Inductive Docking for Sealed Capsule Camera Data Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional docking systems for capsule cameras require opening the sealed enclosure and precise alignment of contact pins, making data retrieval complex and costly, especially for capsule endoscopes used in diagnostic imaging within the human body.
Innovation Solution
A wireless docking system that uses inductive powering and optical transmission to supply power and retrieve data from a capsule camera without opening it, employing a primary coil to generate an alternating magnetic field and a secondary coil within the capsule, along with an optical source like a directly modulated LED or VCSEL for high-speed data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional docking system with contact pins and pads is used, then data retrieval can be achieved, but the system requires opening the capsule and precise mechanical alignment, increasing device complexity and operational difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact pin and pad alignment system with an inductive coupling system using primary and secondary coils. This eliminates the need for physical contact and precise mechanical alignment, allowing data retrieval through wireless electromagnetic coupling while maintaining the sealed capsule enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the docking system and the capsule camera. The primary coil in the docking device generates an alternating magnetic field that couples with the secondary coil in the capsule, enabling power transfer and data communication without direct mechanical contact or opening the capsule.
2Ease of manufacture
If the capsule enclosure is opened for data access, then data can be retrieved from the memory, but the sealed environment is compromised and additional mechanical components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical opening mechanism by using inductive coupling through the sealed capsule wall. The primary and secondary coils are positioned to couple through the capsule housing material, allowing data retrieval without compromising the sealed enclosure and maintaining reliability for implantable applications.
3Productivity
If contact pins are aligned to pads in the capsule, then data transfer can occur, but precise alignment is required and the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming mechanical alignment process with wireless inductive coupling. The primary and secondary coils are designed with sufficient tolerance to achieve effective coupling without precise alignment, dramatically reducing the time required for data retrieval while increasing productivity.
4Reliability
If a sealed capsule design is used, then the internal components are protected, but power supply to the capsule camera becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electromagnetic fields as an intermediary to transfer power through the sealed capsule wall. The primary coil in the docking device generates an alternating magnetic field that induces current in the secondary coil inside the capsule, providing power to the camera and memory without compromising the sealed enclosure and maintaining component protection.
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 easy, quick, and cost-effective data retrieval from capsule cameras by eliminating the need for mechanical alignment and opening, supporting high data rates and ensuring efficient power supply, thus simplifying operations in medical environments.
Implementation Method 1
The docking device comprises an opening on the docking device, a primary coil to generate an alternating magnetic field, and a primary core. The alternating magnetic field is coupled to the secondary coil to supply power to the capsule device when the capsule device is at the docked position.
Implementation Method 2
The primary core is arranged to concentrate the alternating magnetic field on the secondary coil and/or to reduce the alternating magnetic field on the battery when the capsule device is at the docked position.
Implementation Method 3
employing a primary coil to generate an alternating magnetic field and a secondary coil within the capsule, along with an optical source like a directly modulated LED or VCSEL for high-speed data transfer.
Data Source
AI summary
A capsule endoscopic system is disclosed, where the system comprises a capsule device and a docking device. The capsule device comprises a battery, a secondary coil, and a capsule housing to enclose the battery and the secondary coil in a sealed environment, where the capsule device consists of a first end and a second end in a longitudinal direction of the capsule device, and the battery is located in proximity to the first end and the secondary coil is located in proximity to the second end. The docking device comprises an opening on the docking device, a primary coil to generate an alternating magnetic field, and a primary core. The capsule endoscopic system is arranged so that at least a portion of the secondary coil is enclosed by the primary coil and the battery is outside the primary coil when the capsule device is at the docked position.