Magnetic Capsule Liquid Collection via Rotating Inlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and low reliability of existing digestive tract capsules due to integrated drive mechanisms hinder their miniaturization and capacity for effective liquid collection in the digestive tract.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically controlled capsule system with radially polarized magnetic cylinders and an external magnetic field to rotate and open liquid inlets for collection, simplifying the structure and increasing capacity within a constant size constraint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a drive mechanism is integrated into the capsule shell, then the capsule can be operated remotely, but the capsule structure becomes complicated and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the drive mechanism from the capsule structure entirely, extracting the complexity out of the system. The capsule shell becomes a simple collection device without integrated motors or electromagnetic components, while remote operation is achieved through magnetic control of the simplified structure.
2Ease of operation
If a drive mechanism is integrated into the capsule shell, then the capsule can be operated remotely, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the drive mechanism from the capsule, the patent eliminates potential failure points within the capsule structure. The simplified capsule with no moving parts or powered components achieves higher reliability while maintaining remote operability through external magnetic actuation.
3Volume of moving object
If the capsule size is reduced for miniaturization, then the capsule can navigate the digestive tract more easily, but the capacity for liquid collection decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic opening and closing of the capsule hole controlled by magnetic fields. The capsule maintains a small closed volume for navigation, then dynamically opens to expand its effective collection capacity when needed, allowing miniaturization without sacrificing liquid collection capability.
4Quantity of substance
If the capsule structure is simplified to increase capacity, then the manufacturing cost decreases, but the reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary control mechanism that enables reliable operation of the simplified capsule structure. The magnetic field acts as a remote actuator that can reliably open and close the capsule hole without requiring complex mechanical drive mechanisms within the capsule itself.
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 system enhances the reliability and capacity of digestive tract capsule systems by ensuring the magnetic cylinders remain tightly coupled and securely positioned within the digestive tract, facilitating efficient liquid collection and maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetically controlled capsule system with radially polarized magnetic cylinders and an external magnetic field to rotate and open liquid inlets for collection
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetically controlled digestive tract liquid collection system and a capsule are provided. In an assembled state, with the constraint of a limit structure formed by a rotation limiting pin on an inner shell of the capsule and a rotation limiting slot in an outer shell of the capsule, and an angle exists between the N-S directions of a first magnetic cylinder and a second magnetic cylinder, a torque is present between the two magnetic cylinders, which makes parts inside the capsule tightly coupled. When an external magnetic field is applied, at least one or both of the two magnetic cylinders rotate under the action of the external magnetic field. When the external magnetic field is applied, the liquid inlets are in opened state, and when the external magnetic field is removed, the liquid inlets are in closed state.