Defecation Measurement Pellet with Sensor Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for studying defecation are inadequate, as they fail to provide detailed measurements of forces, deformation, and flow within the gastrointestinal tract, limiting the diagnosis and understanding of defecatory disorders such as constipation and incontinence.
Innovation Solution
An electro-mechanical device, resembling feces in consistency and shape, equipped with pressure sensors, force sensors, deformation sensors, gyroscopes, and accelerometers, is inserted into the rectum or colon to record parameters like pressure profiles, compression strain, bending, orientation, and flow during defecation, allowing for detailed data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods like pressure recordings, balloon distension, endoscopy, ultrasonography, and radiographic examinations are used to study defecation, then some functional data can be obtained, but the measurements are limited to a few parameters from one part of the system and do not provide good measures of forces and displacements
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple functional segments: a core structure for mechanical support, an expandable balloon for rectal distension, multiple pressure sensors distributed at different locations, force sensors for measuring anal sphincter forces, and deformation sensors for capturing structural changes. This segmentation allows comprehensive measurement of multiple parameters simultaneously while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple measurement functions into a single unified system that can simultaneously record pressure, force, deformation, and displacement data during defecation. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple separate diagnostic procedures and provides comprehensive data from a single insertion, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Loss of information
If multiple sensors and measurement capabilities are integrated into the device, then comprehensive data on forces, deformation, and flow can be obtained, but the device becomes more complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested structure where the core is surrounded by the balloon, which in turn contains the sensor array and electronic components. This nesting approach consolidates multiple functional elements into a compact, organized configuration that simplifies manufacturing assembly while ensuring all necessary sensors and components are integrated without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a flexible balloon as the outer structure provides a simple yet effective container for the sensor array and electronic components. This flexible shell approach simplifies manufacturing compared to rigid structures, allows for easy integration of sensors on the inner surface, and maintains the necessary compliance for physiological measurement during defecation.
3Ease of operation
If the device remains small and simple for easy insertion, then it can be easily introduced into the rectum, but it cannot provide detailed measurements of forces and displacements during defecation
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a compact, insertion-friendly configuration to an expanded measurement configuration. The balloon remains deflated during insertion for ease of operation, then inflates within the rectum to provide the necessary structure for accurate force and displacement measurements during defecation. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between ease of insertion and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes changes in balloon volume and pressure as key parameters to enable both easy insertion and accurate measurement. By controlling the inflation state, the device can be introduced in a minimal profile and then expanded to provide the structural basis for precise force and displacement measurements during the defecation process.
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
The device provides comprehensive data on the defecation process, enabling more accurate diagnosis and understanding of gastrointestinal function, particularly in cases of constipation and incontinence, by mimicking natural feces and measuring key mechanical properties.
Implementation Method 1
pressure sensors, force sensors, deformation sensors, gyroscopes, and accelerometers, is inserted into the rectum or colon to record parameters like pressure profiles
Implementation Method 2
pressure sensors, force sensors, deformation sensors, gyroscopes, and accelerometers, is inserted into the rectum or colon to record parameters like pressure profiles, compression strain
Implementation Method 3
pressure sensors, force sensors, deformation sensors, gyroscopes, and accelerometers, is inserted into the rectum or colon to record parameters like pressure profiles, compression strain, bending
Implementation Method 4
pressure sensors, force sensors, deformation sensors, gyroscopes, and accelerometers, is inserted into the rectum or colon to record parameters like pressure profiles, compression strain, bending, orientation
Implementation Method 5
pressure sensors, force sensors, deformation sensors, gyroscopes, and accelerometers, is inserted into the rectum or colon to record parameters like pressure profiles, compression strain, bending, orientation, and flow
Data Source
AI summary
A pellet for testing distal colonic and anorectal function. In one embodiment the pellet comprises a bag comprising the exterior of the pellet wherein the bag is comprised of a polymer that is reactive with a catalyst to form a more solid-like substance. In another embodiment, the pellet may comprise one of a grapheme layer, a wavelength transducer, or a magnetically attractive element. In another embodiment the pellet may comprise a telescopic extender and further comprise a telescope bad coupled to the telescopic extender.