Multi-chamber different point intestinal flora collection device

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of micro-ecological diagnosis and treatment, and is a multi-chamber different point intestinal flora collection device, comprising a shell, a driving switching module and a plurality of circumferentially distributed sampling shells. The shell is designed in a split type, facilitating sample recovery; each sampling shell inlet is covered with a slow-release layer with different dissolution characteristics, which can respond to specific environmental parameters of different sections of the intestine. After a slow-release layer in the target intestinal section dissolves to trigger single-point sampling, the sampling shell is automatically driven to switch, allowing the next sampling shell to enter the working position. The device realizes automatic, time-sequential and multi-point precise sampling in a single intestinal journey, ensures independent and non-cross-contaminated samples at each point, and can obtain in-situ liquid samples at multiple points in the intestine, truly reflecting the spatial distribution heterogeneity and dynamic change rule of the flora, and providing key technical support for intestinal micro-ecological research, disease diagnosis and personalized treatment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention patent relates to the field of microecological diagnosis and treatment technology, specifically to a device for collecting intestinal flora at different locations in multiple chambers. Background Technology

[0002] The gut is the largest and most complex micro-ecosystem in the human body, home to trillions of microorganisms whose combined genome far exceeds that of the human body, thus earning it the title of the "second genome." These gut microbiota are not simply symbiotic entities; they form a complex network of interactions with the host, directly participating in a series of key physiological processes, including nutrient extraction, energy metabolism, immune system development and homeostasis, drug metabolism, and intestinal barrier protection. More importantly, recent studies have shown that the structure and function of the gut microbiota exhibit high spatial heterogeneity in different segments of the intestine (such as the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and colon). This longitudinal distribution variation is closely related to the specific local microenvironment of each segment, including pH, oxygen content, bile acid concentration, and host-secreted factors, and is the basis for its normal overall function. Therefore, studies relying solely on fecal samples from the terminal colon cannot accurately reveal the true, in-situ microbial information within the small intestine and other specific segments of the intestine, significantly limiting in-depth analysis of the crucial role of the gut microbiota in health assessment and disease mechanisms (such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and metabolic diseases). Against this backdrop, developing advanced technologies capable of obtaining in-situ liquid samples from specific locations within the gut has become a core technological bottleneck that urgently needs to be overcome in the fields of precision medicine and gut microbiota research.

[0003] To address the aforementioned clinical needs, the applicant's previously granted patent CN115349890B (A Non-invasive Intestinal Microbiota Targeted Extraction Device) provides an innovative capsule-type solution, successfully achieving non-invasive, targeted collection of microbiota samples from specific locations within the intestine, effectively avoiding the invasive risks of traditional endoscopic biopsies. Building upon this, the applicant further submitted patent application 202511342707.5 (A Non-invasive Intestinal Microbiota Targeted Sampling and Drug Release Device), which integrates sampling and drug release functions, enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic synergy; however, it remains limited to single-site sampling and treatment operations. The applicant has gradually built a patent portfolio from "single-point sampling" to "sampling and drug release synergy" around the technological direction of non-invasive precision diagnosis and treatment of intestinal microbiota. However, neither single-sampling nor single-point synergistic devices can solve the clinical and research needs of obtaining multiple continuous microbial samples during a single intestinal journey, making it difficult to reveal the distribution gradient and dynamic changes of microbiota along the longitudinal direction of the intestine, thus limiting their application potential in panoramic microbiota research.

[0004] A search revealed that a prior art invention patent (CN109620299A) discloses a multi-site liquid biopsy sampling device for the digestive tract. This device has multiple independent sampling chambers, each covered with a dissolution membrane that dissolves at different target sites. It relies on a water-absorbing, swelling material to seal the openings after sampling, enabling multi-point liquid sample collection. However, this approach has significant limitations in the actual intestinal environment: the sampling process relies on the spontaneous expansion of the swelling material in each chamber, lacking active timing control and mechanical isolation mechanisms between chambers. In situations with rapid intestinal peristalsis (such as postprandial conditions, emotional stress, certain gastrointestinal disorders, or drug effects) or significant individual differences, the device may move to the next intestinal segment before the dissolution membrane in the previous chamber has dissolved and the swelling material has absorbed enough intestinal fluid to effectively seal the openings. This causes the dissolution membranes in subsequent chambers to open as well. With multiple chambers open simultaneously, intestinal fluids from different segments are easily cross-mixed, leading to sample contamination and severely affecting the accuracy of subsequent testing. In addition, this method is highly dependent on the amount of liquid collected from a single sampling point. If the residence time in a certain intestinal segment is insufficient or the intestinal fluid content is low, the expansion material cannot expand sufficiently to seal the pores, increasing the risk of sample contamination.

[0005] Based on the aforementioned patent applications and the deficiencies in timing control and sample isolation in the prior art, the applicant provides a collection device that can achieve active timing control, automatic compartment switching, and automatic multi-site sampling in a single intestinal journey, while effectively avoiding sample cross-contamination. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-chamber intestinal flora collection device at different locations. This device achieves automatic, sequential, and precise sampling at multiple sites during a single intestinal journey. It can acquire in-situ liquid samples from multiple consecutive sites within the intestine in a single operation, accurately and completely reflecting the spatial heterogeneity and dynamic changes of the intestinal flora along its longitudinal distribution, and providing comprehensive information for intestinal microecology research.

[0007] The present invention is implemented as follows: a multi-chamber intestinal flora collection device at different locations includes an outer shell, a drive switching module and multiple circumferentially distributed sampling shells inside the outer shell, and the liquid inlet of each of the multiple sampling shells is covered with a slow-release layer with different solubility properties.

[0008] The drive switching module is connected to multiple sampling housings simultaneously. When the slow-release layer of one sampling housing dissolves and sampling is completed, the drive switching module can drive the sampling module to move so that the liquid inlet of the next sampling housing is connected to the corresponding opening on the outer shell.

[0009] Furthermore, the outer casing includes a cover and a casing body that are detachable from each other. A connecting rod is provided between the cover and the drive switching module. One end of the connecting rod is connected to the cover, and the other end is connected to the drive switching module.

[0010] Furthermore, the drive switching module includes absorbent material, movable plate, enteric block 1, and drive unit 1; the absorbent material, movable plate, and enteric block 1 are all disposed inside the sampling housing, and the absorbent material is connected to the movable plate; the enteric block 1 is fixedly connected to both the movable plate and the sampling housing; the drive unit 1 uses the power of the movable plate to connect the liquid inlet of different sampling housings with the corresponding opening on the outer shell.

[0011] Furthermore, the drive unit includes a transmission rod, a rotating ring, and a transmission structure; the rotating ring is slidably disposed on the inner wall of the outer shell, and a through hole is opened on the rotating ring to communicate with each sampling shell respectively; one end of the transmission rod is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the rotating ring, and the other end is connected to the transmission structure; multiple liquid inlet holes corresponding to the sampling shells are opened on the outer shell; slow-release layers with different solubility properties are coated on different liquid inlet holes respectively.

[0012] Furthermore, the transmission structure includes a sealing cylinder, a sleeve, a rotating rod, and a limiting block; the sealing cylinder is simultaneously connected to multiple sampling housings, and the sleeve is vertically slidably disposed within the sealing cylinder; the limiting block is fixedly installed on the side wall of the sleeve; the rotating rod is provided with a threaded groove, and the limiting block is inserted into the threaded groove; the side wall of the rotating rod is fixedly connected to the transmission rod; a sealed chamber is formed between the top surface of the sleeve, the sealing cylinder, the multiple sampling housings, and the movable plate, and the sealed chamber is filled with liquid; the absorbent material and the enteric-coated block are both disposed on the side of the movable plate away from the sealing cylinder.

[0013] Furthermore, when the absorbent material pushes the movable plate to the end of the sampling housing, the through hole on the rotating ring can rotate to communicate with the adjacent sampling housing.

[0014] Furthermore, the transmission structure includes a protective shell, gears, and multiple racks; the gears are housed inside the protective shell and can mesh with each rack respectively; the multiple racks are fixedly connected to their corresponding movable plates; the transmission rod is fixedly connected to the shaft sidewall of the gear; the movable plate has a ring-shaped structure, and the absorbent material and enteric coating are both located on the side of the movable plate near the protective shell.

[0015] Furthermore, the drive switching module includes a first collection tube, a second collection tube, a first spring, a second spring, a second enteric-coated block, and a second drive unit. The second collection tube is slidably sleeved on the first collection tube, and the size of the first collection tube matches the liquid inlet on the outer shell. A slow-release layer is disposed at the end of the first collection tube. The first spring is disposed inside the second collection tube and its two ends are respectively connected to the first and the second collection tube. The second spring is sleeved on the outer wall of the second collection tube and its two ends are respectively fixedly connected to the second collection tube and the inner wall of the sampling shell. The second enteric-coated block is fixedly connected to both the second collection tube and the inner wall of the sampling shell, and the second enteric-coated block seals the second collection tube. The second drive unit provides rotational power to multiple sampling shells, enabling multiple sampling shells to communicate with the liquid inlet respectively.

[0016] Furthermore, the second drive unit includes a rotating column and a torsion spring; the torsion spring is sleeved on the rotating column to provide rotational power to the rotating column; multiple sampling housings are circumferentially arranged on the side wall of the rotating column.

[0017] Furthermore, the fixed end of the torsion spring is connected to the top cover of the housing.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0019] 1. This device, through the implementation of a drive switching module, enables fully automated, time-controlled, multi-site independent sampling during a single intestinal journey, effectively preventing sample cross-contamination. Utilizing the differences in the intestinal physiological environment, the device uses the sustained-release layer and enteric coating as trigger signals, ensuring the accuracy of sampling points and timing. This allows for the simultaneous and intact acquisition of liquid samples from a series of consecutive sites within the intestine. This device provides crucial and reliable sample data for in-depth understanding of the spatial heterogeneity, metabolic gradients, and dynamic evolution of the longitudinal distribution of gut microbiota, possessing significant application value in gut microbiota research and related disease diagnosis.

[0020] 2. The drive switching module used in this device, whether in a hydraulic propulsion or gear transmission scheme, incorporates an enteric block within the sampling housing. In its undissolved state, this enteric block remains fixedly connected to both the movable plate and the sampling housing. Its core function is to ensure the sampling housing stably collects a certain amount of intestinal fluid while waiting for the enteric block to dissolve. Once the enteric block dissolves, even with a small amount of intestinal fluid, the absorbent material expands using the collected fluid, thus pushing the movable plate to its maximum designed stroke. This mechanism ensures that the core trigger condition for chamber switching is the dissolution of the enteric block, rather than relying on the collection of large amounts of intestinal fluid. This effectively reduces the requirement for single-point sampling volume, ensures the integrity and consistency of the transmission action, guarantees the sealing of the current sampling chamber before switching, and ultimately allows the through-hole on the rotating ring to precisely align with the inlet of the next sampling housing, fundamentally preventing cross-contamination of intestinal fluid from different locations.

[0021] 3. The drive switching module used in this device employs a pre-tensioned torsion spring as a continuous power source to drive all circumferentially distributed sampling housings to rotate as a whole, ensuring they are precisely aligned with the unique liquid inlet on the housing, thus achieving sequential sampling. Its core lies in the use of interlocking collection tubes 1 and 2 in each sampling unit, cleverly utilizing the synergistic effect of springs 1 and 2. This structure combines positioning, sampling, and physical isolation functions: at the sampling station, the elasticity of spring 1 pushes collection tube 1 stably into the liquid inlet, achieving precise positioning and sealing; subsequently, the closed temporary chamber formed by collection tubes 1 and 2 is used to collect intestinal fluid. When the enteric block 2 fails, regardless of the amount of intestinal fluid collected in the chamber, the restoring force of spring 2 causes the entire sampling unit, carrying the intestinal fluid sample sealed within the collection tube, to quickly reset, thus reliably capturing and independently preserving the sample. The key to this design is that the chamber switching is triggered solely by the dissolution of the enteric block 2 in the target intestinal segment environment, requiring low sampling volume and ensuring no cross-contamination of samples at each location.

[0022] 4. The device features a split-type casing, consisting of a main shell and a cover. The cover is connected to the internal drive switching module via a connecting rod. After the sampling device completes sampling and cleaning, simply separate the cover from the main shell, and the entire sampling casing and drive switching module can be removed from the casing via the connecting rod. This design greatly simplifies the subsequent sample recovery process, providing researchers with the convenience of quickly and non-destructively obtaining multiple independent samples without cross-contamination, effectively enhancing the device's practicality. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-chamber intestinal flora collection device at different locations provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a horizontal cross-sectional view along the sampling shell position of a multi-chamber intestinal flora collection device at different locations provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-chamber intestinal flora collection device at different locations provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a horizontal cross-sectional view along the sampling shell position of a multi-chamber intestinal flora collection device at different locations provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-chamber intestinal flora collection device at different locations provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6This is a horizontal cross-sectional view along the sampling shell position of a multi-chamber intestinal flora collection device at different locations provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0030] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Enlarged view of point B in the middle.

[0031] Reference numerals used in the above figures:

[0032] 1. Outer shell; 2. Connecting rod; 3. Sampling shell; 4. Enteric block one; 5. Through hole; 6. Slow-release layer; 7. Rotating ring; 8. Limiting block; 9. Rotating rod; 10. Sleeve; 11. Sealing cylinder; 12. Water-absorbing material; 13. Liquid inlet; 14. Movable plate; 15. Transmission rod; 16. Gear; 17. Rack; 18. Protective shell; 19. Collection tube one; 20. Collection tube two; 21. Enteric block two; 22. Torsion spring; 23. Rotating column; 24. Spring one; 25. Spring two. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0034] The implementation of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0035] In the accompanying drawings of this embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this invention, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the accompanying drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this patent. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] Reference Figure 1-8 The image shown is a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Example 1: A multi-chamber intestinal flora collection device at different locations, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the device includes an outer shell 1. To facilitate sampling by staff after the sampling process, the outer shell 1 in this example adopts a split design. It mainly consists of a shell body and a cover, which are connected by a snap-fit ​​mechanism.

[0038] This embodiment takes the collection of in-situ liquid samples from four different sections of the human intestine as an example. The outer shell 1 houses a drive switching module and four sampling shells 3 evenly distributed circumferentially. The outer shell 1 has four inlet holes 13 corresponding to the sampling shells 3, each covered with a slow-release layer 6 of a different material. The four sampling shells 3 are used to collect intestinal fluid samples from four representative sites with different microbial communities: the terminal duodenum, proximal jejunum, distal ileum, and ascending colon.

[0039] The characteristics of the intestinal fluid environment at each sampling point and the corresponding triggering mechanisms are as follows:

[0040] Terminal duodenum: The intestinal fluid here is affected by gastric acid emptying, resulting in a relatively low pH value, typically ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. The sustained-release layer 6 configured for the first sampling shell 3 is made of a material with a dissolution threshold of pH ≥ 5.5, allowing it to dissolve and trigger the reaction first within this range.

[0041] Proximal jejunum: The environment tends to stabilize, with the pH rising to the range of 6.0-7.0. The sustained-release layer 6 configured for the second sampling shell 3 is made of a material with a dissolution threshold of pH ≥ 6.2, ensuring reliable triggering after removal from the duodenal environment.

[0042] Distal ileum: The environment is near neutral, with a stable pH value of around 7.0-7.5. The sustained-release layer 6 configured for the third sampling shell 3 is made of a material with a dissolution threshold of pH ≥ 7.0, which ensures precise triggering at the distal ileum.

[0043] Ascending colon: Due to microbial fermentation, the pH value is significantly lower than that of the ileum, typically ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. To avoid confusion with the front-end sites, the sustained-release layer 6 configured for the fourth sampling shell 3 uses a colon-specific material with a dissolution threshold of pH ≤ 6.0, thereby ensuring that it is triggered only in the colonic environment.

[0044] The drive switching module consists of absorbent material 12, a movable plate 14, an enteric-coated block 4, and a drive unit. One end of the absorbent material 12 is fixed to the liquid inlet of the sampling housing 3, and the other end is connected to the movable plate 14. In this embodiment, the movable plate 14 is a piston structure installed inside the sampling housing 3 to achieve sealed sliding. The enteric-coated block 4 is made of the same material as the slow-release layer 6 corresponding to the sampling housing. In its undissolved state, the enteric-coated block 4 is fixedly connected to both the inner wall of the sampling housing 3 and the movable plate 14, thereby locking the movable plate 14 in its initial position. At this time, even if intestinal fluid enters the sampling housing 3, the absorbent material 12 cannot absorb water and swell.

[0045] In this embodiment, the drive unit mainly consists of transmission rods 15, rotating rings 7, and a transmission structure. The rotating ring 7 is attached to the inner wall of the outer shell 1 and can rotate along it, with its inner sidewall in contact with the liquid inlet end of the sampling housing 3. The rotating ring 7 has a through hole 5. When the through hole 5 is aligned with the liquid inlet end of a certain sampling housing 3, and the slow-release layer 6 of that sampling housing 3 dissolves, intestinal fluid can flow into the interior of that sampling housing 3. The liquid inlets of the other sampling housings 3 are blocked by the rotating ring 7, thereby achieving physical isolation between the sampling units and structurally preventing cross-contamination of intestinal fluid at different locations. To ensure stable rotation of the rotating ring 7, four transmission rods 15 are arranged circumferentially on the sidewall of the transmission structure, with their other ends fixedly connected to the inner wall of the rotating ring 7.

[0046] In this embodiment, the transmission structure consists of a sealed cylinder 11, a sleeve 10, a rotating rod 9, and a limiting block 8. The sealed cylinder 11 includes a vertical section and four circumferentially arranged horizontal sections, each of which is connected to one of the four sampling housings 3. The sleeve 10 is slidably mounted on the vertical section of the sealed cylinder 11. The sealed cylinder 11, the sleeve 10, and the movable plate 14 together form a sealed chamber filled with physiological saline as the transmission medium.

[0047] The rotating rod 9 has a threaded groove on its side wall, and the limiting block 8 is fixed to the inside of the sleeve 10 and embedded in the threaded groove. When the sleeve 10 is pressed and moves downward, the limiting block 8 is guided by the threaded groove, which drives the rotating rod 9 to rotate, thereby driving the rotating ring 7 to rotate.

[0048] In this embodiment, when the movable plate 14 inside a certain sampling housing 3 moves to the end of its stroke, the rotating ring 7 rotates 90° accordingly, thereby realizing the sequential switching of the sampling housing 3 and the time-sharing collection of intestinal fluid.

[0049] To simplify the sampling process, this device integrates a one-piece connecting rod 2 structure in the top cover, which is directly fixed to the top of the sealed cylinder 11. During sampling, the operator only needs to open the top cover to remove all the sampling housings 3 and the drive switching module as a whole. Then, by using a standard syringe through the preset through hole 5, intestinal fluid samples from each sampling unit can be easily extracted.

[0050] Working Principle: When a patient swallows the intestinal fluid collection device, the device first enters the duodenum with the peristalsis of the digestive tract. At this location, the sustained-release layer 6 corresponding to the current sampling housing 3 begins to dissolve, allowing intestinal fluid to enter the sampling housing 3 through the inlet. At this time, since the enteric block 4 has not yet dissolved, the movable plate 14 remains mechanically locked. Although the intestinal fluid has entered the sampling housing 3, the absorbent material 12 cannot expand due to the fixation of the movable plate 14, and the intestinal fluid is temporarily stored in the sampling chamber. During this process, the intestinal fluid continuously acts on the enteric block 4, causing it to gradually dissolve. When the enteric block 4 is completely dissolved, the fixation of the movable plate 14 is released. At this time, not only the intestinal fluid temporarily stored in the chamber, but more importantly, the dissolution of the enteric block 4 itself can also be rapidly absorbed by the absorbent material 12 and cause expansion, driving the movable plate 14 to move along the sampling housing 3 towards the sealing cylinder 11 until it reaches the end of its stroke. This design ensures that the triggering of the driving action mainly depends on the dissolution of the enteric block 4, with low minimum requirements for collecting intestinal fluid, enabling reliable switching between chambers for collection. The displacement of the movable plate 14 is transmitted to the sleeve 10 via the saline solution filling the sealed chamber, causing axial displacement of the sleeve 10. During the downward pressure of the sleeve 10, the inner limiting block 8 is guided by the threaded groove on the surface of the rotating rod 9, converting linear motion into circumferential rotation of the rotating rod 9. The rotation of the rotating rod 9 further drives the rotating ring 7 to rotate approximately 90° via the transmission rod 15, ensuring that the through hole 5 on the rotating ring 7 accurately aligns with the inlet of the next set of sampling housings 3, thus completing the switching of the sampling housings 3. Throughout the process, the through hole 5 of the rotating ring 7 is always connected to only one sampling housing 3, while other sampling housings 3 are effectively sealed, ensuring no cross-contamination between samples at each location and preparing for subsequent collection at the intestinal location (such as the jejunum).

[0051] Example 2: A multi-chamber intestinal flora collection device at different locations, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a new transmission structure compared to Embodiment 1. Specifically, the transmission structure mainly consists of a protective shell 18, a gear 16, and four racks 17. The protective shell 18 is located at the center of the horizontal cross-section of the outer shell 1, and the gear 16 is installed inside the protective shell 18. The four racks 17 are arranged circumferentially, and one end of each rack 17 is fixedly connected to the corresponding annular movable plate 14. The absorbent material 12 and the sampling shell 3 are both located on the side of the movable plate 14 near the protective shell 18. In the initial state, the enteric block 4 is fixedly connected to both the movable plate 14 and the sampling shell 3, and at this time, the racks 17 are not engaged with the gears 16.

[0052] When the enteric-coated block 4 at a certain sampling point dissolves, the corresponding absorbent material 12 absorbs water and expands, pushing the movable plate 14 towards the liquid inlet 13, thereby causing the rack 17 and gear 16 to engage. The gear 16 rotates under the drive of the rack 17.

[0053] Combination Figure 3 As shown, the shaft sidewall of gear 16 is connected to four transmission rods 15. When gear 16 rotates, it drives the rotating ring 7 to rotate through the transmission rods 15. When the movable plate 14 moves to contact the rotating ring 7, the rack 17 drives gear 16 to rotate 90°, so that the through hole 5 on the rotating ring 7 is precisely aligned with the liquid inlet of the next sampling housing 3, realizing the switching of work positions. The shielding effect of the rotating ring 7 ensures that only one sampling chamber is open at a time, effectively preventing cross-contamination of samples.

[0054] In addition, in this embodiment, the bottom of the connecting rod 2 passes through the protective shell 18 and is fixedly connected to the shaft of the gear 16, while the top is rotatably connected to the cover of the outer shell 1. The structure is compact and easy to disassemble and assemble as a whole.

[0055] Working principle: When a patient swallows the intestinal fluid collection device, the device first enters the duodenum with the peristalsis of the digestive tract. At this location, the sustained-release layer 6 corresponding to the current sampling housing 3 begins to dissolve, allowing intestinal fluid to enter the interior of the sampling housing 3 through the inlet. At this time, since the enteric block 4 has not yet dissolved, the movable plate 14 remains mechanically locked. Although the intestinal fluid has entered the sampling housing 3, the absorbent material 12 cannot expand due to the fixation of the movable plate 14, and the intestinal fluid is temporarily stored in the sampling chamber. During this process, the intestinal fluid continuously acts on the enteric block 4, causing it to gradually dissolve. When the enteric block 4 is completely dissolved, the fixation of the movable plate 14 is released. At this time, the enteric block 4 dissolves and is directly absorbed by the nearby absorbent material 12, rapidly expanding and driving the movable plate 14 to move along the sampling housing 3 towards the inlet 13 until it reaches the end of its stroke. The key to this mechanism is that the liquid that triggers the expansion of the absorbent material and pushes the movable plate can originate from the dissolution of the enteric block 4 itself. There is no strict requirement on the amount of intestinal fluid accumulated from the outside. The displacement of the movable plate 14 is transmitted through the rack 17 to make the gear 16 rotate 90°, which in turn drives the rotating ring 7 to rotate 90°, so that the through hole 5 on the rotating ring 7 is accurately aligned with the liquid inlet of the next set of sampling shells 3, thereby completing the switching of the sampling shells 3 and preparing for collection in the subsequent intestinal location (such as the jejunum).

[0056] Example 3: A multi-chamber intestinal flora collection device at different locations, such as... Figures 5-8 As shown, this embodiment provides a new drive switching module structure compared to embodiment 1. The outer shell 1 has only one liquid inlet hole 13 on its side wall. The drive switching module drives four circumferentially distributed sampling shells 3 to rotate sequentially, so that they are respectively aligned with the liquid inlet hole 13, thereby realizing multi-site sequential sampling.

[0057] The drive switching module mainly consists of acquisition tube 19, acquisition tube 20, spring 1 24, spring 2 25, enteric coating block 21, and drive unit 2. For example... Figures 6 to 8As shown, both sampling tube 19 and sampling tube 20 are open at both ends, and sampling tube 20 is slidably sleeved outside sampling tube 19, together forming a retractable sampling unit. The outer diameter of sampling tube 19 matches the liquid inlet 13 on the outer shell 1. In this embodiment, a slow-release layer 6 with different dissolving properties covers the liquid inlet of sampling tube 19 in each sampling shell 3.

[0058] The second collection tube 20 is slidably disposed inside the sampling housing 3, and its end is fixed to the inner wall of the sampling housing 3 by the second enteric coating block 21. The second spring 25 is sleeved on the outside of the second collection tube 20, with one end fixed to the outer wall of the second collection tube 20 and the other end fixed to the side wall of the sampling housing 3. In the initial state, the second enteric coating block 21 limits the second collection tube 20, keeping the second spring 25 in a stretched state. The first spring 24 is disposed inside the second collection tube 20, with its two ends connected to the ends of the first collection tube 19 and the second collection tube 20, respectively. Initially, the first collection tube 19 is compressed by the structure of the outer shell 1, thus compressing the first spring 24. When the sampling housing 3 rotates to align with the inlet hole 13, the restoring force of the first spring 24 pushes the first collection tube 19 into the inlet hole 13, achieving precise positioning and fixation of the sampling housing 3. At this time, the first spring 24 is in its natural state. The tight fit between the first collection tube 19 and the inlet hole 13 forms a physical seal, ensuring isolation between the external environment and other chambers inside the device during sampling.

[0059] like Figure 5 As shown, the second drive unit consists of a rotating column 23 and a torsion spring 22. Four sampling housings 3 are evenly arranged around the circumference of the rotating column 23. The torsion spring 22 is sleeved on the rotating column 23, and its fixed end is connected to the top cover of the outer shell 1, which facilitates the subsequent removal of the internal sampling housings 3 and the drive switching module as a whole. The torsion spring 22 provides a continuous rotational driving force for the rotating column 23, ensuring that the sampling housings 3 can be switched accurately in a preset sequence.

[0060] Working principle: After the patient swallows the intestinal fluid collection device, the device first enters the duodenum with the peristalsis of the digestive tract. Upon entering the duodenum, the sampling housing 3 corresponding to this segment has already rotated to the working position, and its collection tube 19 is inserted into the inlet hole 13 of the housing 1 under the elastic force of spring 24, completing the positioning. The duodenal intestinal fluid first dissolves and covers the slow-release layer 6 covering the inlet of collection tube 19, and then the intestinal fluid enters the independent, closed temporary chamber formed by collection tube 19 and collection tube 20. The intestinal fluid simultaneously acts on the enteric coating block 21 that fixes collection tube 20. After the enteric coating block 21 dissolves, regardless of the amount of intestinal fluid collected in the temporary chamber, spring 25, which was originally in a stretched state, immediately releases its elastic potential energy, quickly pulling collection tube 20 along with collection tube 19 back into the sampling housing 3. This reset action not only seals the sample inside the collection tube but also disengages the collection tube 19 from the inlet hole 13, cutting off the connection with the intestine and thus completely preventing cross-contamination of the sample. This reset action releases the circumferential constraint on the rotating column 23, allowing the torsional force stored in the torsion spring 22 to be released, driving the rotating column 23 and all sampling housings 3 to rotate as a whole. The core driving force of the entire switching process comes from the pre-tightened spring and torsion spring, and the trigger condition is only the dissolution of the enteric block 21, requiring a low volume of intestinal fluid collection, ensuring reliable collection even in variable intestinal environments. When the next sampling housing 3 rotates to the position of the inlet hole 13 under the drive of the torsion spring 22, its corresponding collection tube 19 automatically pops out and inserts into the inlet hole 13 under the action of the spring 24, achieving precise positioning and preparing for sampling of the next intestinal segment.

[0061] It should be noted that any drive switching module structure that can realize the function of sequentially collecting data from multiple sampling shells, regardless of its specific implementation, falls within the scope of protection of this application.

[0062] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-chamber intestinal flora collection device at different locations, characterized in that, Includes an outer shell (1), inside which is a drive switching module and multiple circumferentially distributed sampling shells (3), and the inlet of each of the multiple sampling shells (3) is covered with a slow-release layer (6) with different dissolution properties; The drive switching module is connected to multiple sampling housings (3) at the same time; when the slow-release layer (6) of a sampling housing (3) dissolves and sampling is completed, the drive switching module can drive the sampling module to move so that the liquid inlet of the next sampling housing (3) is connected to the corresponding opening on the outer shell (1); The drive switching module includes absorbent material (12), movable plate (14), enteric block one (4) and drive unit one; absorbent material (12), movable plate (14) and enteric block one (4) are all disposed inside the sampling shell (3), and absorbent material (12) is connected to movable plate (14); enteric block one (4) is fixedly connected to movable plate (14) and sampling shell (3); drive unit one uses the power of movable plate (14) to connect the liquid inlet of different sampling shells (3) with the corresponding opening on the outer shell (1); The drive unit includes a transmission rod (15), a rotating ring (7), and a transmission structure. The rotating ring (7) is slidably disposed on the inner wall of the outer shell (1). A through hole (5) is opened on the rotating ring (7) to communicate with each sampling shell (3). One end of the transmission rod (15) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the rotating ring (7), and the other end is connected to the transmission structure. Multiple liquid inlet holes (13) are opened on the outer shell (1) corresponding to the sampling shells (3). Slow-release layers (6) with different dissolution properties are coated on different liquid inlet holes (13).

2. The intestinal flora collection device at different locations in multiple chambers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell (1) includes a cover and a shell body that are detachable from each other. A connecting rod (2) is provided between the cover and the drive switching module. One end of the connecting rod (2) is connected to the cover and the other end is connected to the drive switching module.

3. The intestinal flora collection device at different locations in a multi-chamber configuration according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission structure includes a sealing cylinder (11), a sleeve (10), a rotating rod (9), and a limiting block (8); the sealing cylinder (11) is connected to multiple sampling housings (3) at the same time, and the sleeve (10) is vertically slidably disposed inside the sealing cylinder (11); the limiting block (8) is fixedly installed on the side wall of the sleeve (10); the rotating rod (9) is provided with a threaded groove, and the limiting block (8) is inserted into the threaded groove; the side wall of the rotating rod (9) is fixedly connected to the transmission rod (15); a sealed chamber is formed between the top surface of the sleeve (10), the sealing cylinder (11), the multiple sampling housings (3), and the movable plate (14), and the sealed chamber is filled with liquid; the absorbent material (12) and the enteric block (4) are both disposed on the side of the movable plate (14) away from the sealing cylinder (11).

4. The intestinal flora collection device at different locations in multiple chambers according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the absorbent material (12) pushes the movable plate (14) to the end of the sampling housing (3), the through hole (5) on the rotating ring (7) can rotate to communicate with the adjacent sampling housing (3).

5. The intestinal flora collection device at different locations in multiple chambers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission structure includes a protective shell (18), a gear (16), and multiple racks (17); the gear (16) is located inside the protective shell (18), and the gear (16) can mesh with each rack (17) respectively; multiple racks (17) are fixedly connected to corresponding movable plates (14); the transmission rod (15) is fixedly connected to the shaft side wall of the gear (16); the movable plate (14) has a ring structure, and the absorbent material (12) and enteric block 1 (4) are both located on the side of the movable plate (14) close to the protective shell (18).

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