Swallowable Endoscope Magnetic Control for Digestive Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current peroral endoscopic systems face challenges in controlling posture, direction, and imaging in the digestive system, particularly in the small intestine, and struggle with accurate diagnosis due to passive movement and limitations in ultrasonic imaging caused by air layers.
Innovation Solution
A swallowable peroral endoscopic apparatus equipped with an imaging unit, ultrasonic unit, magnetic unit, transceiving unit, and control unit, allowing for controlled movement and imaging direction, and enabling ultrasonic imaging of submucosal regions without external probes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional peroral endoscope is used, then the device is simple and easy to operate, but the ability to control position and posture is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical movement through peristalsis with an active magnetic field-based control system. A magnetic field generator externally applies magnetic forces to magnetic particles embedded in the endoscope, enabling precise control of position and posture without complex mechanical actuators inside the capsule, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving active control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state by incorporating magnetic particles into the endoscope structure. This allows the device to respond to external magnetic fields, transforming it from a passive capsule moved by peristalsis to an actively controllable device that can be positioned and oriented precisely within the digestive tract.
2Measurement precision
If a magnetic device is used to control the peroral endoscope, then the control precision is improved, but the facility size and operation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces large-scale mechanical positioning systems with a magnetic field-based control approach. By embedding magnetic particles in the endoscope and using an external magnetic field generator, the system achieves precise control without requiring large mechanical actuators or complex positioning machinery, thereby reducing facility size while maintaining control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic particles as an intermediary between the external magnetic field generator and the endoscope. These particles act as a coupling medium that transmits magnetic forces to the endoscope, enabling precise control through a compact external device rather than requiring large mechanical control systems.
3Speed
If ultrasonic imaging is performed through the air layer between the endoscope and digestive wall, then the imaging speed is fast, but the imaging quality is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of the air layer (which blocks ultrasonic waves) into a beneficial condition by using the magnetic field to press the endoscope against the digestive wall. This eliminates the air layer barrier, allowing ultrasonic waves to pass through effectively while maintaining the speed advantage of ultrasonic imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the contact between the endoscope and the digestive wall using magnetic forces. By applying controlled magnetic pressure, the system ensures consistent contact for high-quality ultrasonic imaging while allowing the endoscope to move through the digestive tract, thus maintaining both imaging quality and the ability to navigate.
4Device complexity
If the peroral endoscope moves passively by peristalsis, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to stop and re-examine specific sites is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive peristaltic movement with active magnetic field control. By applying localized magnetic forces, the system can stop the endoscope at specific sites, hold it in position for detailed examination, and even reverse its direction, all without adding complex mechanical propulsion systems to the capsule.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses magnetic particles as an intermediary to enable controlled movement and positioning. These particles allow the external magnetic field to precisely control the endoscope's position and orientation, enabling the device to stop and re-examine specific sites without requiring complex internal mechanical systems.
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 more accurate observation and diagnosis of digestive organs, including the small intestine, with improved ultrasonic imaging of submucosal regions and peripheral organs, reducing the need for separate CT scans or ultrasonic endoscopes.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic unit configured to adjust a position, a posture, and a proceeding direction of the peroral endoscopic apparatus in response to an external magnetic force
Implementation Method 2
at least one ultrasonic unit configured to output ultrasonic data on a region beneath an inner wall of the digestive system
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a peroral endoscopic apparatus of a swallowable type, the peroral endoscopic apparatus including: at least one imaging unit configured to perform imaging of a human body digestive system and output image data; at least one ultrasonic unit configured to output ultrasonic data on a submucosal region of the digestive system and a peripheral organ located therearound; a magnetic unit configured to adjust a position, a posture, and a proceeding direction of the peroral endoscopic apparatus in response to an external magnetic force; a transceiving unit configured to transmit the image data and the ultrasonic data to an external device or receive an external control signal; a control unit configured to control the imaging unit and the ultrasonic unit to perform imaging of the digestive system and the submucosal region simultaneously or individually; and a power supply unit configured to supply power.