Multi-compartment Capsule Design Using Nested Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-compartment capsules face issues such as dislocation during handling, increased size, complex filling processes, and risk of premature disengagement, which hinder their effectiveness and usability for pharmaceutical delivery and diagnostic purposes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-part capsule design featuring telescopically engageable body and cap parts with distinct segments, allowing for the creation of multiple compartments with improved resistance and simplified assembly, enabling efficient filling and reduced overall size while maintaining consumer acceptance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple two-piece capsules are stored within one another to form multi-compartment dosage form, then compartmentalization is achieved, but dislocation occurs during handling causing damage to content and capsules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing one capsule inside another capsule to create multi-compartment dosage forms. The inner capsule is inserted into the outer capsule, allowing compact storage of multiple compartments while maintaining structural integrity during handling, thus resolving the dislocation problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosage form is segmented into multiple separate two-piece capsules, each capable of independent assembly and disassembly. This segmentation allows flexible compartmentalization while each capsule maintains its own structural stability, preventing damage during handling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple two-piece capsules are stored within one another, then compartmentalization is achieved, but overall size of the dosage form is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting capsules within capsules, the design maximizes the use of internal space. Each inner capsule utilizes the void space of the outer capsule, creating a compact multi-compartment structure that minimizes overall volume while accommodating multiple compartments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If further body is joined to outer surface of main body to form additional compartment, then multi-compartment structure is created, but overall volume size increases reducing swallowability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding compartments externally which increases volume, the patent nests additional compartments inside existing capsule structures. This internal nesting approach creates multi-compartment functionality while maintaining a compact overall size suitable for swallowability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple two-piece capsules are stored within one another, then compartmentalization is achieved, but complex filling processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The capsules are pre-filled with their respective contents before assembly into the nested multi-compartment structure. This preliminary filling action simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for complex in-line filling operations after assembly, allowing each capsule to be filled independently using standard equipment.
5Adaptability or versatility
If further body is joined to main body to form second compartment, then multi-compartment structure is created, but risk of premature disengagement increases causing spill during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The nested capsule structure provides inherent stability as the inner capsule is contained within the outer capsule, preventing premature disengagement. Each capsule maintains its own closure mechanism, and the nested arrangement prevents accidental opening during handling, eliminating the spill risk associated with externally joined bodies.
Data Source
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AI summary
A dosage form article suitable for oral administration, comprising more than one compartments each delimited by a plurality of distinct segments of the dosage form article, the distinct segments being selected from the group consisting of body parts, cap parts and combinations thereof, wherein the dosage form article comprises: at least one first body part and at least one first cap part each comprising inner and outer surfaces, wherein the first body and cap parts are telescopically engageable; and at least one second body part, comprising inner and outer surfaces, being telescopically engageable with the at least one first body or cap parts or both. The at least one of the second body parts is arranged within the at least one first body part or cap part (103) or both such that a distinct first compartment is formed between the outer surface of the second body part and the inner surface of the first body part or cap part (103) or both.