Single Actuator Capsule Delivery Device for Esophageal Anchoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate diagnosis of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is challenging due to similarities in symptoms with other conditions, and existing diagnostic methods are invasive or not sufficiently precise for monitoring esophageal acidity levels near the lower esophageal sphincter.
Innovation Solution
A delivery device with a capsule that can be anchored and released using a single actuator within the esophagus to monitor acidity levels, equipped with a pH sensor for wireless data transmission, allowing for prolonged measurement and easier deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a capsule is delivered to the esophagus for monitoring acidity levels, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for anchoring and release mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the anchoring mechanism and release mechanism into a single integrated actuator system. The actuator performs a unidirectional rotation that sequentially activates the anchoring elements to secure the capsule to esophageal tissue, and subsequently activates the release mechanism to detach the delivery device, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining precise acidity monitoring capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule delivery system employs dynamic components including rotatable actuators that change position during operation, movable anchoring elements that transition from retracted to engaged states, and a release mechanism that activates upon actuator rotation. These dynamic elements enable the capsule to be securely anchored during monitoring while allowing for controlled release, resolving the complexity issue
2Ease of operation
If the capsule is anchored to tissue during a first motion of an actuator and released during a second motion, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the dual-function actuator mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple operations: it rotates to advance the capsule, activates anchoring elements during its rotation to secure the capsule to tissue, and subsequently triggers the release mechanism to detach the delivery device. This universal actuator consolidates what would otherwise require separate control mechanisms, improving ease of operation while the patent acknowledges the inherent complexity through detailed mechanical design
Data Source
AI summary
In general, this disclosure describes techniques for placing a capsule for sensing one or more parameters of a patient. In particular, the techniques provide for anchoring of the capsule to a tissue at a specific site and releasing the capsule from the device using a single actuator. As an example, a delivery device may anchor the capsule to the tissue site during a first motion of the actuator and release the capsule from the delivery device during a second motion of the actuator. This allows a user to place the capsule by interacting with only a single actuator, thus making delivery of the capsule easier and more reliable.