Ingestible Sensor Capsule for Defecation Mechanics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for studying defecation are inadequate, as they fail to provide detailed measurements of forces, deformations, and displacements within the gastrointestinal tract, limiting the understanding and diagnosis of defecatory disorders such as constipation and incontinence.
Innovation Solution
An electro-mechanical device with sensors, designed to mimic feces, is inserted into the rectum or colon to measure pressure profiles, compression strain, bending, orientation, acceleration, and flow, providing detailed data on the defecation process through pressure sensors, force sensors, deformation sensors, gyroscopes, and accelerometers, with optional imaging and wireless data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods such as pressure recordings, balloon distension, endoscopy, ultrasonography, and radiographic examinations are used to study defecation, then some functional data can be obtained, but detailed measurements of forces, deformations, and displacements during the defecation process cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple segments including a sensor module with pressure sensors, force sensors, and deformation sensors; a power module with battery; a communication module; and a capsule shell. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while keeping the overall device manageable in size and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module, power module, and communication module are all nested within the capsule shell. The electronic components are housed inside the biocompatible capsule, creating a nested structure that protects the sensitive electronics while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for ingestion.
2Loss of information
If multiple sensors are embedded in the device to measure various parameters during defecation, then comprehensive data on forces and displacements can be obtained, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed as a multi-functional system that can simultaneously measure pressure, force, deformation, temperature, and other physiological parameters. The sensor module integrates multiple sensing capabilities in a single unit, allowing comprehensive data collection without requiring separate devices for each measurement type.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensing functions are merged into a single integrated sensor module. The pressure sensors, force sensors, deformation sensors, and other detectors are combined within one compact module that can be housed inside the capsule, reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities.
3Reliability
If the device is made solid or semisolid to mimic feces for natural passage through the gastrointestinal tract, then the defecation process can be studied more accurately, but the device becomes more difficult to manufacture and control
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes the phase change properties of phase change material to mimic the temperature and consistency of feces. By controlling the melting and solidification of the phase change material, the device can transition between different states to facilitate passage through the gastrointestinal tract while maintaining realistic characteristics for accurate defecation study.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs composite materials including biocompatible capsule shell, phase change material for temperature regulation, and flexible materials for the sensor module housing. This combination of materials allows the device to mimic fecal properties while maintaining structural integrity and protecting the electronic components.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices for testing distal colonic and anorectal function. In at least one embodiment of a device of the present disclosure, the device comprises a flexible central support, a first bag or balloon surrounding at least part of the flexible central support; and a first plurality of sensors positioned upon or embedded within a surface of the first bag or balloon, each of the first plurality of sensors positioned a known distance from each other; wherein the first plurality of sensors are configured to obtain pressure measurements on the surface of the first bag or balloon when the device is operated within a mammalian gastrointestinal tract.