Digestive Sampling Capsule with Dissolving Lid and Marker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sampling internal contents in the small intestine are inefficient and do not allow for accurate recovery of sampling devices, as they do not consider the efficient retrieval of the sampling capsule from feces.
Innovation Solution
A capsule with a cylindrical container insoluble in the digestive tract, an outer lid that dissolves partially to expose an orifice, an inner lid that swells to enclose the orifice, and a marker material for easy identification and recovery, facilitating the sampling and efficient retrieval of the capsule.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sampling capsule is used to acquire internal contents in the small intestine, then sampling of intestinal environment can be performed, but the used sampling capsule cannot be efficiently recovered from feces
Solution Approach 1:
A marker material with different color or luminance from the surrounding environment is attached to the sampling capsule. This allows the capsule to be easily visually identified and located within feces, significantly improving recovery efficiency without affecting the sampling function.
2Ease of operation
If the outer lid dissolves to expose the orifice for sampling, then internal contents can be acquired, but the capsule structure becomes difficult to recover intact
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is divided into functional segments: an outer lid that dissolves for sampling access, an inner lid that remains intact to maintain structure, and a marker material for identification. This segmentation allows the outer lid to dissolve for sampling while the inner lid and marker maintain capsule integrity for recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer lid is designed as a disposable component that dissolves after serving its sampling function. This allows the capsule to perform its sampling function effectively while the permanent components (inner lid, marker) remain for recovery and potential reuse of the sampling device.
3Reliability
If the inner lid swells to enclose the orifice, then sampling is completed and contents are retained, but the capsule becomes bulkier and harder to locate
Solution Approach 1:
The marker material provides visual contrast that compensates for the increased bulkiness of the swollen capsule. The distinct color or luminance properties make the capsule easily detectable in feces regardless of its changed shape or size after swelling.
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 efficient sampling of internal contents in the small intestine and easy recovery of the capsule by using a marker material to locate it in feces, reducing the burden on testers and minimizing distress to test subjects.
Implementation Method 1
an outer lid enclosing an orifice of the cylindrical container and to dissolve at least partially in the digestive organ
Implementation Method 2
an inner lid arranged in the cylindrical container, and to swell in response to contact with the internal contents in the digestive organ to enclose the orifice of the cylindrical container
Data Source
AI summary
A digestive organ internal contents sampling capsule for sampling internal contents in a digestive organ includes: a cylindrical container insoluble in a digestive tract for housing the internal contents in the digestive organ; an outer lid enclosing an orifice of the cylindrical container and to dissolve at least partially in the digestive organ; an inner lid arranged in the cylindrical container, and to swell in response to contact with the internal contents in the digestive organ to enclose the orifice of the cylindrical container after the orifice is exposed by dissolving of at least a part of the outer lid; and a marker material to be discharged together with the cylindrical container housing the internal contents in the digestive organ and feces.