Swelling Intestinal Fluid Collection Device with Self-Closing Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting intestinal fluid are limited by small internal volumes, low internal pressure, and the need for complex mechanisms, making them difficult to use for sampling at different intestinal levels, and are not easily retrievable or cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A device with a polymeric inner material having a compressed open cell structure and an elastic casing that swells upon fluid intake, allowing precise volume determination, combined with a gastro-resistant material for dissolving in intestinal fluid and a mechanism for closing the opening, enabling easy swallowing and variable volume collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a device uses a small internal volume and low internal pressure for collecting intestinal fluid, then the device can be swallowed by patients, but the collection volume is limited and the device is difficult to retrieve
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a dynamic volume expansion mechanism where the inner material transitions from a compressed state to a swollen state upon contact with intestinal fluid. The inner material initially occupies a small volume Vi when compressed, allowing easy swallowing, then expands to a larger volume (≥1.1×Vi) after absorbing intestinal fluid, thereby increasing collection capacity while maintaining ease of ingestion
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes parameter changes in the inner material's physical state - specifically changing from a compressed configuration to a swollen configuration through fluid absorption. This parameter change enables the device to overcome the contradiction between small initial size for swallowing and large final size for adequate sample collection
2Reliability
If a device uses a complex mechanism for closing the opening, then the device can control fluid intake, but the device becomes difficult to use and retrieve
Solution Approach 1:
The closing mechanism operates autonomously through the natural swelling of the inner material. As the inner material absorbs intestinal fluid and expands, it automatically pushes against the flap to close the opening, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms or complex actuation systems. The device self-regulates fluid intake based on its own physical transformation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical closing systems with a simple flap mechanism driven by the swelling pressure of the inner material. Instead of using motors, sensors, or complex linkages, the system uses the natural physical expansion of the absorbent material to actuate the closing action, significantly reducing device complexity
3Ease of operation
If a device uses foam material not in compressed state for closing the opening, then the device can allow fluid intake, but the device cannot maintain precise volume control
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses parameter changes in the inner material's volume and density to achieve precise control. By controlling the degree of compression and the swelling characteristics of the inner material, the device can precisely determine the volume of intestinal fluid collected based on the equilibrium between swelling force and casing elastic deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates implicit feedback through the equilibrium condition where the swelling force of the inner material balances the elastic deformation force of the casing. This self-regulating mechanism naturally limits the collection volume to a precise predetermined amount, preventing overfilling while ensuring adequate sample collection
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 device allows for precise collection of intestinal fluid at different levels with ease, maintaining sterility and ease of retrieval, while being cost-effective and capable of retaining microbiota for analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The inner material is suitable for swelling to a volume greater than or equal to 1.1×Vi by absorbing intestinal fluid
Implementation Method 2
a polymeric inner material having an at least partially compressed open cell structure
Implementation Method 3
swelling of the inner material causes elastic deformation of the casing
Implementation Method 4
a gastro-resistant material suitable for dissolving in intestinal fluid at 37° C. being disposed on top of each opening
Data Source
AI summary
The application relates to a device for collecting a sample of intestinal fluid comprising a polymeric inner material having an at least partially compressed open cell structure, having a volume Vi and being suitable for swelling to a volume greater than or equal to 1.1×Vi by absorbing intestinal fluid, said material being encased with an elastic polymeric casing impervious to digestive fluid, said casing comprising at least one opening allowing the intake of intestinal fluid into the inner material, a gastro-resistant material suitable for dissolving in intestinal fluid at 37° C. being disposed on top of each opening, and at least one mechanism for closing the opening(s).