enabling smooth navigation through the intestine, equipped with imaging devices and adjustable diameter for varying lumen sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional endoscopic apparatus with a flexible sleeve is used to advance within the lumen, then the apparatus can navigate the GI tract, but friction with the intestinal wall increases and stress on the wall increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule inverts the conventional approach by having the sleeve evert inside out rather than pushing against the wall. The everting sleeve turns the friction problem into a solution by creating a smooth external surface that glides along the intestinal wall with minimal friction, while the rough internal surface provides grip for propulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve dynamically changes its configuration by everting and de-everting in response to magnetic forces applied from outside the body. This dynamic transformation allows the capsule to adapt its surface characteristics and propulsion mechanism continuously as it navigates through the GI tract, minimizing friction while maintaining前进 capability.
2Measurement precision
If a conventional endoscopic apparatus with rigid components is used, then imaging can be performed, but the apparatus cannot smoothly navigate tortuous paths without puncturing the wall
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule employs a flexible sleeve that can bend and conform to the tortuous geometry of the GI tract. This flexible shell structure allows the imaging apparatus to navigate sharp turns and irregular paths without rigid components that could puncture the intestinal wall, while still housing protective imaging devices inside.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic coils are used to propel the capsule, then friction is reduced and smooth navigation is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coils act as an intermediary propulsion mechanism that transfers energy from an external magnetic field to the everting sleeve. This intermediary system enables smooth navigation and friction reduction through magnetic actuation of the sleeve's eversion, while the complexity is managed by using standard electromagnetic components and control systems.
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 capsule minimizes friction and stress on the intestinal wall, allows smooth navigation through twists and turns, and reduces power requirements, while maintaining safety by preventing punctures and accommodating varying lumen diameters.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of electrically-conductive coils coupled to the sleeve. The coils are configured to, when at least two of the coils are magnetized, advance the capsule within a lumen by applying an everting force to the sleeve
Implementation Method 2
The coils are configured to, when at least two of the coils are magnetized, advance the capsule within a lumen by applying an everting force to the sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
Described embodiments include a capsule, including a cyclically everting sleeve shaped to define a sleeve interior, a fluid, configured to facilitate the everting of the sleeve, contained within the sleeve interior, and a plurality of electrically-conductive coils coupled to the sleeve. The coils are configured to, when at least two of the coils are magnetized, advance the capsule within a lumen by applying an everting force to the sleeve. Other embodiments are also described.