Gastrointestinal Vibrating Capsule for Circadian Jetlag Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gastrointestinal treatment systems do not effectively mitigate the effects of jetlag, particularly for travelers, and there is a need for a system that can adapt to different time zones and gastric cycles to provide targeted mechanical stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A gastrointestinal treatment system comprising a vibrating capsule that is activated at predetermined times based on the subject's circadian cycle and gastric pH profile, using a control mechanism to operate in a vibrating mode to provide mechanical stimulation to the gastrointestinal tract.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the capsule provides continuous mechanical stimulation, then gastrointestinal treatment effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases and jetlag mitigation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule implements periodic vibration cycles with alternating active and inactive periods. The control mechanism activates the vibrating agitation mechanism for specific durations (e.g., 10-60 seconds) at predetermined times, then deactivates it. This periodic operation maintains treatment effectiveness by stimulating gastrointestinal motility at critical moments while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism uses timing mechanisms and sensors to activate the vibrating agitation mechanism at predetermined times based on circadian rhythms and gastric pH profiles before gastrointestinal events occur. This preliminary action ensures mechanical stimulation is applied at optimal moments to trigger bowel movements or digestive processes, maximizing treatment effectiveness while minimizing energy usage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the capsule activates at multiple predetermined times, then jetlag mitigation and gastrointestinal health improvement are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple predetermined activation times, circadian rhythm synchronization, and gastric pH profile adaptation within a single integrated system. The timing mechanism and sensor array work together to automatically determine optimal activation moments without requiring complex external control systems, thereby enhancing jetlag mitigation capability while keeping device complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule employs self-service through integrated sensors (illumination, temperature, motion detectors) that automatically detect environmental and physiological conditions to trigger vibration at appropriate times. This self-determination capability allows the capsule to adapt to different time zones and individual circadian patterns without requiring complex programming or external intervention, improving versatility while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Measurement precision
If the capsule uses sensors to detect activation moments, then precision of timing is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule utilizes periodic sensing intervals where illumination, temperature, and motion sensors check for activation conditions at regular intervals rather than continuously monitoring. This periodic detection approach achieves sufficient timing precision for triggering vibrations at the correct moments while reducing computational burden and manufacturing complexity compared to continuous high-precision monitoring 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
The system effectively mitigates jetlag symptoms by providing mechanical stimulation at specific times, reducing acute constipation and aligning with the subject's biological rhythms, thereby improving gastrointestinal health.
Implementation Method 1
the vibrating agitation mechanism, in a first vibrating mode of operation, exerts forces on the housing, thereby to cause vibrations
Data Source
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AI summary
A gastrointestinal treatment system including a gastrointestinal capsule adapted to treat a subject following ingestion of the gastrointestinal capsule. The gastrointestinal capsule includes: (a) a housing; (b) a vibrating agitation mechanism, powered by the battery, the vibrating agitation mechanism adapted such that, in a first vibrating mode of operation, the housing exerts vibrations on an environment surrounding the capsule; (c) a power supply disposed within the housing and adapted to power the vibrating agitation mechanism; and (d) a control mechanism adapted, in response to receipt of an activation input, to activate the vibrating agitation mechanism to operate in the first vibrating mode of operation at at least one predetermined time of day. The system and method may be used to treat an ailment of the gastrointestinal tract and/or to mitigate at least one symptom of jetlag in a subject travelling from an origin location to a destination location.