Drug-releasing capsules

Abstract

The present invention discloses a drug release capsule comprising a housing, a first chamber located within the housing, a second chamber, a drug storage chamber provided within the first chamber, and piping connecting the drug storage chamber to an outlet on the housing. The piping has a control unit, which closes the drug release passage under the influence of the air pressure in the second chamber, and opens the drug release passage when the air pressure in the second chamber decreases and / or when the air pressure in the drug storage chamber increases. This facilitates the control of drug release from the drug release capsule.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Related Application) This application claims the priority of a Chinese patent application with an application date of April 28, 2023, an application number of 202310485692.2, and an invention title of "Drug Release Capsule", and all of its contents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of medical device technology, particularly to drug release capsules.

Background Art

[0003] The controlled release of drugs contributes to the improvement of drug efficacy and the reduction of side effects. Particularly when targeting difficult-to-reach gastrointestinal sites, the administration method using capsules has attracted attention. This method has advantages such as not damaging tissues, being painless, covering a wide range, and having precise control over drug release.

[0004] To release drugs, prior art has disclosed drug release capsules. Inside this capsule, a bag for containing the drug is arranged, and this bag is placed in the inner cavity of the housing. In the drug release process, by compressing the bag, the drug contained inside flows out to the outside through the release passage for administration. In the conventional solution, in order to compress the bag, it was necessary to arrange a set of thermal fuse control devices for inflowing gas into the cavity where the bag exists to compress the bag. At the same time, in order to prevent drug leakage during the transportation process, another thermal fuse control device for controlling the opening and closing of the release passage was required. The above two sets of thermal fuse control devices required two sets of electronic devices, which not only made the control of drug release inconvenient, but also complicated the structure and increased the cost.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to realize the control of the closure or conduction of the drug release passage with a simpler structure without the need for additional power control, and to facilitate the control of drug release from the drug release capsule.

[0006] The drug-releasing capsule of the present invention includes a housing, a first chamber and a second chamber provided within the housing, and a valve assembly that controls the communication or blockage between the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0007] The drug-releasing capsule further includes a drug storage chamber having a drug chamber, the drug storage chamber being located within the first chamber, and the drug storage chamber being able to contract and deform when subjected to pressure. The drug storage chamber is provided with an inlet, the housing with an outlet, and the drug-releasing capsule includes piping connecting the inlet and the outlet, with a drug-releasing passage formed within the piping that connects the drug chamber to the outside.

[0008] The piping has a control unit, which is in a closed state that closes the drug release passage under the influence of the air pressure in the second chamber, and when the air pressure in the second chamber decreases and / or when the air pressure in the drug storage chamber increases, the control unit becomes conductive, thereby opening the drug release passage.

[0009] Furthermore, when the valve assembly opens, the gas in the second chamber flows into the first chamber, causing the air pressure in the second chamber to decrease and the air pressure in the first chamber to increase, compressing the drug storage chamber and increasing the air pressure inside the drug storage chamber.

[0010] Furthermore, the control unit is an elastically deformable member, and under the influence of the air pressure in the second chamber, the control unit expands and deforms into the drug release passage, thereby closing the drug release passage.

[0011] Furthermore, the piping is provided with a through-hole that connects the drug release passage and the second chamber, the control unit covers and seals the through-hole, and a part of the control unit is located inside the second chamber.

[0012] Furthermore, the control unit includes an elastic deformable membrane fixed to the piping, the periphery of the elastic deformable membrane being connected and fixed to the periphery of the through hole, the elastic deformable membrane having a first side surface exposed to the drug release passage, and a second side surface of the elastic deformable membrane away from the drug release passage being exposed to the second chamber.

[0013] Furthermore, the control unit includes an elastic tube mounted on the outside of the piping, the elastic tube being connected and fixed to the piping, the elastic tube covering the through hole, and under the action of the air pressure in the second chamber, the portion of the elastic tube facing the through hole expands and deforms into the drug release passage to close the drug release passage.

[0014] Furthermore, multiple through holes are provided and arranged along the direction of extension of the piping.

[0015] Furthermore, the control unit is a flexible tube or an elastic tube, and the control unit has a tube body and a tube hole that penetrates the tube body, the tube hole is part of the drug release passage, a part of the tube body is placed inside the second chamber, and under the action of the air pressure inside the second chamber, the tube body shrinks and deforms to close the tube hole.

[0016] Furthermore, the piping includes a first pipe communicating with the inlet, and the control unit connects the first pipe and the outlet; the piping includes a second pipe communicating with the outlet, and the control unit connects the inlet and the second pipe; the piping includes a first pipe communicating with the inlet and a second pipe communicating with the outlet, and the control unit connects the first pipe and the second pipe; or the entire piping is a control unit, and the control unit connects the inlet and the outlet.

[0017] Furthermore, the control unit is a flexible bag placed within the drug release passage, the flexible bag is in communication with the second chamber, and under the influence of the air pressure in the second chamber, the flexible bag is supported within the drug release passage and closes the drug release passage, and under the influence of the air pressure in the drug storage chamber, the flexible bag contracts within the drug release passage and opens the drug release passage.

[0018] Furthermore, the drug-releasing capsule further has a connecting passage that connects the drug-releasing passage and the second chamber, the connecting passage includes a passage outlet located on the inner wall of the drug-releasing passage and a passage inlet extending into the second chamber, the control unit is provided on the periphery of the passage outlet and seals the passage outlet, the drug-releasing capsule further has a pressure deformation section provided on the periphery of the passage inlet and seals the passage inlet, after being subjected to the pressure action in the second chamber, the pressure deformation section deforms by contracting or expanding toward the connecting passage, the pressure deformation section deforms the control unit by expanding toward the drug-releasing passage and closes the drug-releasing passage.

[0019] Furthermore, the control unit is an elastically deformable member, and under the influence of the air pressure in the second chamber, the control unit expands and deforms within the drug release passage to close the drug release passage, and when the air pressure in the second chamber decreases, the control unit returns to its original state to allow conduction through the drug release passage.

[0020] Furthermore, the drug-releasing capsule has a pressurized passage that communicates with the second chamber and fills the second chamber with pressurized gas, and the pressurized passage includes a pressurized inlet provided in the housing.

[0021] Furthermore, a partition plate is arranged inside the housing, separating the first chamber from the second chamber, and a chamber passage is provided in the partition plate that connects the first chamber from the second chamber, and the valve assembly controls the conduction or blockage of the chamber passage.

[0022] Furthermore, the valve assembly contains a heat melt, and in the initial state, the heat melt is in a solidified state, closing the chamber passage. When the heat melt is heated, it melts to make the chamber passage conductive. The valve assembly further has a heating member disposed outside the heat melt, and the drug release capsule further has a battery unit for supplying power to the heating member, and the battery unit is disposed within the second chamber.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] The advantageous effects of the present invention will be described. In the present invention, by directly or indirectly adjusting the air pressure change within the chamber where the control part on the pipeline is located, the state of the control part is adjusted, thereby controlling the conduction or closing of the drug release passage within the pipeline. Without the need for additional power control, the control of the closing or conduction of the drug release passage is achieved with a simpler structure, facilitating the control of drug release from the drug release capsule.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the first drug release capsule before drug release according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the first drug release capsule after drug release according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the control part of the first drug release capsule before drug release according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the control part of the first drug release capsule after drug release according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a bottom view of Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the second drug release capsule according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0025] 1-Housing, 101-First Chamber, 102-Second Chamber, 11-Pressure Inlet, 12-Partition Plate, 120-Chamber Passage, 13-Soft Stopper for Drug Filling, 14-Outlet, 2-Valve Assembly, 21-Heating Element, 3-Drug Storage Chamber, 30-Drug Chamber, 31-Inlet, 4-Piping, 40-Drug Release Passage, 41-Control Unit, 411-Tube Body, 412-Tube Hole, 42-Through Hole, 5-Control Module, 51-Battery Unit, 52-Electronic Control Unit, 6-Imaging Module, 61-Module Circuit Board, 62-Camera, 63-Auxiliary Light Source [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are illustrative and are for illustrative purposes only, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0027] An embodiment of the present invention discloses a drug-release capsule. The drug-release capsule is provided with a drug storage chamber having a drug chamber, and the substance to be released is stored in the drug storage chamber. The substance to be released may be, for example, a drug. The drug is stored in the drug storage chamber as the substance to be released and enters the human body, for example the gastrointestinal region of the human body, together with the drug-release capsule, and is released after reaching the administration site, i.e., the lesion site, thereby achieving precise drug delivery. At the same time, the therapeutic effect of the drug can be further enhanced by directing the administration outlet of the drug-release capsule towards the lesion site at the time of release and spraying the drug onto the lesion site.

[0028] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the drug release capsule according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 1, a first chamber 101 and a second chamber 102 provided within the housing 1, and a valve assembly 2 that controls the communication or blocking of the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102. The drug release capsule further includes a drug storage chamber 3 having a drug chamber 30, the drug storage chamber 3 being provided within the first chamber 101, the drug storage chamber 3 being able to contract and deform when subjected to pressure, the drug storage chamber 3 being provided with an inlet 31, and the housing 1 being provided with an outlet 14. The drug release capsule includes a pipe 4 connecting the inlet 31 and the outlet 14, and a drug release passage 40 connecting the drug chamber 30 to the outside is formed within the pipe 4.

[0029] The piping 4 has a control unit 41, and under the influence of the air pressure in the second chamber 102, the control unit 41 is in a closed state that closes the drug release passage 40, and when the air pressure in the second chamber 102 decreases and / or when the air pressure in the drug storage chamber 3 increases, the control unit 41 becomes in a conductive state that opens the drug release passage 40.

[0030] In this invention, the state of the control unit 41 can be adjusted by directly or indirectly adjusting the pressure change in the chamber where the control unit 41 is located on the piping 4, thereby controlling the opening or closing of the drug release passage 40 in the piping 4. This enables control of the opening or closing of the drug release passage 40 with a simpler structure without requiring additional power control, and facilitates the control of drug release from the drug release capsule.

[0031] In the initial state, the valve assembly 2 is in a closed state, and at this point, there is no communication between the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102. During use, pressurized gas can be pre-filled into the second chamber 102, and the pressurized gas in the second chamber 102 acts on the control unit 41. Under the influence of the air pressure in the second chamber 102, the control unit 41 closes the drug release passage 40, for example, by expansion deformation. Since the drug release passage 40 is closed by the action of the control unit 41, the drug stored in the drug chamber 30 in the initial state is stored stably.

[0032] In the drug release state, the valve assembly 2 is in a conductive state. At this time, the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102 are in communication, and the pressurized gas pre-filled in the second chamber 102 enters the first chamber 101, compressing the drug storage chamber 3 in the first chamber 101. The drug storage chamber 3 is compressed and deformed, and the air pressure inside the drug storage chamber 3 increases accordingly. Simultaneously, as the air pressure inside the second chamber 102 is released, the air pressure acting on the control unit 41 weakens, and the control unit 41 deforms or contracts due to the internal and external pressure difference, causing the drug release passage 40 to become conductive. The drug in the drug chamber 30 is compressed and released to the outside along the drug release passage 40, thereby achieving drug release.

[0033] When the air pressure inside the second chamber 102 acts on the control unit 41, the control unit 41 is likely to change to a closed state that closes the drug release passage 40. On the other hand, the drug storage chamber 3 and the drug release passage 40 are in communication, and when the air pressure inside the drug storage chamber 3 acts on the control unit 41 through a part of the drug release passage 40, the control unit 41 is likely to change to a conductive state that opens the drug release passage 40. Figures 3 to 5 are schematic diagrams showing the state of the control unit 41 before and after drug release.

[0034] In this embodiment, the decrease in pressure in the second chamber 102 is used to control the increase in pressure in the drug storage chamber 3 in order to better control the control unit 41 and to allow the control unit 41 to switch more easily between a closed state and a conductive state.

[0035] Specifically, when the valve assembly 2 opens, the gas in the second chamber 102 flows into the first chamber 101, causing the air pressure in the second chamber 102 to decrease and the air pressure in the first chamber 101 to increase, compressing the drug storage chamber 3 and increasing the air pressure inside the drug storage chamber 3. The air pressure released from the second chamber 102 acts on the drug storage chamber 3, compressing it and thereby indirectly increasing the air pressure inside the drug storage chamber 3.

[0036] In this embodiment, the control unit 41 switches between different states through a clever structural design, due to the coordinated changes in air pressure between the second chamber 102 and the drug storage chamber 3. The change in the state of the control unit 41 controls the conduction or closure of the drug release passage 40, thereby achieving better control of drug release. The control system in this invention that adjusts the air pressure changes in the chamber where the control unit 41 is located is shared with the control system that actually increases the air pressure in the first chamber 101 to release drugs from the drug storage chamber 3.

[0037] As can be understood, in other embodiments, the state change of the control unit 41 can also be achieved simply by increasing the air pressure in the drug storage chamber 3, and of course, the state change of the control unit 41 can also be achieved simply by decreasing the air pressure in the second chamber 102.

[0038] It should be explained that in the present invention, the drug storage chamber 3 is an elastically deformable bag, which shrinks and deforms when subjected to external pressure, thereby releasing the drug stored in the drug chamber 30. Of course, in other embodiments, the drug storage chamber 3 may also be provided as a shrinkable and deformable compression tube extending along a specific direction, or as an elastically deformable member having a storage space. In preferred embodiments, the drug storage chamber 3 may be made of rubber, silicone, or latex.

[0039] In the above embodiment, compression of the drug chamber 30 is achieved by deformation of the drug storage chamber 3. It should be noted that compressing a space to release the substance to be released from that space has been achieved in many ways in the prior art, and here only one specific method is illustrated, and the art is not limited to this. Those skilled in the art can conceive of combining several conventional methods when releasing the drug from the drug chamber 30.

[0040] In this invention, the control unit 41 is an elastically deformable member so that it can better control the closing or opening of the drug release passage 40. Under the influence of the air pressure in the second chamber 102, the control unit 41 expands and deforms into the drug release passage 40 to close the drug release passage 40.

[0041] To ensure that the air pressure in the second chamber 102 can easily act on the control unit 41, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the control unit 41 is located inside the second chamber 102, and the control unit 41 has a portion exposed to the second chamber 102, thereby allowing pressurized gas pre-stored in the second chamber 102 to act on the control unit 41.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, in order to facilitate the placement of the control unit 41 inside the second chamber 102, the piping 4 is provided with a through hole 42 that connects the drug release passage 40 and the second chamber 102, and the control unit 41 covers and seals the through hole 42. Under the influence of the air pressure inside the second chamber 102, the control unit 41 expands and deforms into the drug release passage 40, thereby closing the drug release passage 40.

[0043] The control unit 41 seals the through hole 42, and at the same time, since the control unit 41 is exposed to the second chamber 102, when the control unit 41 is subjected to the air pressure inside the second chamber 102, the control unit 41 expands toward the drug release passage 40, and in the process of the control unit 41 expanding toward the drug release passage 40, it can seal and close the drug release passage 40. It should be explained that, since the control unit 41 is an elastically deformable member, the air pressure inside the second chamber 102 must overcome the combined effect of the restoring force of the control unit 41 and the air pressure inside the drug storage chamber 3.

[0044] In this embodiment, the state change of the control unit 41 is determined by the pressure difference between the two chambers located on either side of the control unit 41. Specifically, the control unit 41 is located simultaneously in two chambers, the drug release passage 40 and the second chamber 102, and since the drug release passage 40 is in communication with the drug storage chamber 3, the state change of the control unit 41 is adjusted according to the change in the pressure difference between the atmospheric pressure P1 in the drug storage chamber 3 and the atmospheric pressure P0 in the second chamber 102. When P0-P1 becomes sufficiently large and reaches a certain level (i.e., when the atmospheric pressure in the second chamber 102 increases and exceeds the atmospheric pressure in the drug storage chamber 3 to a certain extent), the control unit 41 deforms toward the drug release passage 40 and closes the drug release passage 40. When P0-P1 becomes sufficiently small and reaches a certain level (i.e., when the atmospheric pressure in the second chamber 102 and the atmospheric pressure in the drug storage chamber 3 reach equilibrium or approach equilibrium), the control unit 41 deforms or returns to its original position accordingly toward the second chamber 102, thereby enabling conduction of the drug release passage 40.

[0045] As can be understood, if the control unit 41 is an elastically deformable member, the pressure difference between P0 and P1 must also overcome the restoring force accumulated by the control unit 41 during the deformation process, thereby allowing the control unit 41 to deform toward the drug release passage 40.

[0046] In this invention, after the force acting on the control unit 41 due to the air pressure in the second chamber 102 is released, the control unit 41 can be elastically deformed under the action of the air pressure in the second chamber 102 so that the control unit 41 can open the drug release passage 40 more efficiently. As a result, after the air pressure acting on the control unit 41 is released, the restoring force accumulated by the control unit 41 itself also drives the control unit 41 to open the drug release passage 40, thereby enabling a better opening of the drug release passage 40.

[0047] As can be understood, since the control unit 41 is an elastically deformable member, in other embodiments, switching between the closed and conductive states of the control unit 41 can be achieved by controlling only the increase and decrease of the air pressure in the second chamber 102. The state change of the control unit 41 is not limited to the air pressure in the drug storage chamber 3. When the air pressure in the second chamber 102 increases, the air pressure can act on the control unit 41, causing the control unit 41 to expand and deform within the drug release passage 40, closing the drug release passage 40. At this time, the control unit 41 accumulates a restoring force after elastic deformation. When the air pressure in the second chamber 102 decreases, the control unit 41 moves to its original position due to the action of its own restoring force, thereby enabling conductivity in the drug release passage 40.

[0048] Since the control unit 41 is not limited by the atmospheric pressure in the drug storage chamber 3, after the control unit 41 closes the drug release passage 40, it is possible to maintain sufficient atmospheric pressure in the first chamber 101 where the drug storage chamber 3 is located. This atmospheric pressure allows the drug in the drug storage chamber 3 to be released after the drug release passage 40 is opened, thereby enabling drug release control simply by controlling the atmospheric pressure change in the second chamber 102.

[0049] In a specific embodiment, the control unit 41 includes an elastically deformable membrane fixed to the pipe 4, and the periphery of the elastically deformable membrane is connected and fixed to the periphery of the through hole 42. As an elastically deformable membrane, the periphery of the control unit 41 is provided along the periphery of the through hole 42, and the shape of the control unit 41 can be set to conform to the shape of the through hole 42 (i.e., the shape of the control unit 41 is the same as the shape of the through hole 42), or the dimensions of the control unit 41 can be set to be slightly larger than the through hole 42. Of course, in other embodiments, the entire control unit 41 may be pocket-shaped, and the pocket-shaped opening is fixed to the periphery of the through hole 42.

[0050] The elastic deformable membrane has a first side surface exposed to the drug release passage 40, and a second side surface of the elastic deformable membrane away from the drug release passage 40 is exposed to the second chamber 102. Pressurized gas pre-stored in the second chamber 102 exerts a compressive effect on the second side surface, thereby causing the control unit 41 to expand and extend in the direction of the first side surface.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the control unit 41 is fixed to the periphery of the through hole 42 to seal the through hole 42. In another embodiment, the control unit 41 includes an elastic tube mounted on the outside of the piping 4, the elastic tube is connected to and fixed to the piping 4, the elastic tube covers the through hole 42, and under the action of the air pressure in the second chamber 102, the portion of the elastic tube facing the through hole 42 expands and deforms into the drug release passage 40 to close the drug release passage 40.

[0052] In this invention, the control unit 41 is an elastically deformable elastic tube, which is attached to the outside of the pipe 4 and fixed to the outside of the pipe 4, and the portion of the elastic tube that covers the through hole 42 is exposed to the second chamber 102 and is used to be subjected to the air pressure within the second chamber 102, and when subjected to the air pressure within the second chamber 102 it elastically deforms into the drug release passage 40.

[0053] In this invention, multiple through holes 42 are provided and arranged along the extending direction of the piping 4, and a corresponding control unit 41 is located at the position of each through hole 42. The multiple control units 41 are also arranged accordingly along the extending direction of the piping 4, and the purpose of such a design is to form closure of the drug release passage 40 at different positions, thereby enabling more stable control of the closure of the drug release passage 40.

[0054] As can be understood, in other embodiments, the control unit 41 does not need to undergo elastic deformation, and the control unit 41 is detached from the drug release passage 40 or contracted within the drug release passage 40 as the drug passes through the drug release passage 40, either due to the compression of the drug or due to the increase in air pressure in the drug storage chamber 3, thereby achieving conductivity in the drug release passage 40.

[0055] In a specific embodiment, the control unit 41 is a flexible bag located within the drug release passage 40, and the flexible bag communicates with the second chamber 102.

[0056] Under the influence of the air pressure in the second chamber 102, the soft bag is supported within the drug release passage 40, closing the drug release passage. Under the influence of the air pressure in the drug storage chamber 3, the soft bag contracts within the drug release passage 40, allowing the drug release passage 40 to open.

[0057] In a second embodiment of the drug-releasing capsule, as shown in Figure 6, the control unit 41 is a flexible or elastic tube, and the control unit 41 has a tube body 411 and a tube hole 412 that penetrates the tube body, the tube hole 412 being part of the drug-releasing passage 40, a part of the tube body 411 being placed in the second chamber 102, and under the action of the air pressure in the second chamber 102, the tube body 411 shrinks and deforms to close the tube hole 412. In Figure 6, the dashed line shown as 411b is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the tube body 411 after shrinkage and deformation, i.e., a schematic diagram showing the structure before drug release in the initial state. In Figure 6, 411a shows a schematic diagram showing the structure of the tube body 411 before shrinkage and deformation, i.e., a schematic diagram showing the structure after it returns to its original position after drug release.

[0058] In this embodiment, the control unit 41 is part of the piping 4 and can deform when subjected to external pressure as a flexible or elastic tube. The compression deformation of the flexible or elastic tube closes the tube hole in the tube body, thereby closing the drug release passage 40. In the present invention, the entire piping 4 may be a flexible or elastic tube, or of course, the piping 4 may be partially a flexible or elastic tube. It should be explained that the portion of the piping 4 that is a flexible or elastic tube needs to be located inside the second chamber 102, in order to be easily subjected to the air pressure within the second chamber 102.

[0059] In the first specific embodiment, the piping 4 includes a first pipe that communicates with the inlet 31, and the control unit 41 connects the first pipe and the outlet 14. It should be explained that the first pipe is a pipe member that cannot be elastically deformed.

[0060] In a second specific embodiment, the piping 4 includes a second piping that communicates with the outlet 14, and the control unit connects the inlet 31 to the second piping. It should be noted that the second piping is a pipe member that is not elastically deformable.

[0061] In a third specific embodiment, the piping 4 includes a first pipe communicating with the inlet 31 and a second pipe communicating with the outlet 14, and the control unit 41 connects the first pipe and the second pipe. It should be noted that in this embodiment, both the first pipe and the second pipe are pipe members that cannot be elastically deformed.

[0062] In the fourth specific embodiment, the entire piping 4 constitutes the control unit 41, and the control unit 41 connects the inlet 31 and the outlet 14.

[0063] In the above embodiments, the control unit 41 is exposed to the second chamber 102 and directly receives pressure from within the second chamber 102. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the control unit 41 does not need to be directly located within the second chamber 102, that is, it does not need to be directly subjected to pressure from within the second chamber 102. The control unit 41 receives pressure from within the second chamber 102 indirectly.

[0064] Specifically, the drug-releasing capsule further has a connecting passage that connects the drug-releasing passage 40 and the second chamber 102, the connecting passage including a passage outlet located on the inner wall of the drug-releasing passage 40 and a passage inlet extending into the second chamber 102.

[0065] The control unit 41 is provided on the periphery of the passage outlet to seal the passage outlet, and the drug release capsule further has a pressure deformation portion provided on the periphery of the passage inlet to seal the passage inlet.

[0066] After being subjected to the pressure in the second chamber 102, the pressure deformation part contracts or expands toward the connecting passage, causing the control unit 41 to expand toward the drug release passage 40 and close the drug release passage 40.

[0067] The drug-releasing capsule further has a pressurized passage that communicates with the second chamber 102 and fills the second chamber 102 with pressurized gas, and the pressurized passage includes a pressurized inlet 11 provided in the housing 1. By filling the second chamber 102 with pressurized gas through the pressurized passage and providing the pressurized inlet 11 of the pressurized passage in the housing 1, operation can be made easier. As can be understood, the pressurized passage has a pressurized inlet 11 provided in the housing 1 and a flexible stopper provided in the housing 1 to seal the pressurized inlet 11, and the flexible stopper is used to seal the pressurized passage after the filling of the second chamber 102 with pressurized gas is complete.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the flexible stopper forms a vent hole after the needle is inserted, and after the needle is withdrawn, the flexible stopper has the ability to reshape and close the vent hole. When filling the second chamber 102 with pressurized gas, the needle of the pressurizing device is inserted into the flexible stopper and extended all the way into the second chamber 102, the pressurized gas is injected from the pressurizing device into the second chamber 102, and after the needle of the pressurizing device is withdrawn, the flexible stopper has the ability to reshape and reseal the vent hole that was inserted into the flexible stopper by the syringe.

[0069] In the present invention, a partition plate 12 is arranged inside the housing 1, the partition plate 12 separates the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102, the partition plate 12 is provided with a chamber passage 120 that connects the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102, and the valve assembly 2 controls the conduction or blockage of the chamber passage 120.

[0070] To facilitate the opening and closing of the valve assembly 2, the valve assembly 2 includes a molten material. In its initial state, the molten material is in a solidified state, closing the chamber passage 120. When the molten material is heated, it melts, allowing the chamber passage 120 to pass through.

[0071] In the present invention, the partition plate 12 divides the space within the housing 1 into two parts: one part is used to arrange the drug storage chamber 3, and the other part forms an apparatus chamber for arranging the apparatus. In a specific embodiment, the second chamber 102 may be a part of the apparatus chamber, or the second chamber 102 may be the entire apparatus chamber. In this invention, the explanation will be developed using an example in which the second chamber 102 is the entire apparatus chamber.

[0072] By providing a molten material, the opening of the chamber passage 120 can be easily controlled. After the drug release capsule enters the human body, the molten material is heated to open the chamber passage 120. When the molten material is in a solidified state, the chamber passage can be closed from within the chamber passage. In a preferred embodiment, in the present invention, the molten material is a molten film that seals and closes the connecting passage when solidified, melts when heated, and ruptures under the action of the air pressure inside the second chamber 102, thereby opening the chamber passage 120.

[0073] As can be understood, the valve assembly 2 further has a heating member 21 positioned outside the molten body, the heating member 21 providing thermal energy to the molten body, which then melts upon receiving the heat. The heating member 21 may be annular heating ceramic, which converts electrical energy into thermal energy, thereby deforming the molten body.

[0074] As can be understood, the drug-release capsule further includes a control module 5 located in a second chamber 102. The control module 5 includes a battery unit 51 and an electronic control unit 52 that supply power to the heating element 21. The electronic control unit 52 specifically includes a circuit board that controls the operation of the heating element 21, a microprocessor provided on the circuit board, and a wireless communication module. The battery unit 51 supplies power to the heating element 21, the electronic control unit 52, and the wireless communication module, which communicates with an external control center to receive commands from the control center. After receiving the commands, the microprocessor controls the operation of the heating element 21 to generate thermal energy and melt the molten material. To facilitate connection between the heating element 21 and the electronic control unit 52, a fitting assembly is used to attach and engage the electronic control unit 52 and the heating element 21. The fitting assembly includes a socket provided on the circuit board and pins that engage with the socket, the pins being electrically connected to the heating element 21.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the drug-release capsule further includes an imaging module 6 located within the second chamber 102. The imaging module 6 is electrically connected to the battery unit 51 and is used to acquire images or videos after the drug-release capsule has entered the human body. The imaging module 6 can be used to determine whether the drug-release capsule has reached a designated gastrointestinal region, or to identify a lesion site. After determining whether the capsule has reached the designated region, or after identifying the lesion, the release of the drug from the drug storage chamber 3 can be controlled, providing a visualized drug-release capability and enabling more precise controlled drug release. For example, during the treatment of gastrointestinal ulcers, the imaging module 6 can be used to accurately detect the ulcer, and when the drug-release capsule approaches the ulcer surface, the outlet 14 of the drug-release capsule can be controlled to spray the drug towards the ulcer area, facilitating the adhesion of the gel-like drug and enhancing the therapeutic effect.

[0076] Furthermore, to facilitate the control of the drug-release capsule's movement within the gastrointestinal tract, a magnetic unit is also placed inside the second chamber 102. The presence of the magnetic unit allows for the control of the drug-release capsule's movement within the human body using an external magnetic field, thereby enabling better control of the capsule's position within the body.

[0077] In this invention, pressurized gas is introduced into the second chamber 102, that is, the space in the second chamber 102 excluding the valve assembly 2, the control module 5, and the imaging module 6 can be pre-filled with pressurized gas. After the chamber passage 120 is opened, the second chamber 102 and the drug storage chamber 3 are connected via the chamber passage 120. In other embodiments, the second chamber 102 can also be formed by providing an independent gas bag within the apparatus chamber.

[0078] It should be explained that the housing 1 is biocompatible, is not corroded by digestive fluids, and can be set to be transparent or opaque as needed. Because the imaging module 6 is located therein, the part of the housing 1 corresponding to the image acquisition area of ​​the imaging module 6 is transparent, and this structure makes it easy to acquire images by the imaging module 6. The image acquisition area of ​​the imaging module 6 is the range and area of ​​the image or video that the imaging module 6 can capture.

[0079] In the present invention, the imaging module 6 includes a module circuit board 61 disposed within the second chamber 102, a camera 62 disposed on the module circuit board 61, and an auxiliary light source 63 disposed to the side of the camera 62. The module circuit board 61 is electrically connected to a battery unit 51, and the battery unit 51 supplies power to the imaging module 6.

[0080] To facilitate the addition of drugs to the drug storage chamber 3, a flexible drug filling stopper 13 is further attached to the housing 1. A portion of the flexible drug filling stopper 13 extends into the drug storage chamber 3. When loading drugs into the drug storage chamber 3, the needle of the syringe is inserted into the flexible drug filling stopper 13 and extended all the way into the drug storage chamber 3. After the drug is injected from the syringe into the drug storage chamber 3 and the syringe needle is withdrawn, the flexible drug filling stopper 13 has the ability to re-close the needle hole that was inserted into the flexible drug filling stopper 13 by the syringe.

[0081] Before use, the user inserts the syringe through the soft drug-filling stopper 13 and injects the drug into the drug chamber 30 of the drug storage room 3. At the same time, pressurized gas is added to the second chamber 102 through the pressurizing device. Under the action of the pressurized gas in the second chamber 102, the control unit 41 deforms to form a closure for the drug release passage 40.

[0082] The subject swallows a drug-release capsule, and the system controls the capsule to reach a designated area. The imaging module 6 determines whether the drug-release capsule has reached the designated gastrointestinal region or whether a lesion has been identified. After reaching the designated area of ​​the gastrointestinal tract or identifying a lesion, a drug release command is transmitted, and the operation of the heating element 21 is controlled to melt the molten material. After the molten material has melted, the chamber passage 120 opens, and the pressurized gas in the second chamber 102 flows into the first chamber 101, compressing the drug storage chamber 3 and ejecting the drug through the drug release passage 40. In this process, the pressure inside the second chamber 102 decreases, releasing the pressure acting on the control unit 41. This eliminates the blockage effect of the control unit 41 on the drug release passage 40, preventing the drug in the drug storage chamber 3 from being hindered as it is released to the outside along the drug release passage 40, thereby enabling smooth drug release.

[0083] The structure, features, and effects of the present invention have been described in detail above based on the embodiments shown in the drawings. Although the above description is merely a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to those shown in the drawings, and any equivalent embodiment with any modification or equivalent change based on the concept of the present invention should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention, as long as it does not exceed the spirit encompassed by the specification and illustrations.

Claims

1. A drug-releasing capsule, The casing and The first chamber and the second chamber provided within the housing, Includes a valve assembly that controls the communication or blockage between the first chamber and the second chamber, The drug-releasing capsule further includes a drug storage chamber having a drug chamber, the drug storage chamber being located within the first chamber, and the drug storage chamber being able to contract and deform when subjected to pressure. The drug storage chamber is provided with an entrance, the housing is provided with an exit, the drug release capsule includes piping that connects the entrance and the exit, and a drug release passage is formed within the piping that connects the drug chamber to the outside. The piping has a control unit, and the control unit is in a closed state that closes the drug release passage under the influence of the air pressure in the second chamber. When the air pressure in the second chamber decreases and / or when the air pressure in the drug storage chamber increases, the control unit enters a conductive state that opens the drug release passage. Drug-releasing capsule.

2. When the valve assembly opens, the gas in the second chamber flows into the first chamber, causing the air pressure in the second chamber to decrease and the air pressure in the first chamber to increase, thereby compressing the drug storage chamber and increasing the air pressure inside the drug storage chamber. A drug-releasing capsule according to claim 1.

3. The control unit is an elastically deformable member, and under the influence of the air pressure in the second chamber, the control unit expands and deforms into the drug release passage to close the drug release passage. The drug-releasing capsule according to claim 2.

4. The piping is provided with a through hole that connects the drug release passage and the second chamber, the control unit covers and seals the through hole, and a part of the control unit is located inside the second chamber. The drug-releasing capsule according to claim 3.

5. The control unit includes an elastic deformable membrane fixed to the piping, and the periphery of the elastic deformable membrane is connected and fixed to the periphery of the through hole. The elastic deformable membrane has a first side surface exposed to the drug release passage, and a second side surface of the elastic deformable membrane away from the drug release passage is exposed to the second chamber. The drug-releasing capsule according to claim 4.

6. The control unit includes an elastic tube mounted on the outside of the piping, the elastic tube is connected and fixed to the piping, and the elastic tube covers the through hole. Under the influence of the air pressure in the second chamber, the portion of the elastic tube facing the through-hole expands and deforms into the drug release passage, thereby closing the drug release passage. The drug-releasing capsule according to claim 4.

7. Multiple through holes are provided and are arranged along the extending direction of the piping. The drug-releasing capsule according to claim 4.

8. The control unit is a flexible tube or an elastic tube, and the control unit has a tube body and a tube hole penetrating the tube body, the tube hole being part of the drug release passage, a part of the tube body being placed in the second chamber, and under the action of the air pressure in the second chamber, the tube body shrinks and deforms to close the tube hole. The drug-releasing capsule according to claim 2.

9. The piping includes a first pipe that communicates with the inlet, and the control unit connects the first pipe and the outlet. The aforementioned piping includes a second piping that communicates with the outlet, and the control unit connects the inlet and the second piping. The piping includes a first pipe communicating with the inlet and a second pipe communicating with the outlet, and the control unit connects the first pipe and the second pipe, or The entire piping is a control unit, and the control unit connects the inlet and the outlet. The drug-releasing capsule according to claim 8.

10. The control unit is a flexible bag placed in the drug release passage, and the flexible bag is in communication with the second chamber. Under the influence of the air pressure in the second chamber, the flexible bag is supported within the drug release passage, closing the drug release passage; under the influence of the air pressure in the drug storage chamber, the flexible bag contracts within the drug release passage, allowing the drug release passage to pass through. The drug-releasing capsule according to claim 2.

11. The drug-releasing capsule further has a connecting passage that connects the drug-releasing passage and the second chamber, The connecting passage includes a passage outlet located on the inner wall of the drug release passage and a passage inlet extending into the second chamber. The control unit is provided on the periphery of the passage outlet and seals the passage outlet, and the drug release capsule further has a pressure deformation portion provided on the periphery of the passage inlet and seals the passage inlet. After being subjected to the pressure within the second chamber, the pressure deformation portion contracts or expands toward the connecting passage, and the pressure deformation portion expands toward the drug release passage, thereby closing the drug release passage. A drug-releasing capsule according to claim 1.

12. The control unit is an elastically deformable member, and under the influence of the air pressure in the second chamber, the control unit expands and deforms within the drug release passage to close the drug release passage. When the air pressure in the second chamber decreases, the control unit restores the pressure and opens the drug release passage. A drug-releasing capsule according to claim 1.

13. The drug-releasing capsule further has a pressurized passage that communicates with the second chamber and fills the second chamber with pressurized gas, and the pressurized passage includes a pressurized inlet provided in the housing. A drug-releasing capsule according to claim 1.

14. A partition plate is arranged inside the housing, the partition plate separates the first chamber and the second chamber, the partition plate is provided with a chamber passage that connects the first chamber and the second chamber, and the valve assembly controls the conduction or blockage of the chamber passage. A drug-releasing capsule according to claim 1.

15. The valve assembly includes a molten body, which in its initial state is in a solid state and closes the chamber passage, and when the molten body is heated, it melts and opens the chamber passage. The valve assembly further includes a heating element located outside the molten body, and the drug release capsule further includes a battery unit that supplies power to the heating element, and the battery unit is located inside the second chamber. The drug-releasing capsule according to claim 14.

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