3D Magnetic Field Control for Steerable Entity Aggregation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods face challenges in precisely targeting and aggregating steerable self-propelled entities (SSPEs) in three-dimensional spaces within the body for therapeutic agent delivery, particularly in navigating through small blood vessels and deep tissues, due to limitations in controlling magnetic fields and maintaining concentration.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing time-multiplexing with multiple magnetic field sources arranged along three axes to create a controlled magnetic field, allowing for the aggregation and displacement of SSPEs in three dimensions by generating opposed magnetic field gradients and reversing magnetic field directions according to a predetermined program, enabling precise targeting and concentration at a convergence point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic field sources are used to propel magneto-responsive entities, then entities can be directed to target locations, but precise aggregation in three-dimensional space is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field control system is segmented into three independent sets of magnetic field sources, each responsible for one spatial dimension. This segmentation allows precise control of entity aggregation in 3D space by independently adjusting field gradients along each axis, resolving the contradiction between targeting precision and control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional magnetic field control to three-dimensional control by adding a third set of magnetic field sources. This dimensional expansion enables precise aggregation of magneto-responsive entities at any location within a 3D volume, directly addressing the targeting precision requirement while maintaining systematic control.
2Quantity of substance
If magneto-responsive entities are dispersed for wide coverage, then more areas can be reached, but concentration and dosage at target location decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic reversal of magnetic field directions in the third set of sources to maintain entity aggregation at the convergence point. This periodic action ensures high entity concentration at the target location while allowing the system to be repositioned to cover different areas, thus achieving both high dosage and wide coverage through sequential targeting.
3Speed
If magnetic field strength is increased to improve propulsion force, then entities move faster, but control precision and aggregation ability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field system creates different field characteristics in different spatial regions: strong field gradients along the first two axes for precise aggregation control, and a time-reversed field along the third axis for propulsion. This local differentiation of field properties allows simultaneous achievement of high propulsion speed and precise aggregation without mutual interference.
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
This approach effectively aggregates SSPEs in three dimensions, enhancing the targeting efficacy and dosage of therapeutic agents while maintaining their concentration, even in complex bodily structures, and allows for real-time monitoring using imaging modalities like MRI.
Implementation Method 1
at least three sets of magnetic field sources arranged in three axes for generating a controlled magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
magneto-responsive entities (steerable self-propelled entities or SSPEs)... naturally swim in the direction of the magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
a multiplexing comprises reversing a direction of the magnetic field in a third set of magnetic field sources in a third axis according to a predetermined program
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~9
AI summary
Applicants have discovered a novel apparatus and method to aggregate and displace a plurality of magneto-responsive entities (steerable self-propelled entities or SSPEs) in three dimensions using time-multiplexing. The apparatus for controlling aggregation of SSPEs in a body comprises at least three sets of magnetic field sources arranged in three axes for generating a controlled magnetic field and a controller connected to at least one of said magnetic field sources to create a three dimensional convergence point. The method for aggregating the entities can comprise using a first set and a second set of said magnetic field sources to generate opposed magnetic field gradients in each said set to cause aggregation of said magneto-responsive entities in two axes and wherein the controller is configured to reverse a direction of said magnetic field gradient in a third set of magnetic field sources in a third axis according to a first predetermined program.