Sampling capsule, Method of collection

Abstract

The application relates to a sampling capsule and a sampling method. The sampling capsule comprises a shell with a sampling cavity, a camera assembly arranged in the shell, and a sampling pipeline connected between the outside of the shell and the sampling cavity, the camera assembly comprises a camera, and the sampling pipeline comprises a scale mark section made of transparent material and distributed along the extension direction of the sampling pipeline; wherein the scale mark section is arranged in the visual field range of the camera. The scale mark section is made of transparent material, and the scale mark section is arranged in the visual field range of the camera, so that the camera assembly can monitor the sampling scale of the digestive juice in the scale mark section in real time, the time required for the sampling cavity to be filled and the liquid volume of the digestive juice collected in the sampling cavity except the bubbles can be calculated, and the sampling process is stable and reliable, the sampling efficiency is high, and the sampling process is controllable.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of medical devices, in particular to a sampling capsule and a sampling method. BACKGROUND

[0002] The sampling capsule can collect liquid samples in the digestive tract. After the sampling capsule is removed from the body, medical staff can take out the liquid samples from the capsule for pathological analysis. At present, when the sampling capsule reaches the corresponding part of the digestive tract, the sampling port is opened, so that the digestive juice enters the sampling cavity under the action of the internal and external pressure difference; after the sampling capsule is removed from the body, the digestive juice is taken out from the sampling port for pathological analysis. However, during the sampling process, the volume of the digestive juice flowing into the sampling capsule cannot be directly and clearly obtained, so it is not known whether a sufficient amount of digestive juice is collected, and the sampling process is relatively passive. Therefore, it is necessary to study a sampling capsule and a sampling method to solve the above problems. SUMMARY

[0003] The present application aims to provide a sampling capsule with high sampling efficiency and strong controllability in the sampling process.

[0004] In order to achieve the above object, one embodiment of the present application provides a sampling capsule, comprising a shell having a sampling cavity, a camera assembly arranged in the shell, and a sampling pipeline communicating between the outside of the shell and the sampling cavity, the camera assembly comprising a camera, and the sampling pipeline comprising a scale mark segment made of transparent material and distributed along the extension direction thereof; wherein the scale mark segment is arranged in the field of view of the camera.

[0005] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present application, it further comprises a device cavity, a partition separating the device cavity and the sampling cavity, the partition being connected to the inner wall of the shell, wherein the camera assembly is arranged in the device cavity, and the sampling cavity is defined between the side of the partition facing away from the device cavity and the inner wall of the shell.

[0006] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present application, the sampling pipeline extends from one end of the shell adjacent to the device cavity to the other end of the shell, and the two ends of the sampling pipeline respectively comprise a sampling port arranged on one end of the shell and a communication port arranged on the partition and communicating into the sampling cavity, wherein the sampling port is located in the field of view of the camera.

[0007] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present application, the scale mark segment is arranged along the circumference of the inner wall of the shell from the vicinity of the aforementioned sampling port, and wherein the camera is arranged on the side of the scale mark segment facing away from the sampling port.

[0008] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, the scale mark segments are circumferentially arranged along the inner wall of the shell near the sampling port to form a spiral structure spiraling along the radial direction of the shell, and the camera is arranged on the side of the scale mark segments away from the sampling port.

[0009] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, a soft bag is arranged in the sampling cavity and connected to the communication port, wherein the soft bag can expand to the same shape as the contact area of the inner wall of the shell when the soft bag is expanded to absorb liquid under the action of external force.

[0010] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, the end part of the shell adjacent to the device cavity is made of transparent material and arranged in the field of view of the camera, and the sampling port is located on the transparent end part.

[0011] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, a pump is arranged in the device cavity and connected to the partition, wherein the partition is provided with a first exhaust hole communicating with the sampling cavity and the inlet of the pump, and the shell is provided with a second exhaust hole communicating with the outside of the shell and the outlet of the pump.

[0012] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, a control assembly is arranged in the device cavity and electrically connected to the camera assembly and the pump, wherein the camera assembly, the control assembly and the pump are sequentially arranged along the axial direction of the shell.

[0013] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, a valve assembly is arranged on the sampling pipeline and used to open or close the inner cavity of the sampling pipeline.

[0014] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, the valve assembly comprises a first valve unit, the first valve unit comprises a first valve base, a first through hole provided on the first valve base and communicating with the inner cavity of the sampling pipeline, a hot melt film covering the first through hole and used to close the first through hole, and a heating element arranged on the hot melt film, wherein the hot melt film opens the first through hole under the heating action of the heating element.

[0015] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, the first valve base is provided with a groove for fixedly mounting the hot melt film, the hot melt film comprises a plurality of thin films, and the heating element is arranged between adjacent thin films.

[0016] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, the valve assembly comprises a second valve unit, the second valve unit comprises a valve housing, a second through hole provided on the valve housing and communicated with the inner cavity of the sampling pipe, and a blocking element provided on the valve housing, wherein the blocking element has a closed state for closing the second through hole.

[0017] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, the blocking element is provided as a meltable element, and the valve assembly further comprises a heater provided on the valve housing and used for heating the meltable element, and the meltable element closes the second through hole under the heating of the heater.

[0018] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, the blocking element is provided as a water-absorbing material, wherein the water-absorbing material expands to close the second through hole by absorbing liquid.

[0019] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, the valve assembly is provided as a piezoelectric valve, wherein the piezoelectric valve comprises a first state for opening the inner cavity of the sampling pipe and a second state for closing the inner cavity of the sampling pipe.

[0020] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, the valve assembly comprises a rotating shaft, a shape memory alloy wound on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft, a valve door connected to one end of the rotating shaft, a torsion spring connected to the other end of the rotating shaft, and a third through hole provided on the valve door.

[0021] After the shape memory alloy is heated by being energized, the rotating shaft, the valve door and the torsion spring are driven to rotate in a first direction to make the third through hole communicated with the inner cavity of the sampling pipe.

[0022] After the shape memory alloy is cooled by being de-energized, the rotating shaft and the valve door are driven to rotate in a direction opposite to the first direction by the restoring force of the torsion spring to make the third through hole dislocated from the inner cavity of the sampling pipe.

[0023] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present application, the valve assembly further comprises a partition plate connected to the inner wall of the housing, a rotor connected to the shape memory alloy, and an electrical connector electrically connecting the rotor and the shape memory alloy, wherein the torsion spring and the electrical connector are respectively fixed on the partition plate, and the rotor is respectively connected to the torsion spring and the valve door.

[0024] In order to solve the above problems, the following further provides a collection method which is convenient to implement.

[0025] A collection method of the sampling capsule as described above, comprising,

[0026] acquiring the volume V of the sampling cavity, acquiring the images of the liquid in the scale mark segment by the camera assembly in the adjacent two times of shooting;

[0027] After the images of the liquid in the scale mark segment in the adjacent two times of shooting are acquired, the scales of the liquid in the adjacent two times are acquired as L0, L1 respectively, and the time T of the adjacent two times of shooting is acquired;

[0028] According to the acquired L0, L1 and T, the sampling flow rate u of the fluid in the sampling process is calculated, wherein the sampling flow rate u=(L1-L0) / T;

[0029] According to the volume V and the sampling flow rate u, the time t required for the sampling process is budgeted, wherein t=V / (u*S), and S refers to the cross-sectional area of the sampling pipeline;

[0030] In the images of the liquid in the scale mark segment in the adjacent two times of shooting, the liquid in the scale mark segment in the first time of shooting is at the starting position of the scale mark segment or close to the starting position, and the product of the time interval t1 between the adjacent two times and the sampling flow rate u is less than the range of the scale mark segment.

[0031] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present application, in the images of the liquid in the scale mark segment in the adjacent two times of shooting, the liquid in the scale mark segment in the second time of shooting does not exceed the end position of the scale mark segment.

[0032] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present application, the number n of bubbles appearing in the scale mark segment within the time t and the length Ln of each bubble are acquired by the camera assembly, and after the number n of bubbles and the length Ln of each bubble are acquired, the total volume V of the bubbles is calculated 气泡 , wherein V 气泡 =SUN(Ln)*S;

[0033] According to the volume V of the sampling cavity, V 气泡 , the total volume V 采样 of the bubbles is calculated, wherein V 采样 =V-V 气 .

[0034] Compared with the prior art, the present application has the beneficial effects that:

[0035] The sampling capsule and the sampling method provided by the application have the scale mark section made of transparent material, and the scale mark section is arranged in the visual range of the camera, so that the camera assembly can monitor the sampling scale of the digestive juice in the scale mark section in real time, the time required for the sampling cavity to be filled and the liquid volume of the digestive juice actually collected in the sampling cavity are calculated, the efficiency and accuracy of sampling are improved, the controllability and accuracy of the sampling process are improved, the accuracy of the sampling result is improved, unnecessary detection waste is avoided, the relationship between doctors and nurses is improved, and the experience of patients is improved. In addition, the valve assembly arranged on the sampling pipeline and used for opening or closing the inner cavity of the sampling pipeline can prevent the liquid sample in the sampling cavity from leaking during the subsequent movement of the capsule and prevent the liquid sample collected in the sampling cavity from being polluted by the changed liquid environment. The sampling process is stable and reliable, the sampling efficiency is high, and the sampling process is controllable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 The structure of the sampling capsule of the application is shown in the schematic diagram.

[0037] Figure 2 The structure of the sampling capsule of the application is shown in the schematic diagram.

[0038] Figure 3 The state diagram of the sampling capsule of the application when filled with liquid sample is shown.

[0039] Figure 4a And Figure 4b The state diagram of the sampling capsule of the application when filled with liquid sample is shown.

[0040] Figure 5 The structure of the sampling capsule of the application is shown in the schematic diagram.

[0041] Figure 6a The structure of the sampling capsule of the application is shown in the schematic diagram.

[0042] Figure 6b The structure of the sampling capsule of the application is shown in the schematic diagram.

[0043] Figure 7a The structure of the sampling capsule of the application is shown in the schematic diagram.

[0044] Figure 7b The structure of the sampling capsule of the application is shown in the schematic diagram.

[0045] Figure 8a The structure of the sampling capsule of the application is shown in the schematic diagram.

[0046] Figure 8b Structure diagram of the closed state of the second valve unit of the sampling capsule of the present application;

[0047] Figure 9 Structure diagram of the valve assembly of the sampling capsule of the present application being a piezoelectric valve;

[0048] Figure 10 Structure diagram of the third embodiment of the valve assembly of the sampling capsule of the present application;

[0049] Figure 11 Structure diagram of the functional components of the third embodiment of the sampling capsule of the present application;

[0050] Figure 12 Structure diagram of the open and closed states of the rotary valve of the sampling capsule of the present application.

[0051] In the figure: 1, housing; 11, sampling cavity; 12, partition; 13, device cavity; 2, camera assembly; 3, sampling pipeline; 31, scale mark section; 32, sampling port; 33, communication port; 4, soft bag; 5, pump; 51, first exhaust hole; 52, second exhaust hole; 6, control assembly; 7, valve assembly; 71, first valve unit; 711, first valve base; 712, first through hole; 713, heating element; 714, hot melt film; 72, second valve unit; 721, valve shell; 722, second through hole; 723, plugging element; 73, piezoelectric valve; 741, rotary shaft; 742, shape memory alloy; 743, valve; 744, third through hole; 745, partition; 746, rotor; 747, electrical connection; 748, torsional spring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The preferred embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that the advantages and features of the present application can be more easily understood by those skilled in the art, and the scope of protection of the present application is more clearly defined.

[0053] The terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof in the present application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. Referring to "embodiments" in this text means that the specific features, structures or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiments can be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase at various places in the specification does not necessarily mean the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment to other embodiments. It is explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0054] It should be understood that the terms such as "upper", "lower", "outer", "inner", etc. used herein to indicate spatial relative positions are for the purpose of facilitating the description of the relationship of one unit or feature relative to another unit or feature as shown in the drawings. The spatial relative position terms can be intended to include different orientations of the device in use or in operation other than the positions shown in the drawings.

[0055] In combination Figure 1 As shown, the present application mainly relates to a sampling capsule, which comprises a shell 1 with a sampling cavity 11, a camera assembly 2 arranged in the shell 1, and a sampling pipeline 3 connecting the outside of the shell 1 and the sampling cavity 11.

[0056] The shell 1 is shaped as a hollow shell structure, and the camera assembly 2 is installed in the shell 1 to avoid damage caused by external force when entering the digestive tract.

[0057] One end of the sampling pipeline 3 has an opening towards the outside of the shell 1, and the other end of the sampling pipeline 3 has an opening towards the sampling cavity 11. In this way, when the inside of the sampling pipeline 3 is open, the outside of the shell 1 and the sampling cavity 11 can be connected, so that the liquid sample outside the shell 1 can enter the sampling cavity 11 through the sampling pipeline 3 to complete the collection of the digestive fluid sample of the target sampling area. After the sampling capsule is removed from the body, medical personnel can take the liquid sample from the sampling cavity 11 for pathological analysis.

[0058] The camera assembly 2 is used to take pictures or record videos, and the camera assembly 2 comprises a camera.

[0059] The sampling pipeline 3 comprises a scale mark segment 31 made of transparent material and distributed along the extension direction thereof. Preferably, the sampling pipeline 3 is integrally formed by transparent material.

[0060] In combination Figure 2 As shown, the scale mark segment 31 is arranged within the field of view of the camera, and the camera assembly 2 can monitor the collection scale of the digestive fluid in the scale mark segment 31 in real time to calculate the time required for the sampling cavity 11 to be filled and the liquid volume of the digestive fluid actually collected in the sampling cavity 11 excluding the air bubbles, so as to improve the efficiency and accuracy of sampling.

[0061] Preferably, a plurality of large through holes are distributed on the shell 1 corresponding to the sampling cavity 11, and a waterproof and breathable film is covered thereon, which facilitates the pressure balance in the sampling cavity 11 when collecting liquid, discharges air, and retains the liquid sample.

[0062] Further, the sampling capsule further comprises a partition 12, which divides the shell 1 into at least two compartments. In this embodiment, the partition 12 is provided as a plate-shaped structure fixed to the inner wall of the shell 1, and the partition 12 divides the shell 1 to form the aforementioned sampling cavity 11 and a device cavity 13.

[0063] The camera assembly 2 is arranged in the device cavity 13, and the sampling cavity 11 is defined between the side of the partition 12 away from the device cavity 13 and the inner wall of the shell 1.

[0064] Further, the shell 1 comprises a cylindrical shell body and end portions arranged at two ends of the shell body. The sampling pipeline 3 extends from the end portion of the shell 1 adjacent to the device cavity 13 to the other end portion of the shell 1.

[0065] Specifically, the sampling pipeline 3 further comprises a connecting segment extending from the scale mark segment 31 to the sampling cavity 11, and the connecting segment extends along the extension direction of the shell body. Preferably, the connecting segment is integrally formed with the scale mark segment 31.

[0066] The two end portions of the sampling pipeline 3 respectively comprise a sampling port 32 arranged on the end portion of the shell 1 and a communication port 33 arranged on the partition 12 and communicated to the sampling cavity 11. The sampling port 32 is arranged towards the outside of the shell 1, and the communication port 33 is arranged towards the sampling cavity 11.

[0067] The camera is arranged in the shell body close to the sampling port 32. Preferably, the sampling port 32 is located in the field of view of the camera.

[0068] Preferably, the camera is arranged on the axis of the shell body, so that the shooting area of the camera is more symmetrical and convenient to install. For the convenience of understanding, the field of view of the camera is shown by the dashed line in Figure 1 .

[0069] Further, in order to reduce the arrangement space of the sampling capsule in the axial direction, the scale mark segment 31 extends from the position close to the aforementioned sampling port 32 to the sampling cavity 11.

[0070] In the first embodiment of the scale mark segment 31, the scale mark segment 31 is arranged along the circumference of the inner wall of the shell 1 around the aforementioned sampling port 32, so as to reduce the height of the sampling capsule in the axial direction.

[0071] Preferably, in order to arrange the scale mark segment 31 in the field of view of the camera, the camera is arranged on the side of the scale mark segment 31 away from the sampling port 32.

[0072] In the first embodiment of the scale mark segment 31, the scale mark segment 31 is arranged along the circumference of the inner wall of the shell 1 around the aforementioned sampling port 32, so as to reduce the height of the sampling capsule in the axial direction.

[0073] Preferably, in order to arrange the scale mark segment 31 in the field of view of the camera, the camera is arranged on the side of the scale mark segment 31 away from the sampling port 32.

[0074] In combination withFigure 3 As shown, the sampling capsule further comprises a soft bag 4 arranged in the sampling cavity 11, and the soft bag 4 is connected with the communication port 33. The soft bag 4 is used to collect liquid sample, and the shape of the soft bag 4 is variable. The soft bag 4 is initially in a deflated state, and will expand when the soft bag 4 is under negative pressure. When the soft bag 4 expands to absorb liquid under the action of external force, the soft bag 4 can expand to the same shape as the contact area of the inner wall of the shell 1.

[0075] Further, the shell 1 is biocompatible and will not be corroded by digestive juice, and can be transparent or opaque according to needs. In order to monitor the specific position of the sampling capsule in the digestive tract, the end portion of the shell 1 adjacent to the equipment cavity 13 is made of transparent material, and the end portion is arranged in the field of view of the camera, so that the camera can observe the digestive tract region to determine whether the sampling capsule reaches the target sampling region. The sampling port 32 is located at the transparent end portion.

[0076] Further, the sampling capsule further comprises a pump 5 arranged in the equipment cavity 13 and connected to the partition 12. The partition 12 is provided with a first exhaust hole 51 communicating with the sampling cavity 11 and the inlet of the pump 5, and the shell 1 is provided with a second exhaust hole 52 communicating with the outside of the shell 1 and the outlet of the pump 5.

[0077] In this embodiment, the pump 5 is not used to directly extract the air in the soft bag 4, but is used to extract the air in the sampling cavity 11. When the negative pressure is formed in the sampling cavity 11, the soft bag 4 will expand under the action of the negative pressure. The reason why the pump 5 is not used to directly extract the air in the soft bag 4 is that some drugs have high viscosity, or are suspensions containing small particles. If the pump 5 is used to directly extract the air in the soft bag 4, the high viscosity of the liquid or the large particle size of the substance may cause the pump 5 to be stuck, affecting the normal use of the pump 5.

[0078] Preferably, the pump 5 is a small piezoelectric pump.

[0079] Further, the sampling capsule further comprises a control assembly 6 arranged in the equipment cavity 13, and the control assembly 6 is electrically connected with the camera assembly 2 and the pump 5. Preferably, the camera assembly 2 and the pump 5 are arranged on the two sides of the control assembly 6, respectively. After the sampling capsule is swallowed, when the camera assembly 2 monitors that the sampling capsule reaches the target sampling region, the control assembly 6 sends a command to the pump 5 to extract the air in the sampling cavity 11, so that the sampling cavity 11 forms a negative pressure, the soft bag 4 expands, the liquid enters the soft bag 4 from the sampling pipeline 3 in the digestive tract, and the collection of the digestive juice sample is completed.

[0080] Preferably, the camera assembly 2, the control assembly 6 and the pump 5 are sequentially arranged along the axial direction of the shell 1, so as to reduce the width of the shell 1 in the radial direction.

[0081] Further, the sampling capsule further comprises a valve assembly 7 arranged on the sampling pipe 3 and used for opening or closing the inner cavity of the sampling pipe 3. The valve assembly 7 is used for opening the sampling pipe 3 when the sampling capsule reaches the target sampling area, and closing the sampling pipe 3 when the sampling capsule completes sampling. In this way, the accuracy of sampling is improved, and the liquid sample collected in the sampling cavity 11 is prevented from being polluted by the changed liquid environment.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 4, in a first embodiment of the valve assembly 7, the valve assembly 7 comprises a first valve unit 71 and a second valve unit 72. The first valve unit 71 is in a normally closed state when the sampling capsule does not reach the target sampling area, so as to prevent the non-target liquid sample from entering the sampling cavity during the movement of the capsule to the target sampling area. After the capsule reaches the target sampling area, the first valve unit 71 is opened. The second valve unit 72 is in a normally open state when the sampling capsule does not collect enough liquid sample, and is closed when the sampling capsule completes sampling, so as to prevent the liquid sample in the sampling cavity 11 from leaking during the subsequent movement of the capsule, and prevent the liquid sample collected in the sampling cavity 11 from being polluted by the changed liquid environment.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, the first valve unit 71 comprises a first valve base 711, a first through hole 712 arranged on the first valve base 711 and communicating with the inner cavity of the sampling pipe 3, a hot melt film 714 covering the first through hole 712 and used for closing the first through hole 712, and a heating element 713 arranged on the hot melt film 714. Figure 5 6a When the sampling capsule does not reach the target sampling area, the hot melt film 714 closes the first through hole 712. When the sampling capsule reaches the target sampling area, the hot melt film 714 melts under the heating action of the heating element 713, so that the first through hole 712 is in an open state.

[0084] Preferably, the hot melt film is a thin film with a thickness of less than 2 mm, has a low melting point, and melts rapidly and breaks after being heated, so as to open the first through hole 712. The heating element 713 can be an electric heating wire, such as a gold wire, a platinum wire, or a nichrome wire. The heating element 713 can be in a linear type, an arc shape, or other shapes such as an Ω shape. The electric heating wire 107d is in close contact with the hot melt film.

[0085] Further, the first valve base 711 is provided with a groove for fixedly mounting the hot melt film 714. Preferably, the hot melt film 714 comprises multiple thin films, and the heating element 713 is arranged between adjacent thin films. When it is needed to open the first through hole 712, the heating element 713 is heated, and after a period of time, the local temperature of the thin film rises, melts, breaks, and falls off, so that the first through hole 712 is opened.

[0086] Further, the first valve base 711 is provided with a groove for fixedly mounting the hot melt film 714. Preferably, the hot melt film 714 comprises multiple thin films, and the heating element 713 is arranged between adjacent thin films. When it is needed to open the first through hole 712, the heating element 713 is heated, and after a period of time, the local temperature of the thin film rises, melts, breaks, and falls off, so that the first through hole 712 is opened. ​

[0087] Combination Figures 7a to 8b As shown in the figure, the second valve unit 72 comprises a valve housing 721, a second through hole 722 provided on the valve housing 721 and communicating with the inner cavity of the sampling pipe 3, and a blocking element 723 provided on the valve housing 721, wherein the blocking element 723 has a closed state of closing the second through hole 722.

[0088] By providing the blocking element 723, the liquid outside the sampling capsule cannot enter the sampling cavity 11 due to the blocking of the blocking element 723, and when the liquid environment outside the sampling capsule changes, the liquid sample already collected in the sampling cavity 11 can be effectively prevented from being polluted by the changed liquid environment. For example, when the sampling capsule moves to an external environment with different composition of liquid from the target sampling area, at this time, the liquid of the external environment enters the sampling cavity 11, which will pollute the liquid sample that has been collected. At the same time, the liquid sample already collected in the sampling cavity 11 is also retained in the sampling cavity 11 due to the blocking of the blocking element 723, which can effectively prevent the loss of the sample liquid, thereby facilitating the further improvement of the sampling success rate and sampling accuracy.

[0089] Further, the blocking element 723 is provided as a meltable element, and the valve assembly 7 further comprises a heater provided on the valve housing 721 and used for heating the meltable element, and the meltable element closes the second through hole 722 under the heating action of the heater.

[0090] The meltable element is a fusible substance, and the fusible substance has a low melting point, such as EVA, paraffin, etc., and is combined with the heater. The second through hole 722 is actively closed, and in this combination, the valve housing 721 can be made of heating ceramic, so that the fusible substance melts and softens, and then automatically flows and blocks the second through hole 722, thereby closing the second through hole 722.

[0091] Further, the blocking element 723 is provided as a water-absorbing material, wherein the water-absorbing material expands to close the second through hole 722 due to the absorption of liquid.

[0092] The water-absorbing material is a material that gradually expands when absorbing water (or liquid), and the expansion speed should not be too large, and a material with expansion multiple exceeding 2 times and expansion time in the order of minutes is preferably selected. When the liquid flows through the second through hole 722 during sampling, part of the liquid is absorbed by the water-absorbing material, and the water-absorbing material gradually expands to block the second through hole 722, thereby closing the second through hole 722.

[0093] It should be noted that the relative position relationship of the first valve unit 71 and the second valve unit 72 is not fixed. If the blocking element 723 is provided as a water-absorbing material, it is more suitable to select Figure 4bThe first valve unit 71 is connected to the inner cavity of the sampling pipe 3, so that no liquid contacts the blocking element 723 of the second valve unit 72 before sampling, preventing the inner cavity of the sampling pipe 3 from being mistakenly blocked.

[0094] In combination Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 6, the second embodiment of the valve assembly 7 is a piezoelectric valve 73, which includes a first state of opening the inner cavity of the sampling pipe 3 and a second state of closing the inner cavity of the sampling pipe 3. The piezoelectric valve 73 replaces the first valve unit 71 and the second valve unit 72. The piezoelectric vibrator of the piezoelectric valve 73 deforms under an applied voltage, and remains deformed when a voltage bias is applied. Therefore, the piezoelectric valve 73 can remain in an open or closed state. The piezoelectric valve 73 is set to a normally closed state, and opens when a forward voltage bias is applied, and closes when a reverse voltage bias is applied or no bias is applied. The piezoelectric valve 73 is closed before sampling, opens during sampling, and closes after sampling. The related prior art of the piezoelectric pump 5 is not described here.

[0095] The soft capsule 4 in the foregoing can also be replaced by a filter screen, which is connected to the communication port 33. The mesh size of the filter screen is limited to a size sufficient to filter out substances that can cause the piezoelectric valve 73 to be blocked. At the same time, the filter screen 301 has a large surface area, reducing the risk of its own blockage. In this case, if air is drawn into the pump 5 during sampling, the air will also be pumped out of the capsule, further improving the stability of the sampling capsule.

[0096] In combination Figure 10 and 11 As shown in FIG. 7, the third embodiment of the valve assembly 7 includes a rotating shaft 741, a shape memory alloy 742 wound around the outer periphery of the rotating shaft 741, a valve 743 connected to one end of the rotating shaft 741, a torsion spring 748 connected to the other end of the rotating shaft 741, and a third through hole 744 provided on the valve 743.

[0097] The shape memory alloy 742 generates a torque after being heated by being energized, thereby driving the rotating shaft 741, the valve 743, and the torsion spring 748 to rotate in a first direction, so that the third through hole 744 is in communication with the inner cavity of the sampling pipe 3, and the third through hole 744 is opened.

[0098] The shape memory alloy 742 no longer generates a torque after being cooled by being de-energized, and the rotating shaft 741 and the valve 743 rotate in a direction opposite to the first direction under the restoring force of the torsion spring 748, so that the third through hole 744 is out of position with the inner cavity of the sampling pipe 3, and the third through hole 744 is closed.

[0099] Further, the partition 745 is connected to the inner wall of the shell 1, the rotor 746 is connected to the shape memory alloy 742, and the electrical connector 747 is electrically connected to the rotor 746 and the shape memory alloy 742.

[0100] The electrical connector 747 is a support column and also serves as a connector for supplying power to the shape memory alloy 742. One end of the shape memory alloy 742 is fixed to the contact of the rotor 746, and the other end is directly fixed to the electrical connector 747. The contact of the rotor 746 is connected to the electrical connector 747 through a wire, so that the shape memory alloy 742, the rotor 746, and the electrical connector 747 form a loop.

[0101] The torsional spring 748 and the electrical connector 747 are fixed to the partition 745, and the rotor 746 is connected to the torsional spring 748 and the valve 743.

[0102] The basic principle of the third embodiment of the valve assembly 7 is as follows: since one end of the shape memory alloy 742 is fixed to the rotor 746 and the other end is fixed to the electrical connector 747, when the shape memory alloy 742 is powered to heat up, the shape memory alloy 742 changes to a high-temperature phase state and shrinks, causing the rotor 746 to rotate. The rotor 746 drives the valve 743 to rotate, so that the third through hole 744 is in communication with the inner cavity of the sampling pipeline 3, thereby enabling the sampling pipeline 3 to be in communication. After stopping the power supply to the shape memory alloy 742, the shape memory alloy 742 gradually cools down and returns to a low-temperature phase state. Under the driving of the torsional force of the torsional spring 748, the rotor 746 drives the valve 743 to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the third through hole 744 is out of position with the inner cavity of the sampling pipeline 3, and the third through hole 744 is closed.

[0103] The opening and closing states of the rotary valve 743 are shown in Figure 12 When the shape memory alloy 742 is powered, the shape memory alloy 742 shrinks and causes the rotor 746 to rotate in the A direction, so that the third through hole 744 is aligned with the sampling pipeline 3. After stopping the power supply, the shape memory alloy 742 gradually cools down and recovers. Under the driving of the torsional moment of the torsional spring 748, the rotor 746 rotates in the B direction, so that the third through hole 744 is out of position with the sampling pipeline 3.

[0104] The working process of the sampling capsule provided by the application is as follows: after the sampling capsule is ingested, when the camera assembly 2 detects that the sampling capsule reaches the target sampling area, the control assembly 6 sends an instruction to make the pump 5 extract the air in the sampling cavity 11, so that the sampling cavity 11 forms a negative pressure, the soft bag 4 expands, the liquid enters the sampling pipeline 3 from the digestive tract and finally reaches the soft bag 4, and the camera assembly 2 can monitor the collection scale of the digestive fluid in the scale mark section 31 in real time, so as to calculate the time required for the sampling cavity 11 to be filled and the liquid volume of the digestive fluid actually collected in the sampling cavity 11 excluding bubbles, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of sampling.

[0105] In order to solve the technical problem that the volume of the digestive juice flowing into the sampling capsule cannot be intuitively and clearly obtained in the sampling process, and whether a sufficient amount of digestive juice is collected is unknown, and the sampling process is relatively passive, the application further provides a sampling capsule collection method.

[0106] A sampling capsule collection method as described above comprises the following steps,

[0107] The volume V of the sampling cavity 11 is obtained, and the images of the liquid in the adjacent two photographed scale mark segments 31 are obtained by the camera assembly 2;

[0108] After the images of the liquid in the adjacent two photographed scale mark segments 31 are obtained, the scales of the liquid in the adjacent two times are obtained as L0, L1, and the time T of the adjacent two times of shooting is obtained;

[0109] According to the obtained L0, L1 and T, the sampling flow rate u of the fluid in the sampling process is calculated, wherein the sampling flow rate u = (L1-L0) / T;

[0110] According to the volume V and the sampling flow rate u, the time t required for the sampling process is budgeted, wherein t = V / (u*S), and S is the cross-sectional area of the sampling pipeline 3;

[0111] In the images of the liquid in the adjacent two photographed scale mark segments 31, the liquid in the scale mark segment 31 photographed for the first time is at the starting position of the scale mark segment 31 or close to the starting position, and the product of the time interval t1 between the adjacent two times and the sampling flow rate u is less than the range of the scale mark segment 31.

[0112] Specifically, the structure of the sampling capsule can calculate the volume V of the sampling cavity 11. In addition, according to the foregoing, the soft bag 4 can be inflated to the same shape as the contact area of the inner wall of the shell 1, that is, the volume of the liquid sample of the soft bag 4 is equal to the volume V of the sampling cavity 11.

[0113] The sampling flow rate u is obtained according to the value of the corresponding scale mark segment 31 in the image photographed by the camera assembly 2. After the sampling flow rate u is obtained, the time t required for the volume V of the sample sampled through the sampling pipeline 3 can be obtained, so that the medical staff can know the time required this time, and the controllability and accuracy of the sampling process are improved.

[0114] In addition, the time interval t1 between the adjacent two times is obtained, and the time interval of the camera assembly 2 can be set to make the image photographed by the camera assembly 2 meet the needs of the calculation of the application.

[0115] Further, in the image of the liquid in the scale mark section 31 photographed the second time, the liquid in the scale mark section 31 does not exceed the end position of the scale mark section 31.

[0116] Further, the number n of bubbles appearing in the scale mark section 31 at time t, and the length Ln of each bubble are acquired by the camera assembly 2, and after the number n of bubbles and the length Ln of each bubble are acquired, the total volume V of the bubbles is calculated 气泡 , wherein V 气泡 = SUN(Ln)*S.

[0117] According to the volume V of the sampling cavity 11, the volume V 气泡 of the liquid sample actually collected by the sampling cavity 11 is calculated. 采样 , wherein V 采样 = V-V 气泡 .

[0118] , wherein V 采样 is the volume of the liquid sample actually collected by the sampling cavity 11.

[0119] Specifically, when the sampling capsule is in the sampling process, the gas of the target sampling area enters the sampling cavity 11 through the sampling pipeline 3, the gas passes through the sampling pipeline 3 in the form of bubbles, the number n of bubbles appearing in the scale mark section 31 at time t is acquired by the camera assembly 2, and the total volume V 气泡 of the bubbles is calculated, so that the volume of the liquid sample actually collected by the sampling cavity 11 is obtained, which facilitates the medical staff to understand the volume of the liquid sample actually collected, and realizes that the volume of the liquid sample collected in the sampling process is understood to a certain extent.

[0120] Compared with the prior art, the sampling capsule and the collection method provided by the application have the following advantages: the scale mark section 31 is made of a transparent material, and the scale mark section 31 is arranged in the field of view of the camera, the camera assembly 2 can monitor the collection scale of the digestive juice in the scale mark section 31 in real time, the time required for the sampling cavity 11 to be filled and the volume of the digestive juice actually collected in the sampling cavity 11 are calculated, the efficiency and accuracy of sampling are improved, the controllability and accuracy of the sampling process are improved, the accuracy of the collection result is improved, unnecessary detection waste is avoided, the relationship between medical staff and patients is improved, and the experience of patients is improved. In addition, the valve assembly 7 arranged on the sampling pipeline 3 and used for opening or closing the inner cavity of the sampling pipeline 3 can prevent the liquid sample in the sampling cavity 11 from leaking in the subsequent movement process of the capsule, and prevent the liquid sample collected in the sampling cavity 11 from being polluted by the changed liquid environment. The sampling process is stable and reliable, the sampling efficiency is high, and the sampling process is controllable.

[0121] Finally, it should be noted that the above examples are merely used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application but not to limit the present application. Although the present application has been described in detail through the above preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications can be made in form and details without departing from the scope of the present application defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A sampling capsule, comprising a shell having a sampling cavity, a camera assembly arranged in the shell, and a sampling pipeline communicating between outside of the shell and inside of the sampling cavity, the camera assembly comprising a camera, characterized in that: the sampling pipeline comprises a scale mark segment made of transparent material and distributed along the extension direction of the sampling pipeline; the scale mark segment is arranged in the field of view of the camera; the sampling capsule further comprises a device cavity, a partition separating the device cavity and the sampling cavity, and the sampling cavity is defined between the partition and the inner wall of the shell away from the device cavity; the sampling pipeline extends from one end of the shell adjacent to the device cavity to the other end of the shell, and the two ends of the sampling pipeline respectively comprise a sampling port arranged on one end of the shell and a communication port arranged on the partition and communicating into the sampling cavity; the sampling capsule further comprises a soft bag arranged in the sampling cavity and connected to the communication port, wherein the soft bag can expand to the same shape as the contact area between the inner wall of the shell when it is inflated to absorb liquid under the action of external force; the sampling capsule further comprises a pump arranged in the device cavity and connected to the partition, wherein the partition is provided with a first exhaust hole communicating between the sampling cavity and the inlet of the pump, and the shell is provided with a second exhaust hole communicating between outside of the shell and the outlet of the pump; the camera assembly is arranged in the device cavity; the sampling port is located in the field of view of the camera; the scale mark segment is arranged along the circumference of the inner wall of the shell from the vicinity of the sampling port, and the camera is arranged on the side of the scale mark segment away from the sampling port; the scale mark segment is arranged along the circumference of the inner wall of the shell from the vicinity of the sampling port for multiple turns to form a spiral structure spiraling along the radial direction of the shell, and the camera is arranged on the side of the scale mark segment away from the sampling port; one end of the shell adjacent to the device cavity is made of transparent material, and the end is arranged in the field of view of the camera, and the sampling port is located on the transparent end; the sampling capsule further comprises a control assembly arranged in the device cavity and electrically connected to the camera assembly and the pump, wherein the camera assembly, the control assembly and the pump are arranged in sequence along the axial direction of the shell; the sampling capsule further comprises a valve assembly arranged on the sampling pipeline and used for opening or closing the inner cavity of the sampling pipeline; the valve assembly comprises a first valve unit, the first valve unit comprises a first valve base, a first through hole of the first valve base arranged in communication with the inner cavity of the sampling pipeline, a hot melt film covering the first through hole and used for closing the first through hole, and a heating element arranged on the hot melt film, wherein the hot melt film opens the first through hole under the heating action of the heating element; the first valve base is provided with a groove for fixedly mounting the hot melt film, the hot melt film comprises a plurality of thin films, and the heating element is arranged between adjacent thin films. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2. The sampling capsule of claim 1, wherein: ​ 3. The sampling capsule of claim 2, wherein: ​ 4. The sampling capsule of claim 3, wherein: ​ 5. The sampling capsule of claim 3, wherein: ​ 6. The sampling capsule of claim 3, wherein: ​ 7. The sampling capsule of claim 2, wherein: ​ 8. The sampling capsule of claim 1, wherein: ​ 9. The sampling capsule of claim 8, wherein: ​ 10. The sampling capsule of claim 9, wherein: ​ 11. The sampling capsule of claim 9, wherein: The valve assembly comprises a second valve unit, the second valve unit comprises a valve housing, a second through hole provided on the valve housing and communicated with the sampling pipe inner cavity, and a blocking element provided on the valve housing, wherein the blocking element has a closed state for closing the second through hole.

12. The sampling capsule of claim 11, wherein: The blocking element is provided as a meltable element, and the valve assembly further comprises a heater provided on the valve housing and used for heating the meltable element, and the meltable element closes the second through hole under the heating of the heater.

13. The sampling capsule of claim 11, wherein: The blocking element is provided as a water-absorbing material, wherein the water-absorbing material expands to close the second through hole due to absorbing liquid.

14. The sampling capsule of claim 8, wherein: The valve assembly is provided as a piezoelectric valve, wherein the piezoelectric valve comprises a first state of opening the sampling pipe inner cavity and a second state of closing the sampling pipe inner cavity.

15. The sampling capsule of claim 8, wherein: The valve assembly comprises a rotating shaft, a shape memory alloy wound on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft, a valve connected to one end of the rotating shaft, a torsion spring connected to the other end of the rotating shaft, and a third through hole provided on the valve; Wherein, the shape memory alloy drives the rotating shaft, the valve and the torsion spring to rotate in the first direction after being heated by power-on, so that the third through hole is in communication with the sampling pipe inner cavity; After the shape memory alloy cools down after power-off, the rotating shaft and the valve rotate in the direction opposite to the first direction under the restoring force of the torsion spring, so that the third through hole is misaligned with the sampling pipe inner cavity.

16. The sampling capsule of claim 15, wherein: The valve assembly further comprises a partition plate connected to the inner wall of the shell, a rotor connected to the shape memory alloy, and an electrical connector electrically connecting the rotor and the shape memory alloy, wherein the torsion spring and the electrical connector are respectively fixed to the partition plate, and the rotor is respectively connected to the torsion spring and the valve.

17. A method of collecting a sample capsule as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, characterised by: including, Obtaining the volume V of the sampling cavity, and obtaining the images of the liquid in the scale mark segments photographed by the camera assembly in two adjacent times; After obtaining the images of the liquid in the scale mark segments photographed in two adjacent times, the scales of the liquid in two adjacent times are obtained as L0 and L1, and the time interval T between the two adjacent times is obtained; According to the obtained L0, L1 and T, the sampling flow rate u of the fluid in the sampling process is calculated, wherein the sampling flow rate u=(L1-L0) / T; According to the volume V and the sampling flow rate u, the time t required for the sampling process is calculated, wherein t=V / (u*S), and S is the cross-sectional area of the sampling pipe; In the foregoing images of the liquid in the scale mark segments photographed in two adjacent times, the liquid photographed for the first time is at or close to the starting position of the scale mark segment, and the product of the time interval T between the two adjacent times and the sampling flow rate u is less than the range of the scale mark segment.

18. The collection method according to claim 17, characterized in that: In the foregoing images of the liquid in the scale mark segments photographed in two adjacent times, the liquid photographed for the second time does not exceed the end position of the scale mark segment.

19. The collection method according to claim 17, characterized in that: The camera assembly acquires the number n of bubbles appearing in the scale mark section within time t, and the length Ln of each bubble. After the number n of bubbles and the length Ln of each bubble are acquired, the total volume V of the bubbles is calculated 气泡 wherein V 气泡 =SUN(Ln)*S; According to the volume V, V 气泡 The total volume V of the bubbles is calculated 采样 where V 采样 = V - V 气泡 .

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