Rotating Permanent Magnet Actuation for Magnetic Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetically actuated devices (MATs) are constrained to operate in radial or axial positions relative to a rotating permanent magnet (RPM), limiting their movement and usefulness in clinical settings due to workspace limitations and the need for precise positioning to avoid collisions and obstacles.
Innovation Solution
The system allows the RPM to rotate and reposition freely relative to the MAT, enabling the generation of a rotating magnetic field around an arbitrary axis, which is not constrained to specific positions, thus enabling more flexible and controlled actuation of MATs within a patient's body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single rotating permanent magnet (RPM) is used to actuate magnetically actuated tools (MATs), then the cost is reduced compared to electromagnetic coil systems, but the control complexity increases significantly because applied magnetic force and torque cannot be controlled independently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the RPM rotation axis adjustable and repositionable in real-time. The system dynamically adapts the RPM's orientation and position to achieve desired magnetic field configurations, allowing independent control of force and torque components through temporal variation rather than spatial configuration alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by allowing the RPM rotation axis to vary in orientation and position. By modifying the rotational parameters (axis direction, angular velocity) and positional parameters of the RPM, the system achieves independent control of magnetic force and torque, transforming a statically constrained system into a dynamically controllable one.
2Device complexity
If MATs are operated exclusively in radial or axial positions relative to the RPM, then the actuation system is simpler to visualize and characterize, but the workspace is significantly constrained and the RPM must be precisely positioned to avoid collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the system dynamic: the RPM can be repositioned and reoriented during operation, and the control system adapts in real-time to maintain proper actuation. This dynamic capability allows the system to transition between different operational modes and positions, achieving both simplicity in control and flexibility in workspace utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional freedom by allowing the RPM to operate in arbitrary positions and orientations, not limited to radial or axial configurations. By utilizing the full three-dimensional space for RPM positioning and orientation, the system expands its workspace while maintaining controllable actuation through computational methods.
3Measurement precision
If the RPM is precisely positioned to maintain correct MAT motion, then actuation control is accurate, but the RPM cannot move to avoid collisions with the patient and other obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the RPM position and orientation relative to the MAT, and adjusting the RPM configuration in real-time to maintain accurate actuation. This closed-loop control allows the system to compensate for RPM movement, enabling the RPM to reposition for obstacle avoidance while maintaining precise control of MAT motion through adaptive control algorithms.
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
This approach allows for effective propulsion and guidance of MATs through a patient's body while avoiding collisions and obstacles, making the technology clinically realistic and practical for various medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating magnetic field source... to actuate the magnetically actuated device
Implementation Method 2
magnetic forces and torques are applied by an external field
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods utilize a rotating magnetic field to drive a magnetically actuated device where the source of the rotating magnetic field is not constrained to a particular orientation with respect to the device. In one embodiment a rotating permanent magnet is utilized to actuate a magnetically actuated device where the magnet is not constrained to any position relative to the magnetically actuated device, such as the radial or axial position. Accordingly, the rotating permanent magnet may be directed in a manner to avoid collisions or other obstacles in a workspace while still effectively driving the magnetically actuated device.