Miniaturized Medical Probe Using Magnetic Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional probes used in the human or animal body face limitations due to the need for large antennas for RF communication and battery-powered operation, which restricts miniaturization and usability in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A probe design incorporating a rotatable permanent magnetic dipole moment element that generates an electromotive force, allowing for energy transfer and communication via magnetic fields, eliminating the need for a local energy storage medium and enabling efficient energy transfer through the body tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional probes use RF signals for communication with external devices, then communication is enabled, but large antennas are required which prevent miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic RF communication system with a magnetically coupled induction system. Instead of using RF antennas for wireless communication, the probe uses a magnetically coupled interface where an external coil induces current in an internal coil through magnetic field coupling, enabling communication and power transfer without traditional RF antennas.
2Duration of action of moving object
If conventional probes use battery-powered operation, then portable operation is enabled, but large installation space for battery is required while having limited operating time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic energy transfer through magnetic induction, where the external device periodically induces electromagnetic fields to transfer energy to the probe. This allows the probe to receive energy in periodic bursts rather than relying on a finite battery capacity, effectively extending operating time without increasing probe volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the energy storage function from the probe by eliminating the battery entirely. Instead of storing energy locally in the probe, the system extracts energy continuously from an external source through magnetic coupling, allowing the probe to be battery-free and highly miniaturized.
3Volume of moving object
If probes are miniaturized to overcome antenna size limitations, then probe size is reduced, but energy transfer and communication efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates the magnetic coupling interface in a highly localized region within the probe, using a compact coil structure optimized for strong magnetic coupling. This local optimization of the induction interface maintains high energy transfer efficiency even as the overall probe size is reduced to micrometer or nanometer scales.
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 solution enables miniaturization of the probe to the micrometer or nanometer scale, allowing for efficient energy transfer and communication even within body tissue, expanding its applications and reducing the need for direct mechanical contact.
Implementation Method 1
the element having a permanent magnetic dipole moment being configured to generate an electromotive force in said electrical circuit in response to being rotated
Implementation Method 2
by driving a rotating movement of the element having a permanent magnetic dipole moment using magnetic fields generated and/or controlled by said external source
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3A
Figure 3B~3C
AI summary
A probe for use in the human and/or animal body includes a housing, at least one element having a permanent magnetic dipole moment which is rotatable in said housing, and an electrical circuit, the element having a permanent magnetic dipole moment being configured to generate an electromotive force in said electrical circuit in response to being rotated.