Modular Capsule Endoscope Magnetic Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capsule endoscopes face limitations in achieving accurate image diagnosis due to passive movement, inability to load various diagnostic and treatment tools, and difficulty in observing lesions in curved regions, restricting their application to small intestine and imaging diagnosis only.
Innovation Solution
A modular capsule endoscope system with a camera module, treatment module, and interface module using soft magnets that can be assembled or disassembled in the gastrointestinal tract under an external magnetic field, allowing for active control and expansion of diagnostic and treatment functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional capsule endoscopes are used for imaging diagnosis, then patient compliance and cleanness are improved, but the ability to perform various diagnostic and treatment functions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule endoscope is divided into separate modules: a capsule module containing imaging and control systems, and separate functional modules (biopsy module, drug delivery module, treatment module). These modules can be individually swallowed and then assembled in the digestive tract, allowing the system to maintain the simplicity of capsule swallowing while enabling multiple diagnostic and treatment functions through modular combination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If various diagnostic and treatment devices are loaded in a capsule endoscope, then functional versatility is improved, but the capsule size increases making it difficult to swallow
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of loading all functional devices into a single large capsule, the system segments functionality into a small capsule module and separate functional modules. Each module is sized to be easily swallowed individually, but together they provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment capabilities when assembled in the digestive tract.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional modules are designed to be assembled around or alongside the capsule module after ingestion. The capsule module serves as a central hub that can interface with multiple functional modules, creating a nested or clustered configuration that maximizes functionality while minimizing the size of individual ingestible components.
3Device complexity
If conventional capsule endoscopes move passively through digestive organs, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to accurately photograph desired sites and observe lesions in curved regions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule module is equipped with active mobility control systems including electromagnetic field response capabilities and peristalsis induction mechanisms. These dynamic control systems enable the capsule to actively navigate to desired sites, maintain stable positioning, and adjust its orientation to accurately photograph lesions in curved regions, transforming the passive movement into active, controlled navigation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a modular reconfiguration mechanism is implemented, then functional versatility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular reconfiguration system divides the endoscope into standardized interface modules with uniform connection protocols. Each module contains integrated assembly mechanisms including magnetic coupling and mechanical interlocking features, allowing modules to self-assemble through simple interactions rather than complex controlled operations, thereby reducing the overall system complexity despite enabling versatile reconfiguration.
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 control and expansion of capsule endoscope functions for various diagnostic and treatment procedures, including imaging, biopsy, and drug delivery, beyond traditional imaging capabilities, with the ability to assemble and disassemble modules as needed within the digestive organ.
Implementation Method 1
an interface module coupled to the capsule endoscope and the treatment module therebetween and including soft magnets
Implementation Method 2
assembled by attractive force between the modules, which is generated by the magnetization of the soft magnets included in the interface module when an external magnetic field is applied
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a capsule-type endoscope assembly which can be assembled or disassembled in a digestive organ of an examinee, and a capsule-type endoscope system using the same. A capsule-type endoscope of the present invention can be actively operated by the application of an external magnetic field. In addition, according to the present invention, after an examinee has separately swallowed various diagnosis and treatment devices modularized according to a purpose of diagnosis and treatment, the diagnosis and treatment devices can be assembled in a digestive organ of the examinee. Therefore, a function of a capsule-type endoscope can be extended to various diagnosis and treatment areas conventionally covered by a conventional general endoscope.