Rectal Sensor Pellet for Defecation Mechanics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for defecation disorders are inadequate, as they fail to provide comprehensive measurements of forces, deformation, and flow within the gastrointestinal tract, limiting their ability to accurately diagnose and understand the mechanisms of dysfunction in patients with constipation and other defecatory issues.
Innovation Solution
An electro-mechanical device, resembling feces in consistency and shape, equipped with sensors such as pressure sensors, force sensors, deformation sensors, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, is inserted into the rectum or colon to measure parameters like pressure profiles, compression strain, bending, orientation, and flow during defecation, providing detailed data for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional diagnostic methods (manometry, balloon distension, endoscopy) are used, then some defecation parameters can be measured, but comprehensive measurement of forces, deformation, and flow is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (pressure sensors, force sensors, deformation sensors, flow sensors, gyroscopes, magnetometers) into a single integrated device that can simultaneously measure multiple parameters including forces, deformation, flow, and orientation during defecation, resolving the contradiction by merging measurement capabilities rather than using separate conventional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously - measuring pressure, force, deformation, flow, and spatial orientation - making it a universal measurement tool for comprehensive defecation analysis, thereby achieving complete measurement without requiring multiple separate devices
2Loss of information
If existing testing devices are used, then limited parameters from one part of the system are recorded, but accurate diagnosis of defecatory dysfunction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the measurement function into multiple independent sensor components (pressure, force, deformation, flow sensors) distributed throughout the device structure, allowing each sensor to capture specific local parameters while the integrated system provides comprehensive data from multiple anatomical locations simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The device acts as an intermediary between the defecation process and the diagnostic system, capturing comprehensive mechanical data that bridges the gap between physiological function and clinical diagnosis, thereby reducing information loss while maintaining ease of use through automated sensing
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
The device offers a more advanced diagnostic tool for defecation disorders by providing detailed data on the mechanical properties and processes involved in defecation, enabling better understanding and diagnosis of conditions like constipation and fecal incontinence.
Implementation Method 1
obtain a pressure measurement within the gastrointestinal tract and during defecation of the device
Implementation Method 2
one or more force sensors embedded in an interior of the device and/or on a surface of the device
Implementation Method 3
one or more deformation sensors embedded in an interior of the device and/or on a surface of the device
Implementation Method 4
gyroscopes, and magnetometers
Implementation Method 5
gyroscopes, and magnetometers
Data Source
AI summary
A pellet for testing intestinal and anorectal function. In one embodiment of a system of the present disclosure, the system comprises a pellet comprising a balloon or bag, and a fill tube configured to be removably coupled to the pellet, the fill tube configured to permit selective filling of the balloon or bag