Magnetic Storage Unit for In Vivo Capsule Activation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing in-vivo imaging capsules face challenges with accidental activation during shipping and handling, and require secure storage to protect sensitive optical domes from damage and soiling, especially for capsules with multiple optical heads.

Innovation Solution

A storage unit with a recessed space, magnetically activated and deactivated lid, and capsule holding units with protruding elements to securely grip the capsule around its housing, allowing easy activation and deactivation without touching the optical domes, and a transparent lid to verify activation status.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the capsule is activated before swallowing, then the imaging procedure can start, but the capsule may be accidentally activated during shipping and handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation easeVSAvoidactivation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A magnet is placed in the storage unit to exert a preliminary inhibiting effect on the capsule's power source. The magnet holds the capsule in a deactivated state during storage and shipping, preventing accidental activation. When the magnet is removed, the inhibition is lifted and the capsule can be activated reliably.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Area of moving object

If the optical dome is made larger to enlarge the imaging field of view, then the imaging quality improves, but the optical dome becomes more prone to damage and scratching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging field of viewVSAvoidoptical dome damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The storage unit is designed with a recessed space that cradles the capsule, providing protective cushioning for the optical dome during shipping and handling. The capsule is held securely in place, preventing the large optical dome from being exposed to external impacts and scratches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage unit acts as an intermediary between the capsule and the external environment. It provides a protective barrier that shields the vulnerable optical dome from direct contact with potentially damaging surfaces during handling and transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the capsule is held securely in storage, then the optical dome is protected from damage, but the capsule may be difficult to retrieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical dome protectionVSAvoidcapsule retrieval ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet is extracted from the storage unit before the capsule is removed. This removes the inhibiting force that was securing the capsule, allowing for easy retrieval without requiring forceful extraction that could damage the optical dome.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage system transitions from a static secured state (with magnet) to a dynamic retrieval state (without magnet). The capsule is held securely during storage but can be easily removed when the magnet is taken out, providing both protection and ease of retrieval.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If a magnet is used to inhibit the power source, then accidental activation is prevented, but the magnet must be removed to activate the capsule which adds a step

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation controlVSAvoidactivation procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet serves dual functions: it both secures the capsule in the storage unit and simultaneously inhibits the power source. By combining these two functions into a single component, the system prevents accidental activation without adding significant procedural complexity - the user simply removes the magnet to both retrieve and activate the capsule.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Ensures safe handling and activation of in-vivo imaging capsules, prevents accidental activation, and protects the optical domes from damage and contamination, facilitating high-quality imaging by maintaining the integrity of the imaging device.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet for magnetically activating and deactivating the capsule

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic activation: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS7931149B2System for storing and activating an in vivo imaging capsule

Publication Date: 2011.04.26 GIVEN IMAGING LTD

AI summary

A storage unit is provided for removably storing an in vivo imaging capsule. The capsule may have a housing and an optical dome. The storage unit may include a recessed space formed for accepting the capsule. A magnet for magnetically activating and deactivating the capsule may be provided in the storage unit, for example in the lid. The storage unit may also include a capsule holding unit comprising at least two protruding elements to removably hold the capsule in the storage unit, wherein the protruding elements are positioned to grip the capsule housing.