Expandable Substance Delivery Container with Swellable Particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing substance delivery devices fail to provide continuous and controlled release of medications within the body over extended periods due to limited duration of placement in bodily cavities and lack of precise feedback control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a permeable expandable container with swellable material that expands upon contact with bodily fluids, allowing for prolonged placement and controlled release of substances through mechanisms such as delay mechanisms or closed-loop feedback systems, utilizing sensors to measure physiological parameters for precise delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If prior art devices are used for substance delivery, then substance release can be achieved, but the devices cannot remain in the body long enough to provide continuous release over extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested structure where an inner container holding the substance is positioned within an outer expandable container. The inner container can be released from the outer container after deployment, allowing the substance to be delivered while the outer container remains expanded to maintain positioning. This nested arrangement enables continuous release over extended periods by separating the substance delivery mechanism from the anchoring structure.
2Reliability
If prior art devices are used for substance delivery, then some release control can be achieved, but they lack a precise feedback control mechanism for completely controlled release
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a feedback control mechanism where a sensor detects a physiological parameter (such as pH, temperature, or presence of specific molecules) and triggers the release of the substance when a predetermined condition is met. The controller receives the sensor signal and activates the release mechanism accordingly, enabling precise and reliable substance delivery based on real-time physiological feedback without requiring overly complex external control systems.
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 continuous and controlled delivery of substances over extended periods, ensuring effective medication release and prolonged action within the body, with the ability to disassemble and exit naturally or be absorbed, reducing discomfort and improving treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
at least one expandable particle comprising a swellable material contained within the container capable of expanding when contacted with a fluid
Implementation Method 2
whereby when the device is positioned in situ, bodily fluid permeates the container causing the at least one expandable particle contained therein to swell
Data Source
AI summary
A device for delivering a substance in situ in a body comprising at least one permeable expandable container having a first dimension and a second dimension and having contained therein the substance to be delivered; and at least one expandable particle comprising a swellable material contained within the container and capable of expanding when contacted with a fluid; whereby when the device is positioned in situ, bodily fluid permeates the container causing the at least one expandable particle contained therein to swell and the container to expand from the first dimension to the second dimension so that the device remains in situ for a period of time sufficient to achieve the desired delivery of the substance is provided.