Magnetic Capsule for Controlled Gastrointestinal Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medication delivery systems fail to control the release rate of medication from capsules in the gastrointestinal tract, as they are dependent on chemical properties and amount of medication, lacking the ability to adjust according to patient needs or time, particularly for conditions like Parkinson's Disease where a variable dosage is required.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic capsule that can be retained at a desired location in the GI using an external magnetic field, with controllable release mechanisms allowing for adjustable flow rates of medication through changes in the magnetic field, eliminating the need for active components or batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the capsule is retained in the stomach using magnetic force, then the capsule can be held at a desired location, but the release rate of medication cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies dynamics by making the magnetic retaining force adjustable rather than static. The external magnetic field strength can be dynamically modified to control both the retention of the capsule and the release rate of medication, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of magnetic field strength to control the release rate. By adjusting the external magnetic field parameters, the system can regulate the medication flow rate while maintaining capsule retention, resolving the contradiction between force application and operational control.
2Ease of operation
If the medication is released in the stomach, then the capsule can be retained easily, but stomach acids consume part of the medication
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the chemical environment (stomach acids) with a mechanical control system (external magnetic field) to achieve both retention and controlled release. By using magnetic force to hold the capsule and control the release rate, the system avoids the harmful chemical degradation while maintaining easy retention.
3Device complexity
If the release rate depends only on chemical properties, then the system is simple, but the flow rate cannot be adjusted according to patient needs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces feedback control by using external magnetic field adjustment to regulate the release rate based on patient needs. The system can sense the required medication flow and adjust the magnetic field strength accordingly, providing adaptability while maintaining relative system simplicity.
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 precise and controlled release of medication, allowing for variable dosing based on patient needs and time, reducing medication exposure to stomach acids and enhancing efficacy by releasing medication in the duodenum where acidity is lower, improving treatment outcomes for conditions like Parkinson's Disease.
Implementation Method 1
The retaining of the capsule to the desired location is done by capturing a permanent magnet embedded in the capsule by a magnetic field induced from outside the body.
Implementation Method 2
A magnetic capsule that can be retained in a desired location in the GI and its release flow can be controlled by manipulation of the retaining magnetic force.
Implementation Method 3
The flow of the medicine from the capsule into the stomach or into the GI is done and controlled by one of few embodiments in which changes in the external magnetic field cause controllable changes in the flow.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention teaches a system and a method to control the dispensing of swallow able medicine at the desired flow rate and in the desired location of the gastro-intestinal tract.