Micro-robot Control via Focused Magnetic Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic field driving devices for micro-robots are large in size, inefficient in power consumption, and limited in control performance due to the use of multiple electromagnets and permanent magnets.
Innovation Solution
A micro-robot control apparatus utilizing a dual electromagnetic module with a pair of electromagnetic modules, each comprising a paramagnetic core and a solenoid coil, to focus a magnetic field on a desired area and control micro-robots within the human body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of electromagnets are used to drive micro-robots, then the control capability is improved, but the device size increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electromagnet functions into a single electromagnetic field generator that can produce complex magnetic field patterns. By using a unified system with coordinated coils rather than multiple separate electromagnets, the device achieves the same control capability with reduced size and lower power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic field generator is designed to perform multiple functions: it can create uniform magnetic fields for propulsion, gradient magnetic fields for positioning, and complex field patterns for multi-directional control. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate electromagnets for different control tasks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of electromagnets are used to drive micro-robots, then the control capability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electromagnet functions into a single electromagnetic field generator that can produce complex magnetic field patterns. By using a unified system with coordinated coils rather than multiple separate electromagnets, the device achieves the same control capability with reduced size and lower power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses time-varying magnetic fields with periodic modulation to achieve precise control. By switching between different coil configurations in a coordinated sequence rather than maintaining multiple electromagnets continuously active, the system reduces overall power consumption while maintaining control capability.
3Area of stationary object
If permanent magnets are used to drive micro-robots, then the device size is reduced, but the control performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic electromagnetic field generation system where the magnetic field characteristics can be changed in real-time by adjusting current magnitude, direction, and temporal patterns. This dynamic control capability far exceeds static permanent magnets while maintaining a compact form factor through efficient coil design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls micro-robots by changing magnetic field parameters (strength, gradient, direction, temporal frequency) through controlled current variations in the electromagnetic coils. This parameter-based control provides superior adaptability compared to fixed permanent magnet configurations.
4Power
If conventional electromagnetic field methods are used to control micro-robots, then the magnetic field can be generated, but the robot cannot be focused to a desired location without location information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based control system that uses detected robot position information to adjust the magnetic field distribution. The system continuously monitors robot location and dynamically modifies the electromagnetic field pattern to guide and focus the robot at the desired target location, achieving precise positioning through closed-loop control.
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 efficient installation and operation of the device, reduces power consumption, and allows for precise control of micro-robots by focusing the magnetic field on a specific area, while also enabling location recognition of the micro-robot in 6 degrees of freedom.
Implementation Method 1
two electromagnetic modules including a magnetic core made of a paramagnet and a solenoid coil wound around the magnetic core
Implementation Method 2
the two electromagnetic modules are disposed to be symmetrical with each other with respect to an imaginary symmetric axis passing through the center of an area of interest, where a magnetic field is desired to be focused
Implementation Method 3
technologies for driving micro-robots by controlling the direction and intensity of a magnetic field through an electromagnetic field devices have been known or are being developed
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a micro-robot control apparatus. An electromagnetic module for focusing magnetic field and a micro-robot control apparatus comprising the electromagnetic module, according to the present invention, focus the magnetic field in an area of interest where focusing of same is desired to allow a micro-robot to be controlled, and, the apparatus having been simplified, allow efficient setup and operation in the surgery area. Moreover, the number of electromagnets is reduced to thus reduce the number of sources of power, thereby resulting in efficient operation of the apparatus with lowered power consumption. Additionally, by means of a magnetic induction frequency signal reception coil of the micro-robot and the external micro-robot control apparatus equipped with a magnetic induction transmission coil, the micro-robot control apparatus can both generate power wirelessly for the micro-robot, and implementation location recognition of same due to the efficiency of the generated power.