Robotic Pill Motorized Screw for Viscous Mucus Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current smart pills for gastrointestinal sampling are limited in their ability to collect viscous samples like mucus due to passive diffusion methods, and invasive procedures like colonoscopies are costly and unsuitable for routine use, leading to incomplete and infrequent data for disease monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A robotic pill system with a motorized screw for active collection of viscous samples, equipped with a magnetic docking mechanism, 3-axis Hall effect sensor, and wireless communication for precise sampling and spatial control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If passive diffusion methods are used for sample collection in smart pills, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to collect viscous samples like mucus is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidsample collection ability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces passive diffusion mechanisms with an active motorized screw conveyor system. The screw conveyor uses mechanical rotation to actively transport viscous mucus samples into the collection chamber, overcoming the limitations of passive diffusion methods that cannot effectively handle viscous materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing controlled rotation speed and mechanical force through the motorized screw system. This transforms the sample collection process from a passive, diffusion-limited process to an active, mechanically-driven process capable of handling viscous samples with varying rheological properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If invasive procedures like colonoscopies are used for sampling, then sample quality is improved, but the cost and suitability for routine use worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample qualityVSAvoidcost and routine suitability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The smart pill performs self-service by autonomously navigating the gastrointestinal tract, locating mucus samples, and collecting them via the motorized screw conveyor. The device includes onboard sensors for detection, a motor for active collection, and wireless communication for data transmission, enabling independent operation without invasive procedural intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces invasive mechanical procedures (colonoscopy) with a minimally invasive ingestible robotic system. The soft robotic pill with motorized components performs active sampling functions that previously required surgical-grade invasive procedures, thereby reducing cost and enabling routine use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If passive diffusion-based smart pills are used, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the sampling frequency and completeness worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidsampling frequency and completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The motorized screw conveyor enables continuous active sampling action rather than relying on intermittent passive diffusion. The system can continuously rotate the screw to draw in mucus samples as the pill moves through the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring complete and frequent sampling throughout the transit period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities through the motorized screw system, allowing the sampling rate and intensity to be adjusted based on real-time conditions. The system can actively respond to changes in mucus viscosity, flow rate, and pill position, optimizing sampling frequency and completeness dynamically throughout the gastrointestinal transit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 minimally invasive, cost-effective, and repeatable sampling of gastrointestinal mucosa and microenvironmental fluids, providing comprehensive datasets for early disease detection and health monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

A robotic pill system with a motorized screw for active collection of viscous samples

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew conveyor mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

equipped with a magnetic docking mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic docking: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

3-axis Hall effect sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250331829A1Robotic Pill System for Active Sample Collection and Related Method

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIV

AI summary

A robotic pill system for collecting a sample from human and animal body cavities and liquid resources using a robotic pill. The system includes a robotic pill adapted to collect the sample when the robotic pill is received or introduced or taken through an orifice, other natural or surgical openings and cavity. A screw is present in the housing of the robotic pill and is adapted to collect the sample(s) from an opening in the housing into one or more collection chambers in the housing of the robotic pill. The robotic pill may be positionally located before operation of a sample as well as its position directed and may utilize a wireless interface to transmit positional information and/or control information for the screw.