Sampling capsule and sampling capsule system, control method

Abstract

A sampling capsule, a sampling capsule system and a control method. The sampling capsule comprises a shell, a partition wall arranged in the shell, a sampling pool formed by the partition wall and the shell on the first side of the partition wall, an inner sampling inlet arranged on the partition wall, an outer sampling inlet arranged on the shell on the second side of the partition wall, a sampling channel connecting the outer sampling inlet and the inner sampling inlet, and a switch assembly for opening or closing the sampling channel. Through the switch assembly, when the sampling capsule reaches the part of the digestive tract to be detected, the sampling channel is opened to realize sampling; after sampling is completed, the sampling channel is closed to prevent sample leakage or contamination; and by controlling the opening time of the sampling channel, the sampling amount can be accurately controlled. In addition, by actively controlling the opening or closing of the sampling channel through the switch assembly, it can be used for any part of the digestive tract, and has high universality.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of medical devices, in particular to a sampling capsule with high universality, accurate sampling time and sampling amount, and capable of preventing sample leakage or contamination after sampling, a sampling capsule system, and a control method. BACKGROUND

[0002] The sampling capsule is an intelligent capsule for sampling digestive juice at a digestive tract site. In general, the sampling capsule comprises a sampling cavity, a sampling port in communication with the sampling cavity, and a sampling port; after reaching a specific digestive tract site, the sampling port is opened, and the digestive juice enters the sampling cavity; after the sampling capsule is removed from the body, the digestive juice is taken out from the sampling port for pathological analysis.

[0003] The existing sampling capsule uses a material that can be degraded in a specific digestive tract site environment; when the sampling capsule reaches the corresponding digestive tract site, the material is degraded to form a sampling hole, so that the digestive juice enters the sampling capsule under the pressure difference between the inside and outside. However, this kind of sampling capsule has the following problems: on the one hand, the environment in different digestive tracts is different, and the universality of this kind of sampling capsule is poor; on the other hand, the sampling amount is uncontrollable, and after the sampling is completed, the sampling hole cannot be closed again, and the sample is easy to leak or be contaminated by other liquids.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an improved sampling capsule, a sampling capsule system, and a control method to solve the above problems. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application aims to provide a sampling capsule with high universality, accurate sampling time and sampling amount, and capable of preventing sample leakage or contamination after sampling, a sampling capsule system, and a control method.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose of the application, the present application provides a sampling capsule comprising a shell, a partition wall arranged in the shell, and a sampling pool formed by the partition wall and the shell located on the first side of the partition wall; characterized in that the sampling capsule further comprises an inner sampling port arranged on the partition wall, an outer sampling port arranged on the shell located on the second side of the partition wall, a sampling channel in communication with the outer sampling port and the inner sampling port, and a switch assembly for opening or closing the sampling channel.

[0007] The wall surrounding the sampling channel comprises a first wall and a second wall arranged oppositely, and at least part of the first wall is an elastic wall; the switch assembly applies force to the elastic wall to adjust the interval distance between the elastic wall and the second wall, so that the elastic wall is attached to the second wall to close the sampling channel or is away from the second wall to open the sampling channel.

[0008] The switch assembly comprises a driving unit for driving the elastic wall to be close to the second wall, and a control unit in communication connection with the driving unit; the driving unit comprises a micro motor in communication connection with the control unit, and a top block in screw connection with a rotor of the micro motor; when the rotor rotates, the rotation is converted into a linear motion of the top block through screw connection, so as to apply force to the elastic wall.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present application, the top block is not connected with the elastic wall; or the top block is connected with the elastic wall.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present application, the switch assembly further comprises a sliding rail arranged on an inner wall of the shell to limit the linear movement of the top block.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present application, the micro motor is a motor or a stepping motor, and the micro motor is located on a side of the top block away from the elastic wall.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present application, the switch assembly further comprises:

[0013] a sensor in communication connection with the control unit, the sensor being used for collecting physiological parameters and / or image information in the digestive tract; the sensor is at least one of an image sensor, a pH sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor; when the sensor comprises an image sensor, part of the shell is transparent; when the sensor comprises a pH sensor, the shell has a window, and the pH sensor contacts the digestive tract liquid through the window;

[0014] a storage module in communication connection with the control unit, the storage module being used for storing normal physiological parameters and / or image information at different positions in the digestive tract, and physiological parameters and / or image information when possible lesions occur;

[0015] a wireless transmission module for communication connection with an external processing terminal.

[0016] As a further improvement of the present application, the partition wall is integrally arranged with the shell located on the first side of the partition wall; or the partition wall is separately arranged with the shell located on the first side of the partition wall, and the sealing property at the connection position of the two is required to ensure that the sampling pool can maintain a required vacuum degree of-90kPa to-80kPa.

[0017] As a further improvement of the present application, the second wall is arranged close to the partition wall, the first wall is arranged on a side of the sampling channel away from the partition wall, and the external sampling inlet is arranged between the first wall and the second wall.

[0018] Or, the partition wall constitutes the second wall, the first wall is an elastic wall spaced from the partition wall, the outer sampling inlet is arranged between the partition wall and the elastic wall, and the sampling channel is formed between the elastic wall and the partition wall.

[0019] Or, the first wall and the second wall are both elastic walls, and the first wall and the second wall are integrally arranged, and the sampling channel is a multi-tube, part of the tube openings are connected with the inner sampling inlet, and the other part of the tube openings are connected with the outer sampling inlet.

[0020] The application also provides a sampling capsule system comprising the sampling capsule and an external processing terminal in communication connection with the switch assembly.

[0021] The application also provides a control method based on the sampling capsule, comprising the following steps: judging whether sampling is needed, if yes, the switch assembly opens the sampling channel; and after sampling is completed, the switch assembly closes the sampling channel.

[0022] As a further improvement of the application, the switch assembly further comprises: a sensor in communication connection with the control unit, the sensor being used for collecting physiological parameters and / or image information in the digestive tract; a storage module in communication connection with the control unit, the storage module being used for storing normal physiological parameters and / or image information at different positions in the digestive tract and physiological parameters and / or image information when possible lesions occur; a wireless transmission module in communication connection with the external processing terminal; wherein,

[0023] The sensor is an image sensor, and part of the shell is transparent; the image sensor is used to obtain the image of the digestive tract outside, the wireless transmission module transmits the obtained image to the external processing terminal, the external processing terminal processes the obtained image, identifies the position of the digestive tract where the sampling capsule is located and whether there is a lesion, and decides whether sampling is needed according to the information of the position of the digestive tract and whether there is a lesion;

[0024] Or, the sensor is a pH sensor, the shell has a window, and the pH sensor contacts the digestive tract liquid through the window; the pH value of the digestive liquid in the digestive tract is obtained through the pH sensor, the obtained pH value is transmitted to the external processing terminal through the wireless transmission module, the obtained pH value is processed to determine the position of the sampling capsule, and whether sampling is needed is decided according to the position of the digestive tract;

[0025] Or, the sensor is an ultrasonic sensor; an external digestive tract image is obtained by the ultrasonic sensor, the wireless transmission module transmits the obtained image to an external processing terminal, the external processing terminal processes the obtained image, identifies the part of the digestive tract where the sampling capsule is located and whether there is a lesion, and decides whether to sample according to the information of the part of the digestive tract and whether there is a lesion.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the sampling capsule has the advantages that: the sampling capsule opens the sampling channel when reaching the part of the digestive tract to be detected, so that the digestive juice enters the sampling pool through the external sampling inlet, the sampling channel and the internal sampling inlet, and sampling is realized; after sampling is completed, the sampling channel is closed to prevent sample leakage or contamination; and the sampling amount can be accurately controlled by controlling the opening time of the sampling channel. In addition, the opening and closing of the sampling channel are actively controlled by the switch assembly, and are not affected by the environment of the part of the digestive tract, so the sampling capsule can be used in any part of the digestive tract, and has high universality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a structural schematic view of the sampling capsule of the preferred embodiment of the present application when the sampling channel is closed;

[0028] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a structural schematic view of the sampling capsule when the sampling channel is opened;

[0029] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the multi-way pipe in the preferred embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the multi-way pipe in another preferred embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 5 is a structural schematic view of the sampling capsule of another preferred embodiment of the present application when the sampling channel is opened;

[0032] Figure 6 is Figure 5 is a structural schematic view of the sampling capsule when the sampling channel is closed;

[0033] Figure 7 is a structural schematic view of the sampling capsule of another preferred embodiment of the present application when the sampling channel is opened;

[0034] Figure 8 is Figure 7 is a structural schematic view of the sampling capsule when the sampling channel is closed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The application will be described in detail below with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the application, and the structural, method, or functional changes made by those of ordinary skill in the art based on these embodiments are included in the protection scope of the application.

[0036] In various drawings of the present application, certain dimensions of structures or parts are exaggerated relative to other structures or parts for the purpose of illustration, and thus only serve to illustrate the basic structure of the subject matter of the present application.

[0037] In addition, the terms such as "upper", "above", "lower", "below", and the like used herein to describe spatial relative positions are for the purpose of illustration to describe 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 in addition to the orientation shown in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, the unit described as being "below" or "under" the other unit or feature will be "above" the other unit or feature. Therefore, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both the above and below orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatial-related descriptions used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0038] Referring to Figures 1-8 Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a sampling capsule 100 and its internal structure according to a preferred embodiment of the present application.

[0039] Referring to Figures 1-2 and Figures 5-8 Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a sampling capsule 100 and its internal structure according to a preferred embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Generally, when the sampling capsule 100 reaches the digestive tract site with pathological changes or the site to be examined, sampling is needed. When the sampling capsule 100 reaches the digestive tract site to be sampled, the sampling channel 43 is opened by the switch assembly 5, and the digestive fluid enters the sampling pool 3 through the outer sampling port 42, the sampling channel 43, and the inner sampling port 41, realizing sampling. After sampling is completed, the sampling channel 43 is closed to prevent sample leakage or contamination. By controlling the opening time of the sampling channel 43, the sampling amount can be accurately controlled. In addition, the opening and closing of the sampling channel 43 is actively controlled by the switch assembly 5, which is not affected by the special environment of the digestive tract site, and can be used for any digestive tract site, having high universality.

[0041] When the sampling capsule 100 is taken out of the body, the sampling scheme includes but is not limited to: opening the sampling channel 43, so that the digestive fluid flows out through the inner sampling port 41, the sampling channel 43, and the outer sampling port 42, for pathological analysis. Alternatively, the sampling capsule 100 further comprises a sampling port 6 on the outer shell 1 on the first side of the partition wall 2 and in communication with the sampling pool 3. The sampling port 6 is made of soft material such as rubber, and sampling is performed by injecting a syringe or other device into the sampling pool 3 from the sampling port 6.

[0042] Specifically, the outer shell 1 is made of any material harmless to the human body and not corroded by the digestive fluid, has a length of less than 30 mm, such as 27 mm, and a diameter of less than 12 mm, such as 11.6 mm, so as to enter any part of the digestive tract and sample. Moreover, the outer shell 1 is formed by splicing at least two parts, facilitating the installation of internal structures. For example Figure 1 As shown, the outer shell 1 is composed of three parts: a first outer shell 11, a second outer shell 12, and a third outer shell 13, which are distributed along the length direction of the sampling capsule 100 and connected by threads, adhesives, or the like.

[0043] The partition wall 2 is integrally provided with the outer shell 1 on the first side of the partition wall 2, and the sealing performance of the sampling pool 3 formed thereby is good; or the partition wall 2 is separately provided with the outer shell 1 on the first side of the partition wall 2, and the sealing performance at the connection between the two is required to ensure that the sampling pool 3 can maintain the required vacuum degree.

[0044] The sampling pool 3 is a vacuum cavity with a volume greater than 0.3 mL, such as 0.4 mL to 0.7 mL; the vacuum degree can be -90 kPa to -80 kPa, ensuring that the volume of the collected digestive juice is greater than 0.3 mL. Before use, the sampling channel 43 is opened, and the air in the sampling pool 3 is extracted by a vacuum device, and after the required vacuum degree is reached, the sampling channel 43 is closed, so that the sampling pool 3 maintains the required vacuum degree. When the sampling capsule 100 reaches the required part of the digestive tract during use, the sampling channel 43 is opened, and the digestive juice enters the sampling pool 3 under the action of the internal and external pressure difference, and the sampling is completed.

[0045] Preferably, the sampling pool 3 is located at one end of the length direction of the shell 1, and the sampling pool 3, the sampling channel 43 and the switch assembly 5 are arranged in sequence along the length direction of the shell 1, so that the space utilization rate is high and installation is facilitated.

[0046] In the present application, the number of the inner sampling port 41 and the outer sampling port 42 is not limited. Those skilled in the art can understand that "closing the sampling channel" means cutting off the channel between all the inner sampling ports 41 and the outer sampling ports 42.

[0047] When the number of the outer sampling port 42 is at least two, at least two outer sampling ports 42 are uniformly distributed on the shell 1 along the circumferential direction of the shell 1, and the digestive juice around the sampling capsule 100 can enter the sampling pool 3, so that sampling failure caused by temporary lack of digestive juice or insufficient amount of digestive juice in a specific part of the digestive tract can be avoided. Of course, at least two outer sampling ports 42 can also be randomly distributed on the shell 1 along the circumferential direction of the shell 1.

[0048] When the number of the inner sampling port 41 is at least two, at least two inner sampling ports 41 are uniformly distributed on the partition wall 2; the sampling speed is fast, and the digestive juice entering the sampling pool 3 is uniformly distributed, so that the sampling is not affected by local digestive juice stacking. Of course, at least two inner sampling ports 41 can also be randomly distributed on the partition wall 2.

[0049] When the number of the inner sampling port 41 is one and the number of the outer sampling port 42 is at least two, one sampling channel 43 simultaneously connects the inner sampling port 41 and all the outer sampling ports 42. Specifically, the sampling channel 43 includes a plurality of ports connected one by one with the inner sampling port 41 and the outer sampling port 42, and connected by a communication pipe in the middle. Taking an example of one inner sampling port 41 and two outer sampling ports 42, the sampling channel 43 is T-shaped as shown in Figure 3

[0050] ​When the number of the inner sampling ports 41 is at least two and the number of the outer sampling ports 42 is at least two, all the inner sampling ports 41 and all the outer sampling ports 42 can be connected by one sampling channel 43. Specifically, the sampling channel 43 is connected to the inner sampling ports 41 and the outer sampling ports 42 through several ports one by one via connecting tubes. Taking the case of two inner sampling ports 41 and two outer sampling ports 42 as an example, the sampling channel 43 connects the two inner sampling ports 41 and the two outer sampling ports 42 at the same time, as shown in FIG. 3. Figure 4

[0051] When the number of the inner sampling ports 41 is at least two and the number of the outer sampling ports 42 is at least two, all the inner sampling ports 41 and all the outer sampling ports 42 can be connected by one sampling channel 43. Specifically, the sampling channel 43 is connected to the inner sampling ports 41 and the outer sampling ports 42 through several ports one by one via connecting tubes. Taking the case of two inner sampling ports 41 and two outer sampling ports 42 as an example, the sampling channel 43 connects the two inner sampling ports 41 and the two outer sampling ports 42 at the same time, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0052] In addition, the wall surrounding the sampling channel 43 includes oppositely arranged first wall 431 and second wall 432, at least part of the first wall 431 is an elastic wall; the switch assembly 5 applies force to the elastic wall to adjust the distance between the elastic wall and the second wall 432, so that the elastic wall is attached to the second wall 432 to close the sampling channel 43 or away from the second wall 432 to open the sampling channel 43. Those skilled in the art can understand that "the switch assembly 5 applies force to the elastic wall to adjust the distance between the elastic wall and the second wall 432" includes the following two cases: the elastic wall is completely under the active control of the switch assembly 5 to adjust the distance between the elastic wall and the second wall 432; or in view of the elastic wall itself has elastic force, the elastic wall adjusts the distance between the elastic wall and the second wall 432 under the control of the switch assembly 5 and the action of the elastic force.

[0053] ​The skilled in the art can understand that the first wall 431 is partially or entirely an elastic wall, and when the switch assembly 5 drives the elastic wall to adhere to the second wall 432, the sampling channel 43 is closed; when the switch assembly 5 does not act on the elastic wall, the elastic wall restores to its original shape under its own elastic force, and the sampling channel 43 is opened; or the switch assembly 5 directly drives the elastic wall to move away from the second wall 432, and the sampling channel 43 is opened.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 1, the first wall 431 and the second wall 432 are both elastic walls, and the first wall 431 and the second wall 432 are integrally arranged, and the sampling channel 43 is a multi-channel pipe, part of the pipe openings are connected with the inner sampling port 41, and the other part of the pipe openings are connected with the outer sampling port 42, so that the digestive fluid does not corrode other structures during entering. Figures 1-4 As shown in FIG. 1, the first wall 431 and the second wall 432 are both elastic walls, and the first wall 431 and the second wall 432 are integrally arranged, and the sampling channel 43 is a multi-channel pipe, part of the pipe openings are connected with the inner sampling port 41, and the other part of the pipe openings are connected with the outer sampling port 42, so that the digestive fluid does not corrode other structures during entering. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1, the first wall 431 and the second wall 432 are both elastic walls, and the first wall 431 and the second wall 432 are integrally arranged, and the sampling channel 43 is a multi-channel pipe, part of the pipe openings are connected with the inner sampling port 41, and the other part of the pipe openings are connected with the outer sampling port 42, so that the digestive fluid does not corrode other structures during entering.

[0055] Preferably, the second wall 432 is arranged close to the partition wall 2, the first wall 431 is arranged on the side of the sampling channel 43 away from the partition wall 2, and the switch assembly 5 is arranged on the side of the first wall 431 away from the partition wall 2, so that the distance between the first wall 431 and the shell 1 is large, and the switch assembly 5 is conveniently arranged and installed.

[0056] In this embodiment, the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 are separated at the outer sampling port 42, and the parts without the sampling port 42 are connected by interference fit, threaded connection or adhesive bonding. The first wall 431 is fixed on the second shell 12, and the second wall 432 is fixed on the first shell 11, so that the multi-channel pipe is conveniently installed.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 1, the first wall 431 and the second wall 432 are both elastic walls, and the first wall 431 and the second wall 432 are integrally arranged, and the sampling channel 43 is a multi-channel pipe, part of the pipe openings are connected with the inner sampling port 41, and the other part of the pipe openings are connected with the outer sampling port 42, so that the digestive fluid does not corrode other structures during entering. Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the second wall 432 is the partition wall 2, the first wall 431 is the elastic wall arranged apart from the partition wall 2, the outer sampling inlet 42 is arranged between the partition wall 2 and the elastic wall, and the sampling channel 43 is formed between the elastic wall and the partition wall 2. When the switch assembly 5 drives the elastic wall to adhere to the partition wall 2, the sampling channel 43 can be closed, preferably, the part of the elastic wall corresponding to the inner sampling inlet 41 is adhered to the partition wall 2, and the inner sampling inlet 41 can be simultaneously shielded, so as to ensure that the sampling pool 3 is a sealed cavity. In this embodiment, the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 can be integrally arranged, as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2 The shown embodiment is arranged in a split type at the outer sampling inlet 42, facilitating the installation of the first wall 431.

[0058] Please refer to Figures 1-2 、 Figures 5-6 As shown, the switch assembly 5 includes a driving unit 51 for driving the elastic wall to approach the second wall 432, and a control unit 52 in communication connection with the driving unit 51, and the control unit 52 is used for controlling the working state of the switch assembly 5.

[0059] The driving unit 51 includes a micro motor 511 in communication connection with the control unit 52, and a top block 513 in screw connection with a rotor 512 of the micro motor 511; when the rotor 512 rotates, the linear motion of the top block 513 is converted through screw connection, so as to apply force to the elastic wall.

[0060] The micro motor 511 has small load and displacement, which reduces the requirement for the performance of the micro motor, and makes the whole system structure complete, compact and simple, and easy to seal and sample. The micro motor 511 includes but is not limited to an ordinary motor or a stepping motor, which can actively open or close the sampling channel 43.

[0061] In the embodiment in which the top block 513 is not connected with the elastic wall, when the rotor 512 rotates forward, the top block 513 moves along the length direction of the sampling capsule 100 and towards the second wall 432 through screw connection, and pushes the elastic wall to adhere to the second wall 432, so as to close the sampling channel 43; when the rotor 512 reversely rotates, the top block 513 moves away from the second wall 432, and the elastic wall restores to the original state under the elastic force of itself, and moves away from the second wall 432, so as to open the sampling channel 43, and the sampling can be realized.

[0062] The person skilled in the art can understand that the displacement amount of the top block 513 in the length direction can be controlled to control the on-off amount of the sampling channel 43, thereby controlling the flow rate of the sample; meanwhile, the displacement of the top block 513 can be used to control the sampling time, thereby precisely controlling the sample amount.

[0063] In the embodiment in which the top block 513 is connected with the elastic wall, the difference from the embodiment in which the two are not connected is that when the rotor 512 rotates forward, the top block 513 is moved along the length direction of the sampling capsule 100 and towards the second wall 432 by thread cooperation, and pushes the elastic wall to adhere to the second wall 432 to close the sampling channel 43; when the rotor 512 rotates reversely, the top block 513 moves away from the second wall 432, and actively pulls the elastic wall away from the second wall 432 to open the sampling channel 43; therefore, the distance between the elastic wall and the second wall 432 and the opening time of the sampling channel 43 are more accurate, thereby more precisely controlling the sample amount.

[0064] Further, the switch assembly 5 further comprises a slide rail 514 arranged on the inner wall of the shell 1 to limit the linear movement of the top block 513 to prevent the top block 513 from rotating with the rotor 512.

[0065] In another embodiment, please refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The difference from the embodiment shown in Figures 1-6 is mainly the difference of the driving unit 51, and the same numbers in the figures represent the same structures.

[0066] Specifically, the driving unit 51 comprises a moving block 51a for driving the elastic wall to move towards or away from the second wall 432, and a driving mechanism for driving the moving block 51a to move, the driving mechanism comprising a shape memory alloy 51b having one end connected with the moving block 51a and the other end connected with a fixed block 51d, and a temperature control element 51c in communication connection with the control unit 52 to control the temperature of the shape memory alloy 51b. The control unit 52 is used to control the working state of the switch assembly 5 by controlling the temperature control element 51c.

[0067] The person skilled in the art can understand that the position of the fixed block 51d in the sampling capsule is fixed, and the position of the elastic wall is adjusted by the movement of the moving block 51a; the moving block 51a can be connected with the elastic wall or arranged separately from the elastic wall, and the moving block 51a applies force to the elastic wall to move in the same way as the top block 513 applies force to the elastic wall to move, which will not be described here.

[0068] The mobile block 51a and the fixed block 51d used in cooperation are referred to as a set of mobile block 51a and fixed block 51d. One set of mobile block 51a and fixed block 51d corresponds to one shape memory alloy 51b; or multiple sets of mobile block 51a and fixed block 51d correspond to one shape memory alloy 51b, that is, one shape memory alloy 51b can drive multiple sets of mobile block 51a and fixed block 51d at the same time; of course, one mobile block 51a can correspond to multiple fixed blocks 51d, or one fixed block 51d can correspond to multiple mobile blocks 51a, and the number and arrangement of the shape memory alloy 51b can be adjusted according to the arrangement of the mobile block 51a.

[0069] One shape memory alloy 51b corresponds to one temperature control element 51c, or multiple shape memory alloys 51b correspond to one temperature control element 51c, that is, the temperature change of multiple shape memory alloys 51b is controlled by one temperature control element 51c. The number and arrangement of the temperature control element 51c are adjusted according to the arrangement of the multiple shape memory alloys 51b.

[0070] The connection mode of the two ends of the shape memory alloy 51b to the mobile block 51a and the fixed block 51d includes but is not limited to: the shape memory alloy 51b is arranged between the mobile block 51a and the fixed block 51d, and the two ends of the shape memory alloy 51b are connected to the two sides of the mobile block 51a and the fixed block 51d facing each other. Or the shape memory alloy 51b is arranged on the same side of the mobile block 51a and the fixed block 51d, and the two ends of the shape memory alloy 51b are connected to the side of the mobile block 51a and the fixed block 51d facing the shape memory alloy 51b. Or the shape memory alloy 51b is arranged on the same side of the mobile block 51a and the fixed block 51d, and the two ends of the shape memory alloy 51b are connected to the two sides of the mobile block 51a and the fixed block 51d through the connecting pieces, which are away from each other. Thus, when the length of the shape memory alloy 51b changes, the mobile block 51a can be driven to move close to or away from the fixed block 51d.

[0071] When the temperature is lower than the shape recovery threshold, the shape memory alloy 51b has a first shape state, and the distance between the mobile block 51a and the fixed block 51d is a first distance; when the temperature is higher than the shape recovery threshold, the shape memory alloy 51b has a second shape state, and the distance between the mobile block 51a and the fixed block 51d is a second distance, the first distance is less than or greater than the second distance; and the larger distance between the first distance and the second distance is configured to enable the mobile block 51a to apply force to the elastic wall so that the elastic wall is attached to the second wall 432, closing the sampling channel 43; the smaller distance between the first distance and the second distance is configured to enable the elastic wall to separate from the second wall 432 under the driving of the mobile block 51a or the elastic force of the elastic wall, opening the sampling channel 43.

[0072] In one embodiment, the temperature control element 51c is a heating element, and the first distance is greater than the second distance. When the temperature is below the shape recovery threshold, the shape memory alloy 51b is in the first shape state of elongation, the moving block 51a is away from the fixed block 51d, and the moving block 51a applies force to the elastic wall to make it adhere to the second wall 432, and the sampling channel 43 is in the closed state. When the heating element is turned on to heat the shape memory alloy 51b, the temperature of the shape memory alloy 51b rises above the shape recovery threshold, and the shape memory alloy 51b recovers to the second shape state of compression, bending, or wavy shape, and drives the moving block 51a to move towards the fixed block 51d, the distance between the two is reduced, and the elastic wall is separated from the second wall 432 under the action of the moving block 51a or its own elastic force, the sampling channel 43 is opened, and sample injection can be realized. When the heating element is turned off, the temperature of the shape memory alloy 51b decreases below the shape recovery threshold, and due to the two-way effect of the shape memory alloy 51b, the shape memory alloy 51b returns to the first shape state, drives the moving block 51a to move away from the fixed block 51d, and at the same time pushes the elastic wall to adhere to the second wall 432, closes the sampling channel 43, and seals the sample.

[0073] In another embodiment, the temperature control element 51c is a cooling element, and the first distance is less than the second distance. When the temperature is above the shape recovery threshold, the shape memory alloy 51b is in the second shape state of elongation, the moving block 51a is away from the fixed block 51d, and the moving block 51a applies force to the elastic wall to make it adhere to the second wall 432, and the sampling channel 43 is in the closed state. When the cooling element is turned on to cool the shape memory alloy 51b, the temperature of the shape memory alloy 51b decreases below the shape recovery threshold, and the shape memory alloy 51b recovers to the first shape state of compression, bending, or wavy shape, and drives the moving block 51a to move towards the fixed block 51d, the distance between the two is reduced, and the elastic wall is separated from the second wall 432 under the action of the moving block 51a or its own elastic force, the sampling channel 43 is opened, and sample injection can be realized. When the cooling element is turned off, the temperature of the shape memory alloy 51b rises above the shape recovery threshold, and due to the two-way effect of the shape memory alloy 51b, the shape memory alloy 51b returns to the second shape state, drives the moving block 51a to move away from the fixed block 51d, and at the same time pushes the elastic wall to adhere to the second wall 432, closes the sampling channel 43, and seals the sample.

[0074] Further, the switch assembly 5 further comprises an auxiliary block 56 arranged on the inner wall of the shell 1 to limit the linear movement of the moving block 51a, so as to prevent the moving block 51a from deviating. Meanwhile, the auxiliary block 56 can also serve as an auxiliary installation for other structural members.

[0075] Not limited to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The embodiment shown in the figure, the driving unit 51 with shape memory alloy 51b, also applies to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The sampling channel 43 shown in the figure.

[0076] In addition, please refer to Figures 1-2 、 Figures 5-8 The switch assembly 5 further comprises a sensor 53, a storage module 54, etc. in communication connection with the control unit 52. The sensor 53 is used to collect physiological parameters and / or image information in the digestive tract, and the information collected can be used for system positioning, so as to determine the position of the sampling capsule 100 and whether sampling is needed. The storage module 54 is used to store normal physiological parameters and / or image information at different parts of the digestive tract, and physiological parameters and / or image information when possible lesions occur. The control unit 52 can compare the information obtained by the sensor 53 with the stored physiological parameters and / or image information, so as to determine the position of the sampling capsule 100 and whether sampling is needed.

[0077] The sensor 53 is at least one of an image sensor, or a pH sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor; when there are multiple sensors 53, the judgment is more accurate.

[0078] Specifically, when the sensor 53 includes an image sensor, part of the shell 1 is transparent, and the image sensor can obtain the image of the external digestive tract.

[0079] Or the sensor 53 includes an ultrasonic sensor, the physiological parameters of the digestive tract are obtained by ultrasonic waves, at this time the shell 1 serves as an acoustic medium between the ultrasonic sensor and the imaged object such as the inner wall of the digestive tract, and its acoustic performance can provide good acoustic coupling effect and improve the quality of ultrasonic imaging.

[0080] Or the sensor 53 includes a pH sensor, and the shell 1 has a window, through which the pH sensor contacts with the digestive tract liquid. Those skilled in the art can understand that the window is configured such that the digestive tract liquid can only contact the detection part of the pH sensor and cannot contact other components.

[0081] Further, the sampling capsule 100 further comprises a wireless transmission module 55 for communication connection with an external processing terminal. The information collected by the sensor 53 is transmitted to the external processing terminal through the wireless transmission module 55, and the external processing terminal processes the data information, so as to more accurately determine the position of the sampling capsule 100 and whether sampling is needed; or the external processing terminal updates the information of the memory and the controller through the wireless transmission module 55. In addition, the information obtained by the sensor 53 is also displayed in real time through a display instrument, for a doctor to view. The doctor can actively send a sampling instruction to perform sampling.

[0082] In this embodiment, the storage module 54 is further used for storing information transmitted by the external processing terminal.

[0083] The following will take the embodiment with the wireless transmission module 55 as an example to illustrate how to assist in controlling the working state of the sampling capsule 100 through various sensors 53.

[0084] When the sensor 53 is an image sensor, the obtained image is transmitted to the external processing terminal through the wireless transmission module 55, and the external processing terminal processes the obtained image. The position of the sampling capsule 100 in the digestive tract is identified through the human eye and computer vision algorithm. In addition, the doctor or the algorithm can also determine whether some lesions exist through the image, so as to determine whether sampling is needed. If sampling is needed, the external processing terminal transmits the information of the need for sampling to the control unit 52 through the wireless transmission module 55, and the control unit 52 controls the switch assembly 5 to open the sampling channel 43 to perform sampling. Specifically, when a special image is identified or other special comprehensive information appears, that is, the sampling requirement is met, the external processing terminal can send prompt information to the doctor to wait for the doctor to confirm, or directly send a sampling instruction to the sampling capsule 100 through the wireless transmission module 55 to start sampling.

[0085] When the sensor 53 is an ultrasonic sensor, the use process is similar to that of the above-mentioned image sensor, and the difference is only that the image is a B-ultrasound image, which will not be described here.

[0086] When the sensor 53 is a pH sensor, the obtained pH value is transmitted to an external processing terminal through the wireless transmission module 55, so as to process the obtained pH value to determine the position of the sampling capsule 100, and to determine whether sampling is needed. If sampling is needed, the external processing terminal transmits information about the need for sampling to the control unit 52 through the wireless transmission module 55, and the control unit 52 controls the switch assembly 5 to open the sampling channel 43 to perform sampling. Specifically, when a special pH value or a special pH value curve fluctuation occurs, i.e., sampling requirements are met, the external processing terminal can send prompt information to a doctor to wait for confirmation by the doctor, or directly send a sampling instruction to the sampling capsule 100 through the wireless transmission module 55 to start sampling.

[0087] The sampling capsule 100 further comprises a battery (not shown) for providing power supply to each structure of the switch assembly 5, so as to ensure normal operation of the control unit 52, the driving unit 51, the wireless transmission module 55, the storage module 54, and the sensor 53.

[0088] The application further provides a sampling capsule system comprising any one of the above sampling capsules 100 and an external processing terminal in communication connection with the switch assembly 5. Specifically, the switch assembly 5 at least comprises a control unit 52 for controlling the working state of the switch assembly 5, and a wireless transmission module 55 in communication connection with the control unit 52, and the external processing terminal is in communication connection with the control unit 52 through the wireless transmission module 55 to control the working state of the sampling capsule 100; other structures are the same as described above, and will not be described here again.

[0089] The application further provides a control method based on the above sampling capsule 100, comprising the following steps: determining whether sampling is needed, and if yes, the switch assembly 5 opens the sampling channel 43; and after sampling is completed, the switch assembly 5 closes the sampling channel 43. Whether sampling is needed can be determined in any one of the above described ways, and will not be described here again. The switch assembly 5 opens or closes the sampling channel 43 in any one of the above described ways, and will not be described here again.

[0090] In summary, the sampling capsule 100 according to the application opens the sampling channel 43 when the sampling capsule 100 reaches a part of the digestive tract to be detected, so that the digestive juice enters the sampling pool 3 through the external sampling inlet 42, the sampling channel 43, and the internal sampling inlet 41 to realize sampling; after sampling is completed, the sampling channel 43 is closed to prevent the sample from leaking or being contaminated; and the sampling amount can be accurately controlled by controlling the opening time of the sampling channel 43. In addition, the opening or closing of the sampling channel 43 is actively controlled by the switch assembly 5, and is not affected by the environment of the part of the digestive tract, so that the sampling capsule 100 can be used for any part of the digestive tract, and has high universality.

[0091] It should be understood that although the present specification is described in terms of embodiments, each of which contains only one independent technical solution, the specification is merely for the sake of clarity and each of the technical solutions in the embodiments can be properly combined to form other embodiments which can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0092] The above detailed description of a series of specific embodiments is merely for the feasibility of the present application, and is not intended to limit the protection scope of the present application. Any equivalent embodiments or changes made without departing from the spirit of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A sampling capsule comprising a housing, a partition wall disposed within the housing, a sampling cell defined by the partition wall and the housing on a first side of the partition wall; characterized in that, The sampling capsule further comprises an inner sampling inlet arranged on the partition wall, an outer sampling inlet arranged on the shell on the second side of the partition wall, a sampling channel connecting the outer sampling inlet and the inner sampling inlet, and a switch assembly opening or closing the sampling channel. The wall surrounding the sampling channel comprises a first wall and a second wall arranged oppositely, and at least part of the first wall is an elastic wall; the switch assembly applies force to the elastic wall to adjust the interval distance between the elastic wall and the second wall, so that the elastic wall is attached to the second wall to close the sampling channel or is away from the second wall to open the sampling channel. The switch assembly comprises a driving unit driving the elastic wall to be close to the second wall and a control unit in communication connection with the driving unit; the driving unit comprises a micro motor in communication connection with the control unit and a top block in screw connection with a rotor of the micro motor; when the rotor rotates, the screw connection is converted into linear motion of the top block, so as to apply force to the elastic wall. The micro motor is located on a side of the top block away from the elastic wall.

2. The sampling capsule of claim 1, wherein: The top block is not connected with the elastic wall, or the top block is connected with the elastic wall.

3. The sampling capsule of claim 1, wherein: The switch assembly further comprises a sliding rail arranged on an inner wall of the shell to limit linear movement of the top block.

4. The sampling capsule of claim 1, wherein: The micro motor is a motor or a stepping motor.

5. The sampling capsule of claim 1, wherein: The switch assembly further comprises: a sensor in communication connection with the control unit, the sensor being used to collect physiological parameters and / or image information in the digestive tract; the sensor is at least one of an image sensor, a pH sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor; when the sensor comprises an image sensor, part of the shell is transparent; when the sensor comprises a pH sensor, the shell has a window through which the pH sensor contacts the digestive tract liquid; a storage module in communication connection with the control unit, the storage module being used to store normal physiological parameters and / or image information at different positions in the digestive tract and physiological parameters and / or image information when possible lesions occur; a wireless transmission module in communication connection with an external processing terminal.

6. The sampling capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The partition wall is integrally arranged with the shell on the first side of the partition wall, or the partition wall is separately arranged with the shell on the first side of the partition wall, and the sealing property at the connection position of the two is required to ensure that the sampling pool can maintain a required vacuum degree of -90 kPa to -80 kPa.

7. The sampling capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The second wall is arranged close to the partition wall, the first wall is arranged on a side of the sampling channel away from the partition wall, and the outer sampling inlet is arranged between the first wall and the second wall.

8. The sampling capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The partition wall constitutes the second wall, the first wall is an elastic wall arranged at intervals with the partition wall, the outer sampling inlet is arranged between the partition wall and the elastic wall, and the sampling channel is formed between the elastic wall and the partition wall.

9. The sampling capsule according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The first wall and the second wall are both elastic walls, and the first wall and the second wall are integrally arranged, the sampling channel is a multi-channel pipe, part of the pipe openings are connected with the inner sampling inlet, and the other part of the pipe openings are connected with the outer sampling inlet.

10. A sampling capsule system comprising the sampling capsule of any one of claims 1-9 and an external processing terminal in communication with the switch assembly.

Images