Locomotion system for a medical device
A locomotion system for use in a medical device, including at least one magnet, a rotor including a plurality of coil windings, and a ferromagnetic member. The rotor is configured, on application of a current to the plurality of coil windings, to travel along the ferromagnetic member and to impact on a surface.
1 . A locomotion system for use in a medical device, comprising:
an actuator comprising a plurality of coil windings;
a ferromagnetic member; and
a plurality of magnets, wherein the plurality of magnets are arranged circumferentially around the actuator and ferromagnetic member;
wherein the actuator is configured, on application of a current to the plurality of coil windings, to travel along the ferromagnetic member and to impact on a surface.
2 . The locomotion system of claim 1 , further comprising a housing.
3 . The locomotion system of claim 2 , wherein the surface is a surface of the housing.
4 . The locomotion system of claim 2 , wherein the ferromagnetic member is located centrally within the housing.
5 . The locomotion system of claim 2 , wherein the actuator is not in sliding contact with the housing as it travels along the ferromagnetic member.
6 . The locomotion system of claim 1 , wherein the ferromagnetic member comprises a rod or rail, and wherein the actuator is configured to slide along the rod or rail.
7 . The locomotion system of claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises a carriage around which is wound the plurality of coil windings.
8 . The locomotion system of claim 1 , further comprising a returning element configured to repel the actuator from the surface.
9 . The locomotion system of claim 8 , wherein the returning element comprises a spring or an additional magnet.
10 . The locomotion system of claim 1 , wherein the locomotion system is an endoscopic capsule.
11 . A method of moving a medical device with a locomotion system comprising an actuator comprising a plurality of coil windings, a ferromagnetic member, and a plurality of magnets, wherein the plurality of magnets are arranged circumferentially around the actuator and ferromagnetic member, wherein the actuator is configured, on application of a current to the plurality of coil windings, to travel along the ferromagnetic member and to impact on a surface, the method comprising:
applying a first current to the plurality of coil windings to cause the actuator to travel along the ferromagnetic member in a first direction and impact on the surface,
wherein the actuator impacting on the surface generates motion of the medical device in the first direction.
12 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising moving the actuator in a second direction away from the surface.
13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein moving the actuator in the second direction comprises applying a second current to the plurality of coil windings, said second current having an opposite polarity to the first current such that application of the second current causes the actuator to travel along the ferromagnetic member in the second direction.
14 . The method of claim 11 , wherein an endoscopic capsule comprises the locomotion system.
15 . A method for the diagnosis of a disease or condition in a subject using a medical device comprising a locomotion system including an actuator comprising a plurality of coil windings, a ferromagnetic member, and a plurality of magnets, wherein the plurality of magnets are arranged circumferentially around the actuator and ferromagnetic member; wherein the actuator is configured, on application of a current to the plurality of coil windings, to travel along the ferromagnetic member and to impact on a surface, the method comprising:
generating images of the gastrointestinal tract of said subject using an imaging means located in the medical device when said medical device is located in the gastrointestinal tract; and
analyzing said images to determine a presence or absence of the disease or condition.
16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein an endoscopic capsule comprises the locomotion system.
17 . An endoscopic capsule comprising:
a locomotion system including:
an actuator comprising a plurality of coil windings,
a ferromagnetic member, and
a plurality of magnets, wherein the plurality of magnets are arranged circumferentially around the actuator and ferromagnetic member, and
wherein the actuator is configured, on application of a current to the plurality of coil windings, to travel along the ferromagnetic member and to impact on a surface.