Magnet Array for Precise Therapeutic Agent Targeting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current therapeutic agent delivery systems using magnets lack precision in targeting and fixation due to inadequate consideration of the affected area's specific conditions, leading to nonselective toxicity and side effects.

Innovation Solution

A method employing an optimized array of magnets, determined through 3D medical imaging, to generate controlled attractive and repulsive forces for precise targeting and fixation of a magnetic substance to the affected area, using a plurality of magnets arranged to create a field-free point for directed movement of the therapeutic agent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a single superconductor magnet or permanent magnet is used to maximize attractive force, then the therapeutic agent can be delivered toward the magnet, but the therapeutic agent cannot be precisely targeted to the affected area and side effects increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattractive forceVSAvoidtargeting precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides a single magnet into multiple magnets (at least three magnets) arranged in specific patterns. This segmentation allows creation of complex magnetic field distributions with multiple peaks and valleys, enabling precise targeting of therapeutic agents to specific affected areas while controlling the magnetic force distribution to minimize side effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates localized high magnetic flux density regions (peaks) at specific positions corresponding to affected areas, while maintaining low magnetic flux density in surrounding regions. This local quality approach allows the therapeutic agent to be concentrated at the target site with minimal exposure to surrounding healthy tissues, resolving the contradiction between force magnitude and targeting precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If magnets are arranged to create field-free points for precise targeting, then therapeutic agent directivity is improved, but the magnetic field complexity and device configuration become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic environment adaptabilityVSAvoidmagnet array complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic control of magnetic fields by independently controlling the magnetization directions and strengths of multiple magnets. This allows the magnetic field configuration to be dynamically adjusted to match different therapeutic environments, affected area positions, and treatment requirements, making the system adaptable while managing complexity through controlled variability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a universal magnet array system that can be configured for various affected areas and treatment scenarios by adjusting magnet arrangement patterns and magnetization directions. The same basic multi-magnet structure serves multiple functions across different therapeutic applications, reducing the need for entirely different device configurations for each case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If typical therapeutic agents are used without magnetic targeting, then the treatment is simple to administer, but nonselective toxicity and side effects occur due to low directivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadministration simplicityVSAvoidside effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces magnetic substances as intermediaries between the therapeutic agent and the affected area. These magnetic substances are incorporated into or attached to the therapeutic agent, enabling magnetic field-guided delivery. This intermediary approach maintains ease of administration (similar to typical therapeutic agents) while adding directional control to eliminate nonselective toxicity and side effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 precise targeting and fixation of therapeutic agents to affected areas, minimizing side effects and maximizing treatment efficacy by adjusting the distribution, number, and magnetization direction of magnets based on individual patient-specific conditions.

Implementation Method 1

A basic principle of the recent researches is the delivery of the therapeutic agent by using a principle in which as a magnetic substance, which is magnetized in a magnetic field, is included in or attached to the therapeutic agent, the magnetic substance, which is magnetized in a magnetic field, moves to an area having a high magnetic flux density.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

Here, an attractive force or a repulsive force is generated by the magnet in such a manner that the attractive force is formed in a direction in which the magnet is arranged

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11564881B2Therapeutic agent targeting and fixation medical device using magnet array

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 KOREA INST OF MEDICAL MICROROBOTICS

AI summary

Provided is a therapeutic agent targeting and fixation medical device that precisely targets a therapeutic agent including a magnetic substance by using an optimized array of magnets in consideration of an affected area of a patient.