Sampling Capsule with Shape Memory Alloy Clamping Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sampling capsules for the gastrointestinal tract lack versatility, have uncontrolled sampling volume, and suffer from liquid leak or contamination due to an inability to close the sampling hole after use.
Innovation Solution
A sampling capsule system with a switch assembly that uses shape memory alloy clamping arms controlled by a temperature element to precisely manage the sampling tube's openness, allowing for versatile sampling and preventing liquid leak by clamping the tube after sampling is complete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dissolvable material is used for the sampling port to enable automatic opening in specific GI tract environments, then the sampling capsule can automatically sample digestive juice, but the sampling volume cannot be controlled and the sampling hole cannot be closed after sampling, resulting in liquid leak or contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling port is designed as a dynamic structure with movable clamping arms that can transition between clamped (closed) and unclamped (open) states. The clamping arms are driven by shape memory alloy wires that respond to temperature changes, enabling the port to dynamically open for sampling and then close to prevent leakage and contamination, thus resolving the contradiction between automatic sampling and reliable volume control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature as a control parameter to trigger shape memory alloy wires, which change their physical state (from austenite to martensite phase) in response to temperature changes. This parameter change enables the clamping arms to automatically open or close the sampling port, achieving both automatic sampling operation and reliable sealing after sampling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sampling port is always open to allow sampling at any GI tract position, then versatility is improved, but liquid leak and contamination occur after sampling is complete
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling port incorporates dynamically controllable clamping arms that can be opened when sampling is needed at any GI tract position, providing versatility. After sampling, the clamping arms automatically close to seal the port, preventing liquid leak and contamination. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between sampling flexibility and harm prevention.
3Device complexity
If no clamping mechanism is used to simplify the device structure, then device complexity is reduced, but sampling volume cannot be precisely controlled and leak prevention is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical clamping mechanisms with a smart material-based system using shape memory alloy wires. These wires automatically adjust the clamping arms through temperature-triggered phase changes, eliminating the need for complex motors, sensors, and control circuits while achieving precise sampling volume control and reliable leak prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory alloy wires provide self-powered actuation of the clamping arms through temperature changes from the GI tract environment or external heating. The system automatically opens and closes the sampling port without requiring external mechanical actuators or complex control mechanisms, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining precise control.
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 system ensures precise control over sampling volume and time, maintaining a sealed state to prevent contamination and leakage, allowing sampling at any GI tract position without environmental limitations.
Implementation Method 1
a shape memory alloy with its two ends respectively connected to the pair of clamping arms to drive the clamping arms move towards or away from each other, and a temperature control element for controlling the temperature of the shape memory alloy
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a sampling capsule and a sampling capsule system. The sampling capsule includes an enclosure, a partition wall arranged in the enclosure, and a sample chamber enclosed by the partition wall and the enclosure at a first side of the partition wall. The sampling capsule further includes an inner sample inlet on the partition wall, an outer sample inlet, a sampling tube and a switch assembly. The outer sample inlet is on the enclosure at a second side of the partition wall. The sampling tube connects the outer sample inlet and the inner sample inlet, and the switch assembly clamps or unclamps a portion of the sampling tube. When sampling is needed, the switch assembly unclamps the sampling tube to sample liquid. When sampling ends, the switch assembly tightly clamps the sampling tube to prevent sample liquid leak or contamination.