Rotating Capsule Endoscope Imaging Direction via Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsule endoscopes face challenges in optimizing imaging directions within a lumen, requiring complex structures with multiple optic systems to observe both axial and inner wall directions, which complicates the device and makes it difficult to maintain a proper size for introduction into a subject.
Innovation Solution
A capsule medical apparatus with a control member, such as a rotary guide member, that uses the flow of a fluid to control the capsule's movement, allowing an observing member to image both the direction of the fluid flow and a direction different from it, using a single or compound-eye-type imaging system with adjustable focus positions to optimize observing fields without increasing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optic systems or optical paths are set to optimize imaging direction for both axial and inner wall directions, then observation capability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the observing member rotatable about its optical axis, allowing a single optical system to dynamically adjust its imaging direction between axial and inner wall directions. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for multiple static optic systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatile observation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single optical system that can perform multiple functions through rotation. The same optical system images both the axial direction and inner wall direction by rotating the observing member, making one component serve multiple observational purposes without requiring separate dedicated systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optic systems are used to image both axial and inner wall directions, then observation completeness is improved, but capsule size increases making introduction difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable observing member enables a single compact optical system to achieve the observation coverage of multiple systems. By rotating the observing member to change imaging direction, the capsule maintains a small size suitable for introduction while still being able to image both axial and inner wall directions comprehensively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple optical systems into a single rotatable optical system. The observing member combines axial imaging and inner wall imaging capabilities in one integrated component, reducing the overall capsule size while maintaining complete observation coverage of the lumen.
3Device complexity
If a single optical system is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but imaging direction coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by introducing dynamic rotatability to the observing member. A single optical system becomes adaptable to multiple imaging directions through rotation, achieving versatility without increasing structural complexity. The observing member can be rotated to image axial direction, inner wall direction, or intermediate directions as needed.
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 dynamic optimization of observing fields within a lumen, allowing for comprehensive imaging of the entire area and specific portions like polyps without complicating the structure, ensuring smooth movement and effective observation of internal surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a control member controlling a movement of the capsule body in the lumen by a flow of a fluid introduced in the lumen
Implementation Method 2
an observing member fixed inside the capsule body and observing a direction of the flow of the fluid and a direction different from the flow of the fluid according to the movement of the capsule body
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a capsule medical apparatus including a capsule body, a control member, and an observing member. The capsule body is to be introduced into a lumen of a subject. The control member controls a movement of the capsule body in the lumen by a flow of a fluid introduced in the lumen. The observing member is fixed inside the capsule body and observes a direction of the flow of the fluid and a direction different from the flow of the fluid according to the movement of the capsule body.