Controlled Motion Capsule Using Shape-Changing Hydrogel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current swallowable endoscopic capsules lack precise control over movement within the gastrointestinal tract, limiting their ability to decelerate and stop at specific locations for thorough inspection and treatment, and existing solutions involve complex and risky magnetic machinery or external elements that can cause harm.
Innovation Solution
A swallowable device with a shape-changing hydrogel or gel-like media that expands and contracts in response to nonionizing radiation, allowing for controlled motion and precise somalocation, equipped with sensors and radiation emitters to track trajectory and deliver therapeutic agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If capsule endoscopes rely on peristaltic flow for movement, then the device can be simple and safe, but the motion control precision and ability to stop at specific locations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical peristaltic flow system with an active magnetic field-based propulsion and positioning system. The capsule contains a magnetized core that responds to external magnetic fields, enabling precise control of movement and location-specific stopping without relying on unpredictable gastrointestinal peristalsis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an external magnetic field system as an intermediary between the operator and the capsule. This magnetic field mediator enables remote control of capsule motion and positioning, allowing precise locationization without direct mechanical contact or complex internal mechanical mechanisms within the capsule.
2Measurement precision
If external magnetic fields are used to control capsule movement, then motion control precision improves, but the device complexity and health risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of magnetic field strength and direction to control capsule movement. The system can vary magnetic field parameters in real-time to achieve precise positioning, deceleration, and stopping at target locations while minimizing unnecessary magnetic exposure and reducing potential health risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic or pulsed magnetic field application rather than continuous exposure. By applying magnetic fields in controlled pulses or cycles, the system achieves effective capsule control and positioning while reducing cumulative magnetic field exposure and associated health risks to the patient.
3Ease of operation
If cable and camera systems are used, then motion control and inspection capability improve, but patient comfort and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control mechanisms from the traditional cable-based system and relocates them to an external magnetic field generation system. This separates the control function from the invasive cable insertion, allowing motion control capability to be maintained while eliminating the discomfort and infection risks associated with cable insertion and sedation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional capsule that combines inspection, magnetic response for control, and therapeutic capabilities. The capsule serves multiple functions including imaging, magnetic field interaction for positioning, and potential therapeutic agent delivery, replacing the need for separate control cables and sedation protocols while maintaining comprehensive inspection and treatment capability.
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
Enables precise inspection and treatment by decelerating and stopping within the GI tract without external machinery, ensuring safe passage and reducing health risks, while providing precise therapeutic delivery and avoiding intestinal blockages.
Implementation Method 1
a gel-like media in the capsule that swells and shrinks, and a membrane layer anterior to the gel-like media that correspondingly expands and contracts
Implementation Method 2
The gel-like media in the capsule swells and shrinks in response to nonionizing radiation that causes the gel-like media to expand and contract
Data Source
AI summary
Controlled motion capsules and associated systems and methods are described. Controlled motion capsules can decelerate, and stop, without damaging epithelial walls. If any components fail, a controlled motion capsule, without added energy, becomes its most compact shape, passing harmlessly through the GI tract. Controlled motion capsule may include a shape changing material, comprising a reversible soft copolymer, in a container in the capsule, with a nonionizing radiation emitter, and a controller to activate the nonionizing radiation to expand and contract the shape changing material, on detection of certain conditions or instructions. Expansion of the shape changing material, including contact with epithelial walls, decelerates and can stop the controlled motion capsule movement. Motion control allows scientists to study the microbiome, doctors to deliver intestinal drugs at precise locations, and to closely examine signs of precancerous growth.