Soluble Blocking Capsule for Taste-Masked Oral Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oral delivery systems for pharmaceutical formulations face challenges such as inefficient taste masking for liquid mixtures and high doses, complex mechanisms leading to high manufacturing costs and waste, and difficulty in scaling down due to large dimensions, which result in poor packaging density and compliance issues, especially for children.
Innovation Solution
A capsule-based delivery system using a dissolvable blocking element that stores and releases a pharmaceutical composition within a capsule, allowing for efficient storage and controlled release when combined with a simple straw for administration, reducing waste and complexity while enhancing packaging density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a pipe-based delivery system with movable plug is used, then the formulation can be transported to the patient's mouth, but the device dimensions cannot be scaled down and packaging density becomes poor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the delivery system into two separate components: a capsule containing only the formulation and a separate pipe (straw) for transport. This segmentation allows the capsule to be miniaturized for high packaging density while the pipe maintains its necessary functional dimensions for patient use.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport function is extracted from the formulation container. The capsule is designed solely for storing the formulation, while the pipe is used exclusively for transport. This separation enables the capsule to be scaled down to small dimensions suitable for high-density packaging.
2Reliability
If a complex mechanism with multiple components is used, then the formulation can be delivered, but manufacturing costs increase and waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanism is replaced by extracting only the essential transport function to a simple separate pipe. The capsule itself requires no complex mechanism - it simply contains the formulation and dissolves when exposed to liquid, eliminating the need for plugs, seals, and actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule is designed as a disposable, simple component that dissolves after use. This eliminates the need for complex, reusable mechanisms with moving parts, reducing manufacturing complexity and waste from non-dissolvable components.
3Ease of operation
If the blocking element is removed by hand before use, then the composition can be administered, but the risk of losing active agent increases due to incorrect use
Solution Approach 1:
The manual removal of the blocking element is replaced by a dissolution-based release mechanism. The capsule dissolves when exposed to liquid (drink or saliva), automatically releasing the formulation without requiring manual intervention, thereby eliminating dosing errors from incorrect use.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule performs its own release function automatically through dissolution in liquid. The formulation is released when the capsule dissolves, without requiring the patient or administrator to manually remove any blocking element, ensuring consistent and accurate dosing.
4Ease of operation
If taste-masked formulations are used for liquid mixtures or high doses, then patient compliance may improve, but the taste masking becomes ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule acts as an intermediary carrier that protects the formulation from direct contact with the patient's taste buds during storage and administration. The formulation is released directly into the liquid medium or swallowed whole, preventing direct taste perception while maintaining effectiveness for liquid mixtures and high doses.
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 capsule system effectively addresses the challenges of taste masking, reduces manufacturing costs and waste, and improves packaging density by using common pharmaceutical components, ensuring precise dosing and enhanced patient compliance.
Implementation Method 1
a dissolvable blocking element which is located in the capsule together with the composition, and releasing the composition from the capsule by dissolving the blocking element in liquid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a capsule comprising an inlet and an outlet connected by a passage, in which a dissolvable blocking element and a composition to be orally administered are arranged. The blocking element is fluid permeable and, in a non- dissolved condition, is arranged in the passage to block delivery of the composition to an outlet of the passage. The invention further relates to a method for releasable sealing a capsule comprising a composition to be orally administered, comprising the steps of providing the composition chamber in a passage and filling composition into the composition chamber. The passage formed by the capsule is occluded with a blocking element and the blocking element comprises dissolvable material and has a fluid permeable structure.