Optimization Unit for Magnetic Maneuvering Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic maneuvering systems for in-vivo devices in the gastrointestinal system are overly robust, consuming excessive electrical power and lack optimization of magnetic field and force output, leading to uncontrollable device movement and inadequate imaging of clinically relevant areas.
Innovation Solution
An optimization unit controls electrical currents in electromagnets to generate a maneuvering magnetic field pattern that minimizes power consumption while achieving a desired magnetic force, using a motion controller to calculate optimal current configurations based on device location, orientation, and speed, and selecting constraints to ensure efficient movement and imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional magnetic maneuvering systems use robust electromagnets to generate large magnetic-field generating electrical currents, then the system can provide sufficient magnetic force for device maneuvering, but the system consumes excessive electrical power
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts electrical current parameters (magnitude, direction, timing) based on real-time device position, orientation, and motion requirements. The optimization unit continuously modifies current parameters to achieve the minimum necessary magnetic force for maneuvering, avoiding excessive power consumption while maintaining adequate maneuvering capability throughout the GI tract
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic maneuvering system transitions from static, fixed-current electromagnet design to dynamic, adaptive current control. The system continuously updates electromagnetic field generation based on real-time feedback about device location and desired motion, enabling power-efficient maneuvering that adapts to changing anatomical conditions and motion requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional magnetic maneuvering systems use fixed magnetic field patterns, then the system structure is simpler, but the system cannot optimally maneuver the device through different regions of the GI system
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time feedback from device position sensors and motion detectors to continuously adjust magnetic field patterns. The optimization unit receives feedback about actual device location and orientation, then modifies electromagnetic current patterns accordingly to achieve optimal maneuvering through different GI tract regions while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control algorithms
3Productivity
If the system provides uniform magnetic force throughout the GI system, then the maneuvering system is simpler to design, but the device may get stuck in certain regions requiring higher force
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies differentiated magnetic field strategies to different anatomical regions of the GI tract. The optimization unit adjusts current patterns based on region-specific characteristics (stomach, small intestine, large intestine, anus), providing locally optimized magnetic forces that account for varying anatomical constraints, peristaltic activity, and friction characteristics in each region to prevent device stagnation
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 precise control of in-vivo device movement, reducing power consumption and improving imaging capabilities by optimizing magnetic field patterns and force output, ensuring effective navigation and data capture within the gastrointestinal system.
Implementation Method 1
A device may be maneuvered magnetically by incorporating a magnet in it. Such maneuvering systems may be designed to magnetically move an in-vivo sensing device from one spatial location to another
Implementation Method 2
A device may be maneuvered magnetically by incorporating a magnet in it
Data Source
AI summary
An optimization unit controls electrical currents of a set of electromagnets to generate a wanted maneuvering magnetic field pattern (MMP) for moving an in-vivo device in the GI system. The optimization unit may calculate a magnetic force and a magnetic field to maneuver the in-vivo device from a current location and/or orientation to a new location and/or orientation. The optimization unit may solve a magnetic force optimization problem with respect to the magnetic force in order to determine electrical currents suitable for generating the wanted MMP. The optimization unit may additionally or alternatively solve a minimum electrical power optimization problem with respect to the electrical power to be consumed by the electromagnets in order to recalculate or adjust the electrical currents. The optimization unit may solve one or more of the optimization problems while complying with a set of constraints associated with or derived from each type of optimization objective.