Patent Description:
A magnetic robot equipped therein with a magnet is driven when receiving magnetic torque and magnetic force from an external magnetic field generated by a magnetic field drive system, and because the magnetic robot can be remotely controlled precisely, the magnetic robot is applied in various fields, and research and development on the magnetic robot are in progress. For instance, there are a magnetically driven capsule endoscope applied to the digestive system, a magnetic catheter applied to cardiac arrhythmia treatment, and the like. In addition, there are a magnetic robot for vascular treatment for the treatment of obstructive blood vessels, a micro robot for drug delivery in an eyeball, magnetic nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery in tissues, and the like.

As described above, the positions of the human body and lesion portions to which the magnetic robot is applied are very diverse. The key to driving and controlling such a magnetic robot is a magnetic field drive system that generates an external magnetic field. However, in an existing magnetic field drive system, the position and arrangement of the electromagnet that generates the magnetic field are fixed, and thus the position and characteristics of the lesion portion are not considered, so that the magnetic field is inefficiently generated and controlled. In addition, there are limitations that a high-power high-frequency magnetic field cannot be generated due to the magnetic properties of a magnetic structure such as a magnetic core. Such limitations of the magnetic field drive system leads to limitations in diseases that can be dealt with the magnetic robot and motions that can be generated by the magnetic robot.

Document <CIT> discloses an electromagnetic actuating device in which a coil unit generates magnetic field toward a medical device inserted into a human body. An actuator drives the coil unit to move back and forth, thereby adjusting the rate of a change in magnetic force or magnetic field applied to the medical device. The coil unit moves linearly back and forth depending on the body shape of a subject and the body part to be diagnosed, such that actuation force is efficiently supplied to the medical device. Further relevant prior art is described in documents <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

The present disclosure provides a magnetic field drive system capable of optimizing the position and arrangement of a magnetic field generation unit according to the location and features of a lesion portion.

In addition, the present disclosure provides a magnetic field drive system capable of generating a high-power high-frequency magnetic field.

According to the present disclosure, since the magnetic cores can move along the support frame or linearly move in the axial direction, the generation of the magnetic field can be controlled according to the location and characteristics of the lesion.

Further, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to generate a high-power high-frequency magnetic field in a target region by generating a waste magnetic circuit and providing a variable capacitor and a stacked magnetic structure.

The invention is defined by appended independent claim <NUM>, preferred embodiments being further defined in dependent claims.

Hereinafter, preferable embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings.

In the present specification, when it is mentioned that a certain component is on another component, it means that the component may be formed directly on another component or that a third component may be interposed therebetween. In addition, the thicknesses of the lines and the sizes of the components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation.

In addition, in various embodiments of the present specification, terms, such as "first", "second", "third", and the like, are used to describe various components, but these components should not be limited by the terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. Accordingly, what is referred to as a first component in one embodiment may be referred to as a second component in another embodiment. Each embodiment described and illustrated herein also includes its complementary embodiment. In the present disclosure, the term "and/or" indicates at least one of components listed before and after.

In addition, a detailed description of well-known features or functions will be ruled out in order not to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a magnetic field generating system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a front view of the magnetic field generating system of <FIG>, <FIG> is a right-side view of the magnetic field generating system of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the magnetic field generating system generates a magnetic field in a target area. The magnetic field generating system <NUM> includes a rail <NUM>, a first magnetic field generation unit <NUM>, a second magnetic field generation unit <NUM>, a driving unit <NUM>, and a power supply unit <NUM>.

The rail <NUM> may have a predetermined length in one direction and be placed on the ground. According to an embodiment, the rail <NUM> is formed of a magnetic material.

The first and second magnetic field generation units <NUM> and <NUM> are installed on the rail <NUM>, respectively. The first and second magnetic field generation units <NUM> and <NUM> are arranged in a line in the length direction of the rail <NUM>. At least an area of the space between the first and second magnetic field generation units <NUM> and <NUM> is defined as a target area T. The first and second magnetic field generation units <NUM> and <NUM> generate magnetic fields in the target area T.

The first magnetic field generation unit <NUM> includes a first support frame <NUM>, a first magnetic core <NUM>, a first coil <NUM>, and a first core variable module <NUM>.

The first support frame <NUM> is installed on the rail <NUM>. The lower end of the first support frame <NUM> is installed on the rail <NUM>. The first support frame <NUM> is formed of a magnetic material. The first support frame <NUM> is provided as a passage through which the magnetic field generated by the first coil <NUM> passes. According to an embodiment, the first support frame <NUM> has a ring shape having a predetermined radius, and its central axis is arranged in parallel with the length direction of the rail <NUM>. According to an example, the first support frame <NUM> may be provided with a single frame. Alternatively, the first support frame <NUM> may be provided in a structure in which a pair of frames <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed to face each other at a predetermined distance.

The first magnetic core <NUM> is supported by the first support frame <NUM> and extends from a predetermined position of the first support frame <NUM> toward the target area T. The first magnetic core <NUM> is a magnetic material having a predetermined shape, and the end is disposed toward the target area T. The first magnetic core <NUM> may have a cylindrical or polygonal column shape. At least one first magnetic core <NUM> is provided. According to the embodiment, four first magnetic cores <NUM> are provided, and are disposed along the circumference of the first support frame <NUM> while spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. Each of the first magnetic cores <NUM> is inclined such that the ends are disposed toward the target area T.

The first coil <NUM> is wound around each of the first magnetic cores <NUM>.

The first core variable module <NUM> is installed on the first support frame <NUM> and moves the first magnetic core <NUM>. The first core variable module <NUM> moves the first magnetic core <NUM> along the circumference of the first support frame <NUM>. In addition, the first core variable module <NUM> linearly moves the first magnetic core <NUM> in the direction of the central axis of the first magnetic core <NUM>. The first core variable module <NUM> is provided to each of the first magnetic cores <NUM> and individually moves the first magnetic cores <NUM>. As the first magnetic cores <NUM> move individually along the circumference of the first support frame <NUM>, the interval between the first magnetic cores <NUM> may be adjusted. The first core variable modules <NUM> may move the first magnetic cores <NUM> such that the intervals between the first magnetic cores <NUM> are the same. Alternatively, the first core variable modules <NUM> may move the first magnetic cores <NUM> such that the intervals between the first magnetic cores <NUM> are different from each other. As the first magnetic cores <NUM> move forward or backward in the direction of the central axis by driving of the first core variable modules <NUM>, the size of the target area T and the intensity of the magnetic field formed in the target area T may be adjusted. In detail, when the first magnetic cores <NUM> move forward, the size of the target area T decreases, and a high-intensity magnetic field may be generated in the target area T. To the contrary, when the first magnetic cores <NUM> move backward, the size of the target area T increases, and a magnetic field having a relatively low intensity may be generated in the target area T. As described above, the size of the target area T and the intensity of the magnetic field formed in the target area T may be adjusted according to the linear movement of the first magnetic cores <NUM>.

The second magnetic field generation unit <NUM> includes a second support frame <NUM>, a second magnetic core <NUM>, a second coil <NUM>, and a second core variable module <NUM>.

The second support frame <NUM> is installed on the rail <NUM>. The second support frame <NUM> has the same shape, material, and size as the first support frame <NUM>, and the lower end is placed on the rail <NUM>. The second support frame <NUM> faces the first support frame <NUM>, and the central axis is located on the same line as that of the first support frame <NUM>.

The second magnetic core <NUM> is supported by the second support frame <NUM> and extends from a predetermined position of the second support frame <NUM> toward the target area T. The second magnetic core <NUM> is a magnetic material having the same shape as the first magnetic core <NUM> and the end is disposed toward the target area T. At least one second magnetic core <NUM> may be provided. According to an embodiment, the number of second magnetic cores <NUM> is equal to that of the first magnetic cores <NUM>.

The second coil <NUM> is wound around the second magnetic cores <NUM>, respectively.

The second core variable module <NUM> is installed on the second support frame <NUM> and moves the second magnetic core <NUM>. The second core variable module <NUM> moves the second magnetic core <NUM> along the circumference of the second support frame <NUM>. In addition, the second core variable module <NUM> linearly moves the second magnetic core <NUM> in the direction of the central axis of the second magnetic core <NUM>. The second core variable module <NUM> is provided to each of the second magnetic cores <NUM>, and individually moves the second magnetic cores <NUM>.

The driving unit <NUM> moves the first magnetic field generation unit <NUM> and the second magnetic field generation unit <NUM> along the rail <NUM>. The driving unit <NUM> may individually move the first magnetic field generation unit <NUM> and the second magnetic field generation unit <NUM>. The driving unit <NUM> includes a first driving unit <NUM> for moving the first magnetic field generation unit <NUM> and a second driving unit <NUM> for moving the second magnetic field generation unit <NUM>. The first driving part <NUM> is installed on the rail <NUM> and is coupled to the first support frame <NUM>. As the first driving unit <NUM> moves along the rail <NUM>, the first support frame <NUM> may move. The second driving unit <NUM> is installed on the rail <NUM> and is coupled to the second support frame <NUM>. As the second driving unit <NUM> moves along the rail <NUM>, the second support frame <NUM> may move. The position and size of the target area T may be adjusted according to the movements of the first and second support frames <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram (A) showing a connection (A) between a first magnetic field generation unit and a power supply unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and an electrical circuit diagram (B) thereof. <FIG> is a diagram (A) showing a connection between a second magnetic field generation unit and a power supply unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and an electric circuit diagram (B) thereof.

Referring to <FIG>, the power supply unit <NUM> supplies power to the first and second coils <NUM> and <NUM>. The power supply unit <NUM> supplies power to a first circuit connected to the first coil <NUM> and a second circuit connected to the second coil <NUM>, respectively.

The first magnetic field generation unit <NUM> further includes a first variable capacitor <NUM> provided to the first circuit <NUM>, and the second magnetic field generation unit <NUM> further includes a second variable capacitor <NUM> provided to the second circuit <NUM>. Accordingly, the first and second circuits <NUM> and <NUM> are provided in closed circuits including power sources P1 and P2, resistors R1 and R2, inductances L1 and L2, and capacitances C1 and C2. In this case, the power supplies P1 and P2 refer to the power supply unit <NUM>, the resistances R1 and R2 and the inductances L1 and L2 refer to the first and second magnetic cores <NUM> and <NUM> and the first and second coils <NUM> and <NUM>, and the capacitances C1 and C2 refer to the first and second variable capacitors <NUM> and <NUM>.

The first and second variable capacitors <NUM> and <NUM> control the capacitances C1 and C2 of the circuits <NUM> and <NUM> to reduce the effects by the inductance L1 and L2 that reduces the intensity of the magnetic field when generating a high-frequency magnetic field. Accordingly, the circuit may generate resonance in which the magnetic field is maximized at a specific frequency. In this case, the resonance point may be adjusted through control of the capacitances C1 and C2 of the first and second variable capacitor <NUM> and <NUM>. Therefore, it may be possible to generate resonance at any frequency if the range of change of the capacitances C1 and C2 is sufficient.

Therefore, by adjusting the capacitance C1 and/or the capacitance C2 of the first variable capacitor <NUM> and/or the second variable capacitor <NUM> to cause resonance occurs at a desired frequency, it is possible to generate a magnetic field at a specific frequency (e.g., the frequency of the input voltage).

In this case, the currents flowing through the first and second coils <NUM> and <NUM> may expressed as following Equation <NUM>.

Where VS denotes the magnitude of an applied voltage, f denotes the frequency of the applied voltage, RC and LC denote the resistance and inductance of a coil, and CV denotes the capacitance of a variable capacitor. The maximum voltage is obtained at the resonant frequency <MAT> of a closed circuit, and the resonant frequency may be adjusted by the variable capacitor.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams showing flows of the magnetic fields generated by first and second magnetic field generation units according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a diagram showing a flow of a magnetic field generated by a magnetic field generator according to a comparative example.

First, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a magnetic field is generated in the first coil <NUM> by power supplied from the power supply unit <NUM>, and the generated magnetic field flows through the first magnetic core <NUM> and the first support frame <NUM>. The magnetic field M1 formed in the first magnetic core <NUM>, the magnetic field M2 formed in the first support frame <NUM>, and the magnetic field M3 formed in the target area T1 form a closed magnetic circuit.

A magnetic field is generated in the second coil <NUM> by power supplied from the power supply unit <NUM>, and the generated magnetic field flows along the second magnetic core <NUM> and the second support frame <NUM>. The magnetic field M1 formed in the second magnetic core <NUM>, the magnetic field M2 formed in the second support frame <NUM>, and the magnetic field M3 formed in the target area T2 form a closed magnetic circuit.

<FIG> shows that the first and second magnetic cores <NUM> and <NUM> are linearly moved in the longitudinal direction by the first and second core variable modules <NUM> and <NUM> to form the target area T2 by fitting a lesion portion. As compared with <FIG>, it is possible to generate a high-intensity magnetic field.

In an actual experimental example, in <FIG>, the size of the target area T1 is set to a diameter of <NUM>, and in <FIG>, the size of the target area T2 is set to a diameter of <NUM>, where each coil is wound <NUM>,<NUM> times, and a current of 10A is approved thereto. The intensity of the magnetic field at the center point Tc of each of the target area T1 and T2 was <NUM> mT in <FIG> and <NUM> mT in <FIG>.

Unlike the above, the magnetic field generation unit according to <FIG> forms an open magnetic circuit in which the magnetic field generated by the coil <NUM> is blocked from flowing in the magnetic cores <NUM>. Like in <FIG>, the size of the target area T1 was set to a diameter of <NUM>, and the winding number of a coil and the applied current were the same as above. As a result, the magnetic field intensity at the center point Tc of the target area T1 was <NUM> mT.

As described above, it may be understood that the closed magnetic circuit has improved magnetic field generation ability than the open magnetic circuit. In particular, it may be confirmed that a high-intensity magnetic field is effectively generated when a target area is formed by fitting a lesion portion.

<FIG> is a diagram showing a flow of a magnetic field in a magnetic field drive system according to the invention.

Referring to <FIG>, a magnetic field flowing along the first support frame <NUM> may flow to the second support frame <NUM> through the rail <NUM> made of a magnetic material. To the contrary, the magnetic field flowing along the second support frame <NUM> may flow to the first support frame <NUM> through the rail. By such a magnetic field flow, the magnetic fields M1 and M2 formed in the first magnetic core <NUM> and the first support frame <NUM>, the magnetic field M3 formed in the rail <NUM>, the magnetic fields M4 and M5 formed in the second magnetic core <NUM> and the second support frame <NUM>, and the magnetic field Mt formed in the target area T form a closed magnetic circuit. The formation of the closed magnetic circuit maximizes the magnetic field generation ability in the target area (T).

<FIG> is a diagram showing each cross section of a magnetic core, a support frame, and a rail according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a diagram showing each cross section of a magnetic core, a support frame, and a rail according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The cross sections of the magnetic cores <NUM> and <NUM> are shown taken along the line A1-A2 of <FIG>. The cross sections of the support frames <NUM> and <NUM> are shown taken along the line B1-B2 of <FIG>. The cross sections of the rail <NUM> are shown taken along line C1-C2 of <FIG>.

First, referring to <FIG>, the first and second magnetic cores <NUM> and <NUM>, the first and second support frames <NUM> and <NUM>, and the rail <NUM> may be formed with a single frame in a solid form.

Differently, referring to <FIG>, the first and second magnetic cores <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed by stacking a plurality of first base frames F1. The first and second support frames <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed by stacking a plurality of second base frames F2. The rail <NUM> may be formed by stacking a plurality of third base frames F3. The first to third base frames F1 to F3 are formed of a magnetic material.

The first and second magnetic cores <NUM> and <NUM> have a cylindrical shape as a whole, and the first base frames F1 have a structure in which thin plates having the same length as the first and second magnetic cores are stacked. Unlike the above, the first and second magnetic cores <NUM> and <NUM> may have a rectangular column shape. In this case, as shown in <FIG>, the first and second magnetic cores <NUM> and <NUM> have a rectangular cross section and have a structure in which the first base frames F1 which have a plate shape and the same thickness and length are stacked.

The second base frames F2 have the same radius as the first and second support frames <NUM> and <NUM> and are provided as a ring-shaped plate having a thin thickness, and their central axis is located on the same axis. The second base frames F2 are stacked on each other to constitute the first and second support frames <NUM> and <NUM>.

The third base frame F3 constitutes the rail <NUM> by stacking thin plates having the same length in the width direction of the rail <NUM>.

When a high-power high-frequency magnetic field is generated, eddy currents EC1 and EC2 flow through the first and second magnetic cores <NUM> and <NUM>, the first and second support frames <NUM> and <NUM>, and the inside of the rail <NUM>. Such eddy currents may be a factor that decreases the intensity of the high-frequency magnetic field.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, because the first and second magnetic cores <NUM> and <NUM>, the first and second support frames <NUM> and <NUM>, and the rail <NUM> have relatively large cross-sectional areas, the area through which the eddy current can flow increases, so that the intensity of the eddy current EC1 increases.

To the contrary, in the embodiments of <FIG> and <FIG>, the first and second magnetic cores <NUM> and <NUM>, the first and second support frames <NUM> and <NUM>, and the rail <NUM> generate the eddy currents EC2 inside base frames F1, F2 and F3, respectively. Compared with the embodiment of <FIG>, since each of the base frames F1, F2, and F3 has a relatively small cross-sectional area, an area through which the eddy current EC2 can flow is reduced. Accordingly, the intensity of the eddy currents EC2 flowing inside the base frames F1, F2 and F3 may be reduced, and an effect of reducing the magnetic field intensity due to the eddy current may be reduced.

<FIG> is a graph showing the results of analytically calculating the intensity of a magnetic field that may be generated when a high-frequency magnetic field is generated according to the application of a variable capacitor and a stacked magnetic structure. A first graph A shows the intensity of the magnetic field according to an embodiment in which a variable capacitor and a stacked magnetic structure are not applied, A second graph B shows the intensity of a magnetic field according to an embodiment in which a variable capacitor is applied and a stacked magnetic structure is not applied, as shown in <FIG>. A third graph C shows the intensity of a magnetic field according to an embodiment in which both a variable capacitor and a stacked magnetic structure are applied as shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the resistance of the magnetic field generation unit is set to about <NUM>Ω and the inductance is set to about <NUM>, and the current intensity is applied to generate a magnetic field of about an intensity of <NUM> mT in the target area. Comparing the results according to the respective embodiments, it may be understood that the difference in the intensity of the magnetic field which is able to be generated increases rapidly as the frequency of the magnetic field increases. Accordingly, it may be understood that a variable capacitor and a stacked magnetic structure are essential in order to generate a high-power high-frequency magnetic field.

<FIG> is a view showing the first and second magnetic cores according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a front view showing the first and second magnetic cores of <FIG>. The first and second magnetic cores may be provided in the same structure. An example of the first magnetic core will be described below.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first magnetic core <NUM> includes a first core housing <NUM>, a first auxiliary core <NUM>, and a first core driving unit (not shown).

The first core housing <NUM> has a first coil <NUM> wound on an outer surface thereof, and a space is formed therein. An opening 211a is formed at one end of the first core housing <NUM>. The opening 211a communicates with the inside of the first core housing <NUM>.

The first auxiliary core <NUM> has a volume smaller than that of the first core housing <NUM> and is inserted into the first core housing <NUM> through the opening 211a. The first auxiliary core <NUM> is formed of a magnetic material. According to an embodiment, the first auxiliary core <NUM> may have a column shape having a diameter corresponding to the opening 211a. The central axis C of the first auxiliary core <NUM> may be positioned on the same lien as the central axis C of the first core housing <NUM>.

The first core driving unit linearly moves the first auxiliary core <NUM> in the direction of the central axis C. Accordingly, the front end of the first auxiliary core <NUM> may be located at the same point as one end of the first core housing <NUM> or may protrude forward of the first core housing <NUM>.

The magnetic field generated by the first coil <NUM> flows along the first core housing <NUM> and the first auxiliary core <NUM> to generate a magnetic field in the target area T. The location of the end of the first magnetic core <NUM> may be changed according to the linear movement of the first auxiliary core <NUM>, and accordingly, the intensity and distribution of the magnetic field that can be generated may be variously adjusted. In addition, by moving the first auxiliary core <NUM> having a relatively small weight, it is possible to minimize the occurrence of a load according to the movement.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a first magnetic core according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a front view showing the first magnetic core of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first auxiliary core <NUM> has a central axis C1 spaced apart from the central axis C of the first core housing <NUM> by a predetermined distance, so that the central axis C1 of the first auxiliary core <NUM> is arranged parallel to the central axis C of the first core housing <NUM>. The first auxiliary core <NUM> is linearly moved in the direction of the central axis C1 by the first core driving unit.

Referring to <FIG>, a plurality of openings 211a and 211b may be formed in one end of the first core housing <NUM>. The openings 211a and 211b may have the same size. Alternatively, the openings 211a and 211b may have different sizes. According to an embodiment, two openings 211a and 211b may be formed in one end of the first core housing <NUM>, and each of the openings 211a and 211b may have the same size.

The first auxiliary cores <NUM> are inserted into the openings 211a and 211b, respectively. The first auxiliary cores <NUM> have diameters corresponding to the inserted openings 211a and 211b. The first central axes C1 and C2 of the auxiliary cores <NUM> are spaced apart from the central axis C of the first core housing <NUM> by a predetermined distance, so that the first central axes C1 and C2 are arranged parallel to the central axis C of the first core housing <NUM>.

The first core drive unit linearly moves the first auxiliary cores <NUM> individually in the direction of their central axes C1 and C2. Accordingly, the lengths of the first auxiliary cores <NUM> protruding in front of the first core housing <NUM> may be adjusted.

<FIG> are views sequentially illustrating a method of driving a magnetic field drive system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a method of driving the magnetic field drive system <NUM> first places a patient <NUM> on a bed <NUM>. In addition, the positions of the first and second magnetic field generation units <NUM> and <NUM> are adjusted such that the lesion portion of the patient <NUM> is located in the target area of the magnetic field drive system <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the head region of the patient <NUM> is located in the target area for the treatment of brain disease of the patient <NUM>. By driving of the first and second driving units <NUM> and <NUM>, the first and second magnetic field generation units <NUM> and <NUM> move linearly along the rail <NUM> to cause a lesion portion of the patient <NUM> to located in the target area. The first and second core variable modules <NUM> and <NUM> move the first and second magnetic cores <NUM> and <NUM> along the first and second support frames <NUM> and <NUM>, and move the first and second magnetic cores linearly in the direction of the central axis to align the positions of the first and second magnetic cores <NUM> and <NUM>. Thus, the target area may be optimized to be suitable to the lesion portion. While an x-ray imaging apparatus <NUM> is positioned, power is applied to the first and second coils <NUM> and <NUM>. When power is applied, a magnetic field is generated in the target area. The position of a magnetic robot inserted into the body of the patient <NUM> is tracked based on the perspective image obtained by the x-ray imaging apparatus <NUM>, and the movement of the magnetic robot moves may be controlled by using the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field drive system <NUM>. As described above, the intensity of the magnetic field generated in the target area may be increased by the formation of the closed magnetic circuit.

<FIG> are perspective views showing magnetic field driving systems according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the first and second support frames of the magnetic field drive system may have a ring or arc shape. Referring to <FIG>, the first support frame 210a may have a ring shape, and the second support frame 310a may have an arc shape having an open top. Referring to <FIG>, both of the first and second support frames 210b and 310b may have an arc shape having an open top. Referring to <FIG>, both of the first and second support frames 210c and 310c may have an arc shape in which upper and lower portions are open. The combination of the first and second support frames is not limited thereto, and may be changed to various combinations of the above-described ring and arc shapes.

The shapes of the first and second support frames 210a to 210c and 310a to 310c described above maximize compatibility between an x-ray imaging apparatus including a C-arm and a magnetic field drive system. In addition, the first and second support frames 210a to 210c and 310a to 310c are lightened in weight.

As described above, although the present disclosure has been described in detail using preferred embodiments, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to specific embodiments, and should be defined by the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A magnetic field drive system comprising:
a rail (<NUM>);
a first magnetic field generation unit (<NUM>) installed on the rail (<NUM>);
a second magnetic field generation unit (<NUM>) installed on the rail (<NUM>) while facing the first magnetic field generation unit (<NUM>) with a target area (T) interposed therebetween, and
a driving unit (<NUM>) configured to move the first and second magnetic field generation units (<NUM>, <NUM>) along the rail (<NUM>),
wherein the first and second magnetic field generation units (<NUM>, <NUM>) generate a magnetic field in the target area (T),
wherein the first magnetic field generation unit (<NUM>) includes:
a first support frame (<NUM>) installed on the rail (<NUM>);
at least one first magnetic core (<NUM>) supported by the first support frame (<NUM>) and having ends disposed toward the target area (T); and
a first coil (<NUM>) wound around each of the first magnetic cores (<NUM>),
wherein the second magnetic field generation unit (<NUM>) includes:
a second support frame (<NUM>) installed on the rail (<NUM>) while facing the first support frame (<NUM>);
at least one second magnetic core (<NUM>) supported by the second support frame (<NUM>) and having ends disposed toward the target area (T); and
a second coil (<NUM>) wound around each of the second magnetic cores (<NUM>),
wherein the first and the second support frames (<NUM>, <NUM>), respectively, have ring or arc shapes, and each of the center axis of the first and the second support frames (<NUM>, <NUM>) is arranged in parallel with the length direction of the rail (<NUM>), and
wherein the first and second magnetic cores (<NUM>, <NUM>), the first and second support frames (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the rail (<NUM>) are formed of a magnetic material, and
the magnetic field formed in the target area (T), and magnetic fields formed in the first magnetic core (<NUM>), the first support frame (<NUM>), the rail (<NUM>), the second support frame (<NUM>) and the second magnetic core (<NUM>), respectively, constitute a closed magnetic circuit.