Multi-compartment Capsule Design for Stable Ingredient Co-administration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsule delivery technologies face challenges in combining active ingredients with different physical states, such as solid, liquid, and gas, due to adverse chemical interactions and potential drug-drug interactions, which can lead to reduced efficacy and stability issues, and patient compliance is compromised by the need for multiple capsules.
Innovation Solution
A multi-compartment capsule design that includes a primary and secondary capsule with different physical states of active ingredients, where the secondary capsule is selectively positionable within the primary capsule, and the capsule configuration minimizes dead space to prevent air bubble reactions, using time-release coatings for controlled release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple active ingredients with different physical states are combined in a single capsule, then patient compliance is improved by reducing the number of capsules, but adverse chemical interactions and stability issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is divided into multiple compartments, each containing active ingredients in different physical states (solid, liquid, gas, dispersion). This segmentation prevents direct contact between incompatible ingredients while maintaining them in a single capsule unit, thus improving patient compliance without compromising stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple compartments are nested within the capsule structure, with each compartment housing specific active ingredients. The nested arrangement allows different physical states to be contained separately yet delivered together, resolving the contradiction between combination benefits and interaction risks.
2Reliability
If active ingredients are placed in separate compartments, then adverse interactions are prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is segmented into multiple compartments using dividing walls or separators. This segmentation provides physical isolation for different active ingredients while maintaining a relatively simple overall capsule structure that is manufacturable and patient-friendly.
Solution Approach 2:
Each compartment is designed with specific local characteristics (size, shape, material properties) tailored to the physical state of the active ingredient it contains, while the overall capsule maintains uniform external properties. This allows optimized containment for each ingredient type without excessive overall complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If dead space is minimized in capsule configuration, then air bubble reactions are prevented, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule design optimizes geometric parameters (compartament shapes, sizes, and arrangements) to minimize dead space volumes where air bubbles could form. By carefully controlling these parameters during manufacturing, the design achieves minimal dead space without requiring excessive manufacturing precision beyond standard capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-compartment capsule, comprising, a first receiving chamber comprising at least one ingredient having a first physical state, wherein said ingredient is selected from the group consisting of a nutraceutical, a vitamin, a dietary supplement and a mineral; and a second receiving chamber comprising at least one ingredient having a second physical state, wherein said ingredient is selected from the group consisting of a nutraceutical, a vitamin, a dietary supplement and a mineral; wherein said first physical state of said ingredient of said first receiving chamber being different from said second physical state of said ingredient of said second receiving chamber; and said ingredient of said first receiving chamber being different from said ingredient of said second receiving chamber.