Miniaturized pH Sensor Electrodes for In Vivo Medication Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensors are not adapted for in vivo use, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, and lack the advantages of miniature size and low power consumption necessary for effective delivery of medication or detection of target conditions within a bodily cavity.

Innovation Solution

A miniature sensor apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodes with a low power consumption coating, integrated with a pill that includes a reservoir, pump, and electronics, capable of detecting changes in physical or chemical properties to transduce electrical signals and deliver medication based on target conditions within a bodily cavity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing sensors are used for in vivo detection, then detection capability is provided, but the sensor size and power consumption are too large for effective use in bodily cavities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsensor size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is divided into multiple discrete electrodes (first electrode and second electrode) separated by a coating layer. This segmentation allows each electrode to be miniaturized while maintaining detection functionality through the potential difference between them, enabling compact sensor design suitable for in vivo applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coating layer's electrical properties (resistance, capacitance) are changed in response to pH variations in the bodily cavity. This parameter change enables the sensor to detect target conditions without requiring large sensor structures, as the detection mechanism relies on chemical-induced electrical property changes rather than extensive electrode arrays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If existing sensors are used for in vivo detection, then detection capability is provided, but power consumption is too high for effective use in bodily cavities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor utilizes the natural pH gradient and ionic conductivity of bodily fluids to generate detection signals without requiring external power sources. The coating layer's electrical properties change passively in response to pH variations, enabling self-powered detection that minimizes energy consumption while maintaining effective detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor replaces active electronic detection mechanisms with passive electrical property changes. Instead of using complex electronic circuits that consume power, the detection mechanism relies on inherent electrical property changes (resistance, capacitance) of the coating layer induced by pH changes, significantly reducing power requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If a coating layer is added to electrodes for pH sensing, then pH detection capability is improved, but the sensor structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovepH detection capabilityVSAvoidsensor structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coating layer is applied selectively only to the electrode surfaces that require pH sensing, rather than covering the entire sensor structure. This localized coating approach provides pH detection capability at the critical interface while keeping the overall sensor structure simple and maintaining electrical connectivity where needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 delivery of medication within the gastrointestinal tract by utilizing a miniature sensor with low power consumption and pH-sensitive coatings to detect target locations, facilitating effective in vivo monitoring and treatment.

Implementation Method 1

The coating may include a pH-sensitive polymer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectpH-sensitive polymer interaction:

Implementation Method 2

an interaction between the hydrogel and the target condition alters hydration of the hydrogel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydration: Mineral Hydration

Implementation Method 3

the change is transduced into an electrical signal by the electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTransduction:

Data Source

PatentUS9227011B2Miniaturized threshold sensor

Publication Date: 2016.01.05 BT BIDCO INC

AI summary

A sensor comprising a plurality of electrodes having a miniature size and a lower power consumption and a coating exterior to the electrodes, wherein the coating interacts with a target condition thereby producing a change in an electrical property of the electrodes, wherein the change is transduced into an electrical signal by the electrodes. Further a system for medication delivery comprising such sensor and a pill.