Magnetic Valve Localization Device Insensitive to Earth's Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for locating and adjusting adjustable magnetic valves in medical applications are impractical due to sensitivity to the Earth's magnetic field, leading to inaccurate readings and the risk of injury from large instrument lumens, and are complex and expensive to shield effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device with a magnetic compass featuring magnets arranged with North-South directions perpendicular to the reference plane, allowing precise localization and adjustment of the valve's magnetic center without being sensitive to the Earth's magnetic field, using a magnetic indicator that pivots in three dimensions and includes a balancing ring for stability and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional locating instrument with a lumen is used to locate the valve, then the valve can be identified by palpation, but the instrument lumen must be large enough to avoid stretching the patient's skin dangerously, resulting in only approximate marking of the valve center and potential reading errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical locating instrument system with a magnetic field-based detection system. A detection device uses magnetic sensors to detect the magnetic field generated by magnetic elements embedded in the valve, eliminating the need for physical contact with the patient's skin and enabling precise localization without skin stretching or injury risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field as an intermediary between the valve and the detection device. The magnetic elements in the valve generate a magnetic field that can be detected remotely through the skin, allowing indirect but accurate measurement of valve position and orientation without direct mechanical contact.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If magnetic shielding is added to protect against the Earth's magnetic field interference, then the sensitivity to external magnetic fields is reduced, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by embedding magnetic elements specifically at the valve location rather than using global shielding. The magnetic elements create a localized magnetic field that dominates the detection signal, allowing the system to focus on local magnetic characteristics and ignore broader environmental magnetic interference without requiring complex shielding structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from general magnetic field intensity to specific magnetic field orientation and gradient patterns generated by the embedded magnetic elements. By detecting the unique magnetic signature (direction, strength distribution) of the valve's magnetic elements, the system can distinguish valve-related magnetic signals from Earth's magnetic field interference without shielding.
3Ease of operation
If multiple sequential instruments are used for localization and adjustment, then each function can be performed separately, but the process is time-consuming and the valve center can only be identified by inserting the valve into the lumen of the locating instrument
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional detection device that combines localization, orientation detection, and adjustment guidance functions in a single instrument. The device uses magnetic sensors to simultaneously determine the valve's position, orientation, and setting, eliminating the need for multiple sequential instruments and reducing the overall adjustment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of separate locating and adjustment instruments into a single integrated device. The detection device combines magnetic field sensing capabilities with visual indication systems to provide comprehensive valve information (position, orientation, setting) through a unified interface, streamlining the adjustment process.
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
Enables precise, single-step localization and adjustment of the valve's magnetic center, reducing errors and the need for shielding, while being cost-effective and insensitive to external magnetic fields, thus facilitating the adjustment of inaccessible valves.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic indicator (12) mounted so as to pivot in three dimensions of space under the effect of the magnetic field of the valve
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic indicator is provided with at least one magnet capable of receiving a magnetic field and having a direction North-South
Data Source
Figure 1~3b
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Figure 8~10
AI summary
The invention provides a device for the mechanical localization and reading of the setting of an adjustable magnetic valve, for controlling the flow of a fluid in a predetermined direction. This device is relatively insensitive to the Earth's magnetic field, simple and economical in design, and allows, in a single step, the location of the magnetic center of the valve and the determination of the valve setting. To this end, the invention relates to a device comprising a magnetic compass (10) and a compass alignment mark (10) relative to the direction of fluid flow. The compass includes a reference plane (Pr) and a magnetic indicator (12) mounted to pivot in three dimensions under the influence of the valve's magnetic field.The magnetic indicator (12) is provided with at least one magnet capable of receiving a magnetic field and having a North-South direction, said at least one magnet being arranged so that this North-South direction is substantially perpendicular to the reference plane (Pr) when the magnetic indicator (12) is positioned substantially perpendicular to the reference plane (Pr).