Oral Polymer Carrier with RF Decoupling for Gastric Volume Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for weight control and obesity treatment, such as diets, pharmacological treatments, surgical procedures, and intragastric balloons, are often invasive, unsustainable, and associated with side effects, with uncontrolled decomposition of swellable polymers leading to discomfort and complications.

Innovation Solution

An orally administrable polymer-carrying unit that expands in the stomach, featuring a carrier with programmable timer and RF decoupling mechanism, allowing for controlled release of polymer molecules to fill the stomach and provide timed satiety, using biocompatible and biodegradable polymers like Bentonite and microcrystalline hydrogels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If swellable polymers are used to reduce gastric volume, then gastric volume reduction is achieved, but decomposition timing cannot be precisely controlled leading to uncontrolled expansion and discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegastric volumeVSAvoiddecomposition timing control

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The polymer is pre-loaded into a carrier device in a controlled state before ingestion. The device is prepared in advance with the polymer material positioned for controlled release, allowing precise timing of expansion through electronic control rather than relying on uncontrolled chemical decomposition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces chemical decomposition mechanisms with electronic control systems. A microprocessor-controlled release mechanism uses electrical signals to trigger polymer expansion at predetermined times, substituting unpredictable chemical processes with precise electronic timing and control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Volume of moving object

If intragastric balloons are used to reduce gastric volume, then effective volume reduction and satiety sensation are achieved, but invasive procedures are required with serious side effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegastric volumeVSAvoidinvasiveness and side effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable oral carrier device that is ingested, performs its function of controlled polymer release, and then naturally passes through the digestive system. This single-use approach eliminates the need for invasive implantation and removal procedures required by traditional intragastric balloons

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The oral carrier device serves as an intermediary that delivers the swellable polymer to the stomach without requiring direct invasive placement. The carrier protects the polymer during ingestion and facilitates controlled release in the gastric environment, avoiding direct contact with surgical instruments and procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If pharmacological treatments are used for weight control, then weight loss may be achieved, but serious and life-threatening side effects occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebody weightVSAvoidside effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The polymer material naturally expands in the gastric environment through absorption of gastric fluids, creating satiety and fullness sensations without requiring external pharmacological agents. The body's own gastric environment provides the conditions for the polymer to function, eliminating the need for chemically active drugs that cause side effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution provides a non-invasive, controlled reduction of gastric volume, promoting weight loss with reduced discomfort and minimizing complications by ensuring precise timing and biodegradability of the polymer-carrying unit.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of polymer molecules expandable in aqueous solutions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrogel expansion: Hydrogel

Implementation Method 2

polymer molecules expandable in aqueous solutions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

means for selectively decoupling the polymer molecules from the carrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF decoupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 4

using biocompatible and biodegradable polymers like Bentonite and microcrystalline hydrogels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiodegradation: Decomposition (biological)

Data Source

PatentUS8691269B2Controlled degradation of expandable polymers in gastric volume reduction treatment

Publication Date: 2014.04.08 EATLITTLE

AI summary

Orally administrable polymer-carrying units for expanding in a stomach of a mammal to fill a space in the stomach, the polymer-carrying units including: a carrier; a plurality of polymer molecules expandable in aqueous solutions, releasably coupled to the carrier; and means for selectively decoupling the polymer molecules from the carrier so that the polymer molecules and carrier are released in the stomach, are provided.