Ingestible GI Phototherapy Capsule With End-Fire Light Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ingestible therapeutic devices face challenges in adequately illuminating the interior surface of the gastrointestinal tract, often occupying internal space that could be used for control circuitry and power sources, and leaving dark zones untreated.
Innovation Solution
The device employs a spherocylindrical design with axial and radial light source elements oriented along and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, minimizing dark zones and allowing for control circuitry and power source placement within the midsection, while using a supercapacitor for power and deployable anchor mechanisms for extended treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light source elements are arranged to illuminate the gastrointestinal tract, then illumination coverage is improved, but internal space for control circuitry and power sources is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional side-mounted light sources to axial light sources positioned at the ends of the capsule, utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the capsule body. This dimensional change allows light to be emitted from opposite ends toward the center, achieving comprehensive illumination while preserving internal space for power sources and control circuitry within the cylindrical midsection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs deployable anchor mechanisms that can extend and retract dynamically. These anchors deploy during treatment to secure the capsule and position light sources optimally against the gastrointestinal wall, then retract for passage, providing dynamic adaptation without permanently occupying internal space.
2Reliability
If axial light source elements are used to minimize dark zones, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source array is segmented into multiple discrete elements positioned at opposite ends of the capsule along the longitudinal axis. Each end contains light sources oriented to illuminate toward the center, creating overlapping illumination zones that eliminate dark spots while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial light source configuration serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides comprehensive illumination coverage, eliminates dark zones, and allows the cylindrical midsection to be dedicated exclusively to housing power sources and control circuitry without interference from light source mounting structures.
3Ease of operation
If capsule size is reduced for ease of ingestion, then ease of operation is improved, but power source capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the power source and control circuitry within the cylindrical midsection of the spherocylindrical capsule, efficiently utilizing the internal volume. The axial light sources at the ends project inward, allowing the bulk of the capsule volume to be dedicated to power storage without compromising ingestion ease, as the streamlined external shape is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a supercapacitor as the power source, representing a parameter change from conventional batteries. Supercapacitors provide higher energy density and faster charging capabilities, enabling extended treatment duration within a compact capsule form factor suitable for easy ingestion.
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
This configuration enables a compact form factor that effectively treats the gastrointestinal tract with minimal dark zones, providing prolonged treatment and targeted illumination based on location within the GI tract.
Implementation Method 1
each light portal is transparent and comprises an array of bioactive light source elements therein emitting bioactive light therefrom
Implementation Method 2
using a supercapacitor for power
Data Source
AI summary
An ingestible gastrointestinal phototherapy device has a spherocylindrical body of non-digestible material having a cylindrical midsection and transparent light portals at ends thereof. The cylindrical midsection has control circuitry and a power source therein and each light portal is transparent and comprises an array of bioactive light source elements therein emitting bioactive light therefrom and being operably coupled to the control circuitry and power source.