Magneto-Mechanical Capsule Tracking With Friction-Limited Oscillation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tracking methods for markers within a patient's anatomy, such as imaging and electromagnetic sensors, require wired connections for energy supply and suffer from friction issues that affect the accuracy and longevity of magnetic field oscillations.

Innovation Solution

Magneto-mechanical capsules with a configuration of at least two fixed magnets and a free magnet in mechanical equilibrium, oscillating to produce a detectable electromagnetic field, utilizing stabilizers to minimize friction and maintain oscillation after the external field is turned off.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a free magnet is used to oscillate and produce electromagnetic field for tracking, then position and orientation detection is enabled, but friction from contact with surrounding objects reduces oscillation duration and measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition and orientation detection accuracyVSAvoidoscillation duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical support structures (filaments, tethers, shafts) with magnetic fields to suspend and actuate the magnet. The magnet is levitated using magnetic repulsion between the free magnet and fixed magnets, eliminating mechanical contact and associated friction. This substitution of mechanical support with magnetic field-based support resolves the contradiction by enabling long-duration oscillation without friction while maintaining precise position and orientation detection through electromagnetic field sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If magnetic attraction between magnets is increased to improve field strength, then signal detection is enhanced, but friction from contact increases reducing oscillation longevity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal detection accuracyVSAvoidoscillation duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using magnetic attraction to hold the free magnet in place, the patent inverts the approach by using magnetic repulsion. The free magnet is positioned between two fixed magnets with like poles facing each other, creating a repulsive force that suspends the free magnet in equilibrium. This inversion allows strong magnetic fields for signal detection while maintaining zero contact and minimal friction, resolving the contradiction between signal strength and oscillation duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If wired connection is used for energy supply to markers, then continuous operation is ensured, but tracking accuracy and simplicity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidtracking accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The magneto-mechanical capsule is designed to be self-powered through electromagnetic energy harvesting. The oscillating magnet in the capsule generates an electromagnetic field that can be detected by external receivers, and the system uses this electromagnetic interaction both for power transfer and for position/orientation sensing. This self-service approach eliminates wired connections while maintaining continuous operation and high tracking accuracy, resolving the contradiction between operational continuity and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 provides accurate and long-lasting position and orientation tracking of the capsules within the patient without a wired connection, enhancing manufacturability and reducing wobbling, thereby improving detection accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

the third magnet is configured to oscillate in response to an external magnetic field to produce a second magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field oscillation: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the free magnet oscillates relative to the fixed magnets at one or more resonant frequencies to produce a second electro-magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

Low friction between the oscillating magnet and objects in contact with the oscillating magnet is important

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

at least two fixed magnets and at least one free (e.g., non-fixed) magnet arranged in mechanical equilibrium with each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical equilibrium:

Data Source

PatentUS12582329B2Magneto-mechanical capsules

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 NORTHERN DIGITAL

AI summary

Magneto-mechanical capsules can include a body, a first magnet attached to a first end of the body, a second magnet attached to a second end of the body, and a third magnet disposed between the first magnet and the second magnet. In some cases, the third magnet is configured to oscillate in response to an external magnetic field to produce a second magnetic field.