Drug-releasing capsules and their usage

Abstract

This invention discloses a drug-release capsule and its method of use. The drug-release capsule includes a shell with an inner cavity; a storage chamber disposed within the inner cavity, including a chamber body and a receiving cavity formed within the chamber body, the receiving cavity being used to store the drug to be released; the inner cavity also has a gas chamber for buffering pressurized gas; the chamber body is configured to deform under the action of pressurized gas in the gas chamber to compress the receiving cavity; a release channel connecting the receiving cavity to the outside of the shell; and a valve assembly for controlling the opening or closing of the release channel. In this embodiment, a valve assembly is provided on the release channel. The valve assembly can form a seal on the receiving cavity, effectively preventing leakage of the drug in the receiving cavity before release. Simultaneously, since the receiving cavity remains closed before drug release, the pressurized gas driving the chamber body to deform can be pre-filled in the gas chamber, thereby facilitating operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to drug-release capsules and their methods of use. Background Technology

[0002] Controlled drug release can improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects. Especially for hard-to-reach digestive tract areas, capsule delivery is gaining increasing attention due to its advantages such as being non-invasive, painless, having a wide coverage area, and precise drug release.

[0003] Several capsule-type drug-release capsule designs exist, such as InteliCap, which uses a micromotor to convert rotational motion into linear motion via a transmission mechanism, thereby pushing a piston to eject the drug from the capsule. This design offers high controllable release capability: it allows for multiple doses and controllable drug flow rate. However, this device has a relatively complex mechanical structure, high power consumption, and lacks imaging capabilities. It can only roughly identify the digestive tract area using a pH sensor, making it unable to perform more precise drug release, such as administering medication to lesions like bleeding or ulcers.

[0004] To achieve precise drug release, existing technology discloses a drug delivery capsule containing a soft capsule within the capsule. The soft capsule holds the drug and is placed inside the shell's inner cavity. During drug release, pressurized gas is released into the inner cavity to change the internal pressure. This increased pressure compresses the soft capsule, thus delivering the drug. However, in this method, the soft capsule is directly connected to the outside, which can easily lead to drug leakage, thus hindering effective drug delivery. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a drug-release capsule with a valve assembly in the release channel. The valve assembly can form a seal on the receiving cavity, effectively preventing leakage of the drug in the receiving cavity before release.

[0006] The drug-release capsule provided by the present invention includes: a shell having an inner cavity;

[0007] A storage compartment, disposed within the inner cavity, includes a compartment body and a receiving cavity formed within the compartment body, the receiving cavity being used to store the substance to be released; the inner cavity also has a gas chamber for buffering pressurized gas; the compartment body is configured to deform under the action of pressurized gas within the gas chamber to compress the receiving cavity;

[0008] A release channel connects the accommodating cavity to the outside of the housing.

[0009] A valve body assembly for controlling the opening or closing of the release channel.

[0010] Furthermore, the gas chamber and the accommodating chamber are located in the same cavity so that the pressurized gas can directly act on the capsule after entering the drug release capsule.

[0011] Furthermore, the portion of the inner cavity outside the chamber body forms the gas cavity.

[0012] Furthermore, the housing is provided with an external loading port for filling the gas chamber with gas, the chamber is fixed on the side wall of the inner cavity, and the side wall of the inner cavity used to fix the chamber is opposite to the position of the external loading port.

[0013] Furthermore, the drug-releasing capsule also includes a partition plate disposed within the shell, the partition plate dividing the shell into an inner cavity and a device cavity, the chamber being fixed to the partition plate, the external loading port being disposed on the shell at a position opposite to the partition plate, and the partition plate being provided with a support member for fixing and supporting the chamber.

[0014] Furthermore, the compartment has a fixed part fixed to the inner cavity sidewall and a movable part disposed opposite to the fixed part, the movable part moving between the fixed part and the outer loading port.

[0015] Furthermore, the release channel has a channel inlet provided on the fixing part.

[0016] Furthermore, the movable part is an elastic deformation component, specifically made of latex, rubber, or silicone.

[0017] Furthermore, the housing also has an external closure member disposed on the external loading port. The external closure member is configured to form an external through hole that connects the gas cavity to the outside of the housing under the action of external force, and to reset and close the external through hole after the action of external force is removed.

[0018] Furthermore, the outer closure is an elastic plug disposed on the housing.

[0019] Furthermore, an inner loading part is provided on the hopper body at a position opposite to the outer loading port. The inner loading part is configured to form an inner through hole that penetrates the storage hopper shell under the action of external force, and to reset after the action of external force is removed to close the inner through hole. The inner through hole is used to load the object to be released into the accommodating cavity.

[0020] Furthermore, the internal loading part is an elastically deformable component.

[0021] Furthermore, the hopper body is an elastically deformable component, and the inner loading portion is the part of the hopper body itself that is opposite to the position of the outer loading port.

[0022] Furthermore, the housing is a transparent component.

[0023] Furthermore, the housing also has a device cavity;

[0024] The drug-release capsule has an imaging module disposed within the device cavity, and the release channel includes a channel outlet disposed on the housing; the channel outlet is disposed within the image acquisition area of ​​the imaging module.

[0025] Furthermore, the valve body assembly includes a hot melt, which, in its initial state, is in a solidified state and closes the release channel;

[0026] When the hot melt is heated, it melts and opens the release channel.

[0027] Furthermore, the release channel includes an elastic hose disposed within the housing, and the hot melt is a clamp valve disposed outside the elastic hose. In the initial state, the clamp valve is in a condensed state, and the clamp valve clamps the elastic hose to close the elastic hose.

[0028] When the clamp valve is heated, the clamp valve melts, and the elastic hose expands radially to restore its opening.

[0029] Furthermore, the valve body assembly also has a heating element disposed within the housing, and the housing also has a battery unit that provides power to the heating element.

[0030] Furthermore, the drug-releasing capsule also has a pressure sensor disposed within the gas chamber, which is used to acquire pressure data within the gas chamber.

[0031] Furthermore, in the initial state, the gas chamber is filled with pressurized gas, and the gas pressure inside the gas chamber is greater than the standard atmospheric pressure.

[0032] Furthermore, in the initial state, the valve body assembly is closed, the accommodating cavity is filled with a substance to be released, and the substance to be released is a liquid;

[0033] In the released state, the valve assembly opens, and under the action of the gas pressure in the gas chamber, the chamber body deforms and compresses the receiving cavity to release the object to be released to the outside of the housing.

[0034] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a method of using the aforementioned drug-release capsule, comprising the following steps:

[0035] Obtain one of the aforementioned drug-releasing capsules;

[0036] Fill the accommodating cavity with the material to be released and close the valve body assembly.

[0037] Fill the gas chamber with pressurized gas;

[0038] The drug-releasing capsule is moved to the release area, and the valve assembly is opened to open the release channel.

[0039] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a method of using the aforementioned drug-release capsule, comprising the following steps:

[0040] Obtain a drug-release capsule, wherein the cavity is filled with the substance to be released;

[0041] Fill the gas chamber with pressurized gas;

[0042] The drug-releasing capsule is moved to the release area, and the valve assembly is opened to open the release channel.

[0043] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a method of using the aforementioned drug-release capsule, comprising the following steps:

[0044] Obtain a drug-release capsule, wherein the gas chamber is filled with pressurized gas;

[0045] The cavity is filled with the substance to be released;

[0046] The drug-releasing capsule is moved to the release area, and the valve assembly is opened to open the release channel.

[0047] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: In this embodiment, a valve assembly is provided on the release channel. The valve assembly can form a seal on the receiving cavity, effectively preventing leakage of the drug in the receiving cavity before release. At the same time, since the receiving cavity is in a closed state before drug release, the pressurized gas that drives the deformation of the chamber can be pre-filled in the gas chamber, thereby making it easier to control. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first drug-release capsule disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the state of the first drug-release capsule disclosed in this embodiment of the invention during the filling with pressurized gas;

[0050] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the state of the first drug-release capsule disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention when filled with drug solution;

[0051] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second drug-release capsule disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0052] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1 - shell, 10 - inner cavity, 11 - external loading port, 12 - partition plate, 121 - support member, 13 - equipment cavity, 131 - module accommodating cavity, 132 - mounting cavity, 14 - outer closure member.

[0053] 2 – Storage compartment, 21 – Compartment body, 22 – Receptacle, 23 – Internal loading section, 3 – Gas chamber, 4 – Release channel, 41 – Channel inlet, 42 – Channel outlet, 5 – Valve assembly

[0054] 6 - Control module, 61 - Battery unit, 62 - Electronic control unit, 7 - Imaging module, 71 - Module circuit board, 72 - Camera, 73 - Fill light. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0056] An embodiment of the present invention discloses a drug-release capsule having a drug storage compartment for storing a substance to be released, such as a drug. The drug, stored in the storage compartment, enters the digestive tract along with the drug-release capsule. Upon reaching the drug delivery area, i.e., the lesion area, it is released, thereby achieving precise drug delivery. This ensures the drug delivery outlet is aligned with the lesion, allowing the drug to be sprayed directly onto the lesion, further enhancing the drug's efficacy.

[0057] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown in Figure 4, the drug-releasing capsule disclosed in this invention includes: a shell 1, a storage chamber 2, a release channel 4, and a valve assembly 5; the shell 1 has an inner cavity 10; the storage chamber 2 is disposed in the inner cavity 10, and the storage chamber 2 specifically includes a chamber body 21 and a receiving cavity 22 formed in the chamber body 21, the receiving cavity 22 being used to store the substance to be released; the inner cavity 10 also has a gas chamber 3 for buffering pressurized gas; the chamber body 21 is configured to deform under the action of pressurized gas in the gas chamber 3 to compress the receiving cavity 22;

[0058] The release channel 4 connects the accommodating cavity 22 to the outside of the housing; the valve body assembly 5 is disposed on the release channel 4 and used to control the opening or closing of the release channel 4.

[0059] The drug is stored in the storage chamber 2, and the valve assembly 5 is closed to store the drug in the storage chamber 2. Then, the release capsule is delivered to the digestive tract or other target area where the drug needs to be administered. When the target area is reached, the valve assembly 5 is opened to connect the accommodating cavity 22 with the outside of the shell. The substance to be released in the accommodating cavity 22 is compressed by the pressurized gas in the gas chamber 3, which compresses the chamber 21. After being compressed, the chamber 21 releases the substance to be released from the accommodating cavity 22.

[0060] In this embodiment, a valve assembly 5 is provided on the release channel 4. The valve assembly 5 can form a seal on the accommodating cavity 20, effectively preventing leakage of the drug in the accommodating cavity 20 before release. At the same time, since the accommodating cavity 20 is in a closed state before drug release, the pressurized gas that drives the deformation of the chamber 21 can be pre-filled in the gas chamber 3. The pressurized gas pre-filled in the gas chamber 3 exerts a squeezing effect on the chamber 21. Since the valve assembly 5 is in a closed state, the squeezing of the chamber 21 after the pressurized gas fills the gas chamber 3 does not require the drug to be released from the release channel 4. When drug release is required, the drug can be automatically released simply by controlling the opening of the valve assembly 5, which facilitates operation.

[0061] In a specific embodiment, the gas chamber 3 and the accommodating chamber 22 are located within the same cavity so that the pressurized gas, after entering the drug-release capsule, can directly act on the chamber body 21. The gas chamber 3 and the accommodating chamber 22 can be regarded as two different spaces formed by separating a cavity through the chamber body 21. One space is used to store the drug, and the other space stores the pressurized gas. The pressure in the space where the pressurized gas is located is relatively high, which can compress and deform the chamber body 21. After being compressed and deformed, the chamber body 21 can compress the accommodating chamber 22, thereby releasing the drug in the accommodating chamber 22.

[0062] In the prior art, the gas chamber 3 is buffered in a separate chamber and is connected to the inner cavity 10 where the chamber 21 is located through a connecting channel. When releasing the drug, the gas chamber 3 is controlled to enter the inner cavity 10 by controlling the opening of the connecting channel, and then the chamber 21 is squeezed.

[0063] In this embodiment, when the pressurized gas is filled into the drug-release capsule, it can directly generate a compressive force on the chamber 21. This compressive force generates a force that forces the chamber 21 to deform. This structural design can more efficiently release the drug in the accommodating cavity 22. The drug can be released simply by controlling the opening of the release channel 4, which is convenient for operation.

[0064] Furthermore, in existing technologies, pressurized gas is slowly introduced into the corresponding cavity to compress the capsule. The drug release rate depends on the rate of gas introduction, but the gas intake requires a process, resulting in a relatively slow drug release mechanism. In this embodiment, since the capsule 21 is pre-compressed by pressurized gas, the compressive force can be rapidly applied to the capsule 21 the instant the accommodating cavity 22 opens, thereby enabling rapid drug release and improving the drug release effect. Because the drug-release capsule is generally in motion, increasing the release rate allows the drug to be released more precisely into the release area, further enhancing the drug release effect.

[0065] In a specific embodiment, the portion of the inner cavity 10 outside the chamber 21 forms the gas chamber 3. The gas chamber 3 is part of the inner cavity 10, and the placement of the chamber 21 within the inner cavity 10 divides the inner cavity 10 into a receiving cavity within the chamber 21 and a gas chamber 3 outside the chamber 21. It is understood that, as a preferred embodiment, the chamber 21 can be an elastic deformable element, and the chamber 21 can be made of rubber, silicone, or latex.

[0066] In another embodiment, the inner cavity 10 may also contain a gas chamber 3, which is disposed inside the gas chamber. Pressurized gas is filled inside the gas chamber. The gas chamber is an elastic deformable component, and its shape can be deformed at will. The gas chamber abuts against the chamber body 21 to compress the chamber body 21.

[0067] Furthermore, the housing 1 is provided with an external loading port 11 for filling the gas chamber 3 with gas, the chamber 21 is fixed on the side wall of the inner cavity 10, and the side wall of the inner cavity 10 used to fix the chamber 21 is opposite to the position of the external loading port 11.

[0068] Fixing the chamber 21 allows for better compression deformation of the chamber 21, giving the compression deformation a directional quality. Since the chamber 21 is fixed to the side wall opposite the inner cavity 10 and the outer loading port 11, the gas chamber 3 is located between the outer loading port 11 and the chamber 21. This facilitates filling the gas chamber 3 with pressurized gas and also allows for better compression of the chamber 21.

[0069] The drug-releasing capsule also includes a partition plate 12 disposed inside the housing 1, the partition plate 12 dividing the housing 1 into the inner cavity 10 and the equipment cavity 13, the chamber 21 being fixed on the partition plate 12, the external loading port 11 being disposed on the housing 1 at a position opposite to the partition plate 12, and the partition plate 12 being provided with a support member 121 for fixing and supporting the chamber 21.

[0070] The partition plate 12 serves as one side wall of the inner cavity 10, and the external loading port 11 is located on the side wall of the inner cavity 10 opposite to the partition plate 12. The support member 121 facilitates easier operation by fixing the chamber 21 in place.

[0071] In another embodiment, the partition plate 12 can also be part of the compartment 21. The accommodating cavity 22 is surrounded by the compartment 21 and the partition plate 12. The edge of the compartment 21 can be directly fixed to the partition plate 12, thereby forming a cover similar to a cover placed on the partition plate 12.

[0072] In this embodiment, the chamber 21 has a fixed part fixed to the side wall of the inner cavity 10 and a movable part disposed opposite to the fixed part. The movable part moves between the fixed part and the outer loading port 11. Under the squeezing action of the enhanced air pressure, the movable part contracts or moves towards the fixed part, thereby compressing the accommodating cavity 22 and releasing the liquid medicine in the accommodating cavity 22.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the chamber 21 compresses the accommodating cavity 22 by deforming. In another embodiment, the volume of the accommodating cavity 22 can be changed by the movement of the movable part. Specifically, the movable part can be a movable plate that is slidably disposed in the inner cavity 10. The movable plate divides the inner cavity 10 into two chambers, wherein the accommodating cavity 2 is formed between the movable plate and the partition plate 12, and a gas cavity 3 is formed between the partition plate 2 and the side wall where the outer loading port 11 is located. The volume of the accommodating cavity 22 is compressed and changed by the sliding of the movable plate, thereby releasing the drug filled in the accommodating cavity 22.

[0074] Furthermore, the release channel 4 has a channel inlet 41 disposed on the fixed part. Discharging the drug through the channel inlet 41 on the fixed part facilitates drug release. The movable part, due to its compression and expansion movement between the fixed part and the external loading port 11, allows for more efficient entry of the drug solution into the release channel 4, thereby achieving efficient drug solution discharge.

[0075] In this embodiment, the movable part is an elastic deformable element, specifically made of latex, rubber, or silicone. In this embodiment, the fixed part can also be an elastic deformable element, thus making the entire chamber 21 an elastic deformable element. In another embodiment, only the movable part is an elastic deformable element, while the fixed part can be a non-elastic deformable element, with compression of the accommodating cavity 22 achieved solely through the elastic deformation of the movable part.

[0076] It is understood that the housing 1 also has an external closure member 14 disposed on the external loading port 11. The external closure member 14 is configured to form an external through hole that connects the gas chamber 3 to the outside of the housing under the action of external force, and to reset and close the external through hole after the action of external force is removed.

[0077] In its initial state, the outer closure 14 is in a closed position, blocking the gas chamber 3 through the external loading port 11. When filling the gas chamber 3 with pressurized gas, the outer closure 14 can be pierced by a filling needle, forming an external through hole. The filling needle, such as a syringe needle, passes through the through hole, facilitating the filling of gas into the gas chamber 3. After filling the gas chamber 3 with gas, the filling needle is removed. After the filling needle is removed, the outer closure 14 automatically resets, thus sealing the external through hole.

[0078] In a specific embodiment, the outer closure member 14 is an elastic plug disposed on the housing 1.

[0079] When pressurized gas is loaded into the gas chamber 3, the syringe needle is inserted into the outer closure 14 and eventually extends into the gas chamber 3. The pressurized gas is injected from the syringe into the gas chamber 3. After the syringe needle is pulled out, the outer closure 14 has the ability to reset so as to re-block the needle hole on the outer closure 14 that was inserted by the syringe.

[0080] The aforementioned structure facilitates the filling of pressurized gas into the gas chamber 3, improving the flexibility of the drug-release capsule. The quantity and type of pressurized gas loaded into the gas chamber 3 can be customized according to the user's actual needs. The loading of pressurized gas can be performed after the drug-release capsule is assembled but before use, ensuring the integrity of the capsule while providing sufficient adjustment space for the user. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the pressurized gas can be pre-filled into the gas chamber 3, eliminating the need for refilling during use.

[0081] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, an inner loading part 23 is provided on the hopper body 21 at a position opposite to the outer loading port 11. The inner loading part 23 is configured to form an inner through hole that penetrates the storage hopper shell under the action of external force, and to reset after the action of external force is removed to close the inner through hole. The inner through hole is used to load the object to be released into the accommodating cavity 22.

[0082] In this embodiment, the inner loading part 23 is positioned opposite to the outer loading port 11, thereby facilitating the filling of medicine into the accommodating cavity 22 from the outside through the outer loading port 11. Since the inner loading part 23 is located on the chamber 21, which is located in the inner cavity 10, when filling medicine into the accommodating cavity 22, the outer loading port 11 can be used without having to specially open a medicine filling buckle on the outside of the shell 1.

[0083] This embodiment achieves simultaneous loading of drug and pressurized gas by opening an external loading port 11 on the shell 1. Compared to the prior art's method of opening two holes for separately filling pressurized gas and drug, this reduces the number of openings on the shell 1, better ensuring the shell's sealing performance. Furthermore, more openings place higher demands on the manufacturing of the drug-release capsule, reduce its stability, and occupy more space. This embodiment reduces the manufacturing difficulty of the drug-release capsule while improving its stability.

[0084] It is understood that the inner loading part 23 is an elastic deformable element. The inner loading part 23 can be an elastic plug like the outer loading part, or the inner loading part 23 can be made of latex or rubber. The inner loading part 23 can return to its original position after being punctured by the filling needle.

[0085] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, since the container body 21 itself is an elastic deformation component, the inner loading part 23 can be a part of the container body 21 itself.

[0086] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, to better fill the liquid medicine in the accommodating cavity 22, the inner loading part 23 can be a thickened elastic deformation member on the container body 21. The above structure can increase the strength and sealing ability of the container body 21 at this location.

[0087] When loading the drug into the accommodating cavity 22, the filling needle is inserted into the chamber 21 through the inner loading section 23. The elastic deformable element on the inner loading section 23, such as soft rubber (latex or rubber), fully conforms to the filling needle to prevent gas from entering or liquid from flowing out. After the filling needle is removed, the soft rubber of the inner loading section 23 is fully compressed inward, achieving good sealing.

[0088] When loading drugs into the accommodating cavity 22, the syringe needle is inserted into the outer closure 14 and then into the inner loading part 23 and finally into the accommodating cavity 22. The drugs are injected from the syringe into the accommodating cavity 22. After the syringe needle is pulled out, the inner loading part 23 has the ability to reset so as to re-block the needle hole on the inner loading part 23 that was pierced by the syringe.

[0089] The aforementioned structure facilitates the filling of the accommodating cavity 22 with liquid medication, improving the flexibility of the drug-release capsule. The quantity and type of liquid medication loaded in the accommodating cavity 22 can be customized according to the user's actual needs. The loading of the liquid medication can be performed after the drug-release capsule is assembled and before use, ensuring the integrity of the drug-release capsule while providing the user with sufficient choice. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the liquid medication can be pre-filled into the accommodating cavity 22, eliminating the need for refilling during use.

[0090] It is understandable that after the accommodating cavity 22 is filled with the drug solution, the syringe needle can be pulled out from the inner loading part 23. At this time, the syringe needle can be left in the gas chamber 3, and then pressurized gas can be filled into the gas chamber 3 through the syringe.

[0091] Since the inner chamber 21 is located inside the housing 1, in order to better enable the filling needle to be smoothly inserted into the inner loading part 23, the housing 1 is made of transparent material. The housing 1 made of transparent material can better observe the filling needle during the filling process and make the operation more convenient.

[0092] The housing 1 also has a device cavity 13; the valve body assembly 5 is also disposed in the device cavity 13. The valve body assembly 5 includes a hot melt. In the initial state, the hot melt is in a solidified state and closes the release channel 4; when the hot melt is heated, the hot melt melts and opens the release channel 4.

[0093] The hot melt allows for convenient control of the opening of the release channel 4. When the drug-releasing capsule enters the digestive tract, heating the hot melt opens the release channel 4. When the hot melt is in a solidified state, it can close the release channel 4 from within. Preferably, in this embodiment, the hot melt clamps the release channel when solidified, effectively closing the release channel 4 from the outside.

[0094] Specifically, the release channel 4 includes an elastic hose disposed within the housing 1, and the hot melt is a clamp valve disposed outside the elastic hose. In the initial state, the clamp valve is in a condensed state, and the clamp valve clamps the elastic hose to close the elastic hose. In the condensed state, the hot melt clamps the elastic hose from the outside and causes the elastic hose to deform to close.

[0095] When the clamp valve is heated, it melts, and the elastic hose expands radially to restore its openness. The elastic hose has an elastic restoring force. After the hot melt melts, the clamping force of the hot melt on the outside of the elastic hose is removed, and the release channel 4 of the elastic hose expands to restore its openness. After the release channel 4 is open, it connects the receiving cavity 22 with the outside of the shell, thereby releasing the liquid medicine in the receiving cavity 22.

[0096] It is understood that the valve body assembly 5 also has a heating element disposed outside the hot melt body, which provides heat energy to the hot melt body, causing the hot melt body to melt after receiving heat. It is also understood that the device cavity 13 contains a control module 6; the control module 6 includes a battery unit 61 that provides power to the heating element and an electronic control unit 62. The electronic control unit 62 specifically includes a circuit board for controlling the operation of the heating element, a microprocessor disposed on the circuit board, and a wireless communication module. The battery unit 61 supplies power to the heating element, the electronic control unit 62, and the wireless communication module. The wireless communication module is used to communicate with a control center outside the human body and receive instructions from the communication center. After receiving instructions, the microprocessor controls the heating element to generate heat energy to melt the hot melt body.

[0097] To facilitate the connection between the heating element and the electronic control unit 62, the electronic control unit 62 and the heating element are installed and mated via a plug-in assembly. The plug-in assembly includes a socket on a circuit board and pins that mate with the socket, and the pins are electrically connected to the heating element.

[0098] Furthermore, the device cavity 13 also includes an imaging module 7, which is electrically connected to the battery unit 61. The imaging module 7 is used to acquire images or videos of the drug-release capsule after it enters the human body. It can determine whether the drug-release capsule has reached a designated digestive tract area, or identify lesion areas. After determining that the capsule has reached a designated area or identifying a lesion, it controls the release of the drug within the soft capsule 2, providing visualized drug release capabilities and enabling more precise controlled drug release. For example, in treating digestive tract ulcers, the imaging module 7 can accurately locate the ulcer. When the drug-release capsule is close to the ulcer surface, the drug release can be controlled to spray the medication onto the ulcer area, facilitating the adhesion of gel-based drugs and improving efficacy.

[0099] The release channel includes a channel outlet 42 disposed on the housing 1; the channel outlet 42 is disposed within the image acquisition area of ​​the imaging module 7. Distributing the channel outlet 42 within the image acquisition area of ​​the imaging module 7 allows for a more direct observation of the drug release process after it has been released from the drug-release capsule.

[0100] It is understood that the shell 1 is biocompatible and will not be corroded by digestive fluids. Because of the imaging module 7, the portion of the shell 1 corresponding to the image acquisition area of ​​the imaging module 7 is transparent. This structural design facilitates image acquisition by the imaging module 7. The image acquisition area of ​​the imaging module 7 is the range and region of the image or video that the imaging module 7 can capture.

[0101] In this embodiment, the imaging module 7 includes a module circuit board 71 disposed within the device cavity 13, a camera 72 disposed on the module circuit board 71, and a supplementary light 73 disposed beside the camera 72. The module circuit board 71 is electrically connected to the battery unit 61, and the battery unit 61 supplies power to the imaging module 7.

[0102] The module circuit board 71 is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the housing 1. The module circuit board 71 divides the device cavity 13 into two parts, namely the module receiving cavity 131 and the mounting cavity 132. The battery unit 61, the valve body assembly 5 and the control module 6 are all disposed in the mounting cavity 132. The module receiving cavity 131 is used to store the imaging module 7. The module receiving cavity 131 and the receiving cavity 22 are disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the mounting cavity 132.

[0103] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the control of the movement of the drug-releasing capsule in the digestive tract, a magnetic unit is also provided in the device cavity 13. The magnetic unit is set in the drug-releasing capsule and can use an external magnetic field to control the movement of the drug-releasing capsule in the human body, thereby better controlling the position of the drug-releasing capsule in the human body.

[0104] Furthermore, the drug-releasing capsule also has a pressure collector disposed in the gas chamber 3, which is used to acquire the pressure data in the gas chamber 3.

[0105] The gas chamber 3 and the container chamber 22 of the drug-releasing capsule can be left empty. They are filled before the drug-releasing capsule is used. That is, in the initial state, there is no pressurized gas in the gas chamber 3 and no drug in the container chamber 22.

[0106] In another embodiment, the gas chamber 3 may be pre-filled with pressurized gas. In the initial state before use of the drug-releasing capsule, the gas chamber is filled with pressurized gas, and the gas pressure in the gas chamber 3 is greater than the standard atmospheric pressure. A gas pressure greater than atmospheric pressure in the gas chamber 3 allows for a cleaner expulsion of the liquid medication from the receiving cavity 22.

[0107] In the initial state before use, the valve assembly 5 is closed, and the accommodating cavity 22 is filled with the substance to be released. The substance to be released is a liquid, and the released substance is a medicinal liquid. The reason it is a liquid medicine is that the air pressure in the accommodating cavity 22 is atmospheric pressure, which is not easily compressed, thus making it easier to control the air pressure in the gas chamber 3. Of course, the medicinal liquid can also be set to a gas, but the air pressure in the gas chamber 3 needs to be increased to ensure that the air pressure in the gas chamber 3 is greater than the air pressure in the accommodating cavity 22.

[0108] Let the initial gas volume in gas chamber 3 be V, and the initial gas pressure in gas chamber 3 be P. After a drug volume of V0 is loaded into the receiving cavity 22 within the chamber 21, the air volume in gas chamber 3 decreases by approximately V0. The remaining space in gas chamber 3 is approximately V1 = V - V0, and the pressure of the remaining gas in gas chamber 3 is P1. According to PV = P1V1, we can obtain... As can be seen from the above formula, the gas pressure in the gas chamber 3 after loading the drug can be controlled by setting the initial gas pressure, the initial volume V of the gas chamber 3, and the volume V0 of the drug filling the accommodating cavity 22. The gas pressure in the gas chamber 3 after loading the drug affects the release of the drug. Therefore, the above design can better control the release of the drug according to actual needs.

[0109] In a specific embodiment, the initial pressure P in the gas chamber 3 is generally set to the standard atmospheric pressure P0. Assuming V = 0.6 mL and V0 = 0.4 mL, the pressure P1 in the gas chamber 3 after the drug liquid is loaded is 3P ≥ 3P0.

[0110] When the capsule is in the release state, the valve assembly 5 opens, and under the action of the air pressure in the gas chamber 3, the chamber 21 deforms and compresses the accommodating cavity 22 to release the object to be released to the outside of the shell.

[0111] Understandably, in the initial state, since the valve body assembly 5 is in a closed state, the liquid medicine can be pre-filled into the accommodating cavity 22, or the liquid medicine can be filled into the accommodating cavity 22 by piercing the chamber from the outside.

[0112] It is understood that in other embodiments, the liquid medicine can also be filled into the receiving cavity 22 through the release channel when the valve body assembly 5 is not closed, and the release channel can be closed through the valve body assembly 5 after the receiving cavity 22 is filled.

[0113] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a method of using the aforementioned drug-release capsule, comprising the following steps:

[0114] Obtain one of the aforementioned drug-releasing capsules;

[0115] Fill the accommodating cavity 22 with the material to be released and put the valve body assembly 5 in the closed state;

[0116] Pressurized gas is filled into the gas chamber 3;

[0117] Move the drug-releasing capsule to the release area and control the valve assembly 5 to open the release channel.

[0118] In the drug-release capsules obtained in the above embodiments, both the gas chamber 3 and the accommodating chamber 22 are empty. Before using the drug-release capsules, pressurized gas needs to be filled into the gas chamber 3, and liquid medicine needs to be filled into the accommodating chamber 22.

[0119] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a method of using the aforementioned drug-release capsule, comprising the following steps:

[0120] Obtain a drug-release capsule, wherein the accommodating cavity 22 is filled with the substance to be released;

[0121] Pressurized gas is filled into the gas chamber 3;

[0122] Move the drug-releasing capsule to the release area and control the valve assembly 5 to open the release channel.

[0123] In this embodiment, the accommodating cavity 22 is filled with the substance to be released, so it is only necessary to fill the gas chamber 3 with pressurized gas to complete the preparation of the capsule.

[0124] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a method of using the aforementioned drug-release capsule, comprising the following steps:

[0125] Obtain a drug-release capsule, wherein the gas chamber 3 is filled with pressurized gas;

[0126] The cavity 22 is filled with the substance to be released;

[0127] Move the drug-releasing capsule to the release area and control the valve assembly 5 to open the release channel.

[0128] In this embodiment, the accommodating cavity 22 is not filled with liquid medicine, but the gas cavity 3 is filled with pressurized gas. Therefore, it is only necessary to fill the accommodating cavity 22 with liquid medicine to complete the preparation of the drug release capsule.

[0129] The above description, based on the embodiments shown in the figures, details the structure, features, and effects of the present invention. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of implementation shown in the figures. Any changes made in accordance with the concept of the present invention, or equivalent embodiments modified to have equivalent changes, that do not exceed the spirit covered by the specification and figures, should be within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A drug-release capsule, characterized in that, include: The shell has an internal cavity; A storage compartment, disposed within the inner cavity, includes a compartment body and a receiving cavity formed within the compartment body, the receiving cavity being used to store the substance to be released; the inner cavity also has a gas chamber for buffering pressurized gas; the compartment body is configured to deform under the action of pressurized gas within the gas chamber to compress the receiving cavity; the portion of the inner cavity outside the compartment body forms the gas chamber; the gas chamber and the receiving cavity are located within the same cavity so that the pressurized gas, after entering the drug-releasing capsule, can directly act on the compartment body; The housing is provided with an external loading port for filling the gas chamber with gas. The chamber body is fixed to the side wall of the inner cavity, and the side wall of the inner cavity used to fix the chamber body is opposite to the position of the external loading port. An internal loading part is provided on the chamber body opposite to the position of the external loading port. The internal loading part is configured to form an internal through hole that penetrates the storage chamber housing under the action of external force, and to reset after the action of external force is removed to close the internal through hole. The internal through hole is used to load the object to be released into the accommodating cavity. A release channel connects the accommodating cavity to the outside of the housing. A valve body assembly for controlling the opening or closing of the release channel.

2. The drug-release capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drug-release capsule also includes a partition plate disposed within the shell, the partition plate dividing the shell into an inner cavity and a device cavity, the chamber being fixed to the partition plate, the external loading port being disposed on the shell at a position opposite to the partition plate, and the partition plate being provided with a support member for fixing and supporting the chamber.

3. The drug-release capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that: The compartment has a fixed part fixed to the inner cavity sidewall and a movable part disposed opposite to the fixed part, the movable part moving between the fixed part and the outer loading port.

4. The drug-release capsule according to claim 3, characterized in that: The release channel has a channel inlet provided on the fixing part.

5. The drug-release capsule according to claim 3, characterized in that: The movable part is an elastic deformation component, specifically made of latex, rubber, or silicone.

6. The drug-release capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing also has an external closure member disposed on the external loading port. The external closure member is configured to form an external through hole that connects the gas cavity to the outside of the housing under the action of external force, and to reset and close the external through hole after the action of external force is removed.

7. The drug-release capsule according to claim 6, characterized in that: The external closure is an elastic plug disposed on the housing.

8. The drug-release capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that: The internal loading part is an elastic deformation component.

9. The drug-release capsule according to claim 8, characterized in that: The container body is an elastically deformable component, and the inner loading section is the part of the container body that is opposite to the position of the outer loading port.

10. The drug-release capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing is a transparent part.

11. The drug-release capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing also has a device cavity; The drug-release capsule has an imaging module disposed within the device cavity, and the release channel includes a channel outlet disposed on the housing; the channel outlet is disposed within the image acquisition area of ​​the imaging module.

12. The drug-release capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve body assembly includes a hot melt, which is in a solidified state in the initial state and closes the release channel; When the hot melt is heated, it melts and opens the release channel.

13. The drug-release capsule according to claim 12, characterized in that: The release channel includes an elastic hose disposed within the housing, and the hot melt is a clamp valve disposed outside the elastic hose. In the initial state, the clamp valve is in a condensed state, and the clamp valve clamps the elastic hose to close the elastic hose. When the clamp valve is heated, the clamp valve melts, and the elastic hose expands radially to restore its opening.

14. The drug-release capsule according to claim 12, characterized in that: The valve body assembly also has a heating element disposed within the housing, and the housing also has a battery unit that provides power to the heating element.

15. The drug-release capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drug-releasing capsule also has a pressure sensor disposed in the gas chamber, which is used to acquire the pressure data in the gas chamber.

16. The drug-release capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the initial state, the gas chamber is filled with pressurized gas, and the gas pressure inside the gas chamber is greater than the standard atmospheric pressure.

17. The drug-release capsule according to claim 16, characterized in that: In the initial state, the valve body assembly is closed, the accommodating cavity is filled with a substance to be released, and the substance to be released is a liquid; In the released state, the valve assembly opens, and under the action of the gas pressure in the gas chamber, the chamber body deforms and compresses the receiving cavity to release the object to be released to the outside of the housing.

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