Adaptive Ingestible Capsule Vibration Protocol for GI Motility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current gastrointestinal treatment systems for constipation lack adaptability to individual responses, often requiring standardized vibration protocols that may not effectively address varying gastrointestinal motility issues in different subjects.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes programmable vibrating ingestible capsules and a capsule control unit, capable of receiving and implementing customized vibration protocols based on real-time feedback and data analysis from sensors, allowing for adaptive treatment protocols tailored to individual subjects' responses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If standardized vibration protocols are used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but treatment efficacy decreases due to lack of adaptability to individual responses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidtreatment efficacy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that detect gastrointestinal tract conditions and transmit data to a controller, which adjusts vibration protocol parameters in real-time based on the detected conditions. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to individual subject responses while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration protocol parameters (amplitude, frequency, duration) are made dynamic rather than fixed, allowing the system to change operational characteristics in response to real-time feedback from sensors. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by enabling both ease of operation and treatment efficacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If adaptive treatment protocols with real-time feedback are implemented, then treatment efficacy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment efficacyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into distinct functional modules: sensing elements for detecting GI tract conditions, a control unit for processing data and generating protocols, and vibration delivery mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve adaptive treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller serves multiple functions: it receives sensor data, processes the information, generates vibration protocols, adjusts parameters in real-time, and controls the vibration mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining treatment efficacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If customized vibration protocols are implemented, then adaptability to individual responses is improved, but loss of time increases due to data collection and analysis requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidtime loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary data collection and analysis during the treatment process itself, rather than requiring separate pre-treatment assessment sessions. Sensors continuously monitor GI tract conditions, and the controller pre-adjusts vibration parameters based on detected trends, reducing the time loss associated with adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous operation with real-time data collection, processing, and protocol adjustment during the treatment session. This continuous useful action eliminates idle time for separate assessments and ensures that adaptability is achieved without significant time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This system enhances treatment efficacy by adjusting vibration protocols dynamically, improving bowel movement frequency and consistency, and providing a personalized approach to gastrointestinal disorder management.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration engine adapted to deliver vibrations to a wall of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the subject

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4056161B1A system for adaptive treatment of disorders in the gastrointestinal tract
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 VIBRANT
  • EP4056161B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4056161B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4056161B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A system and a method for treatment of a disorder in a gastrointestinal tract of a subject, using a treatment protocol, the treatment protocol being based at least in part on data relating to other subjects and their responses to treatment with various treatment protocols.