Magnetic Microrobot Drive With Adjustable Operation Area Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic drive systems fail to optimize the position and size of the operation area according to the lesion, are bulky and heavy, restricting their application and motion, and do not effectively consider the position and characteristics of the lesion due to fixed electromagnet arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic drive system comprising first and second magnetic field generation units with a moving module that adjusts the distance and orientation of these units to optimize the operation area, allowing close contact with the body and tracking the microrobot's movement, using a control unit to adjust the magnetic field strength and area based on the target's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed position and arrangement of electromagnet are used to generate magnetic field, then magnetic field can be generated, but the position and size of operation area cannot be optimized according to lesion characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnet is mounted on a moving module that enables dynamic adjustment of its position and orientation relative to the patient's body. The moving module includes rotating arms and connecting mechanisms that allow the electromagnet to be repositioned to optimize the operation area according to different lesion locations and characteristics, transforming the fixed arrangement into a dynamic, adaptable system
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic drive system is divided into separate functional modules: the electromagnet, the moving module with rotating arms, and the support structure. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the electromagnet's position and orientation without affecting other components, enabling flexible optimization of the operation area while maintaining system manageability
2Weight of stationary object
If conventional magnetic drive system is used, then magnetic field can be generated, but the system is heavy and bulky which restricts storage and placement
Solution Approach 1:
The moving module employs rotating arms and connecting mechanisms that allow the electromagnet to be positioned close to the patient's body during operation. This dynamic positioning capability reduces the need for excessive structural support and spacing, thereby reducing overall system weight and bulk while maintaining reliable magnetic field generation at the target site
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed electromagnet arrangement is used, then device structure is simple, but the system cannot track microrobot movement and optimize control
Solution Approach 1:
The control module receives information about microrobot position and lesion characteristics, then adjusts the electromagnet's position and orientation through the moving module to optimize the magnetic field application. This feedback mechanism enables automatic tracking and adaptation, improving versatility while minimizing the complexity of manual operation
Solution Approach 2:
The moving module acts as an intermediary between the fixed support structure and the electromagnet, providing the necessary degrees of freedom for tracking microrobot movement. The rotating arms and connecting mechanisms translate control signals into precise positional adjustments, bridging the gap between simple structure and complex tracking requirements
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 enables precise, real-time control of microrobots by optimizing the operation area and magnetic field strength, allowing continuous tracking and control of microrobots within the body, minimizing interference with imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnetic field generation unit; a second magnetic field generation unit disposed under the first magnetic field generation unit in a Z-axis direction with an operation area interposed therebetween to generate a magnetic field in the operation area
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(A)~3(B)
AI summary
A magnetic drive system is disclosed. The magnetic drive system comprises: a first magnetic field generation unit; a second magnetic field generation unit which is disposed under the first magnetic field generation unit in a Z-axis direction with an operation area interposed therebetween, and generates a magnetic field in the operation area in combination with the first magnetic field generation unit; and a moving module for moving at least one of the first magnetic field generation unit and the second magnetic field generation unit.