Vibrating Ingestible Capsule for Gastrointestinal Drug Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for delivering ingestible medicaments to the gastrointestinal tract are inefficient in promoting absorption into the bloodstream, particularly for conditions like Parkinsonism and gastrointestinal ailments.
Innovation Solution
A vibrating ingestible capsule with a medicament compartment and a vibrating agitation mechanism that exerts controlled vibrations to enhance absorption of medicaments into the bloodstream, synchronized with estimated or actual absorption times within the gastrointestinal tract.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If liquid formulations are used for pediatric medication, then ease of administration is improved, but dosing precision deteriorates due to difficulty in measuring small volumes accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid formulation is segmented into discrete unit doses, each containing a pre-measured amount of medication. This allows the liquid to be easily administered while maintaining precise dosing control through physical segmentation of the total volume into individual dosage units.
Solution Approach 2:
The medication is pre-measured and pre-packaged into unit doses before administration. This preliminary action of measuring and portioning the liquid medication eliminates the need for precise measurement at the point of administration, thereby maintaining dosing precision while preserving ease of administration.
2Measurement precision
If solid dosage forms are used, then dosing precision is improved, but ease of administration deteriorates due to difficulty in swallowing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the medication from solid to liquid form, transforming tablets or capsules into liquid unit doses. This parameter change maintains dosing precision through controlled liquid volumes while significantly improving ease of administration for pediatric patients who have difficulty swallowing solids.
3Ease of operation
If liquid formulations are used, then ease of administration is improved, but stability deteriorates due to susceptibility to degradation and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid formulation is divided into separate, sealed unit dose containers. Each unit dose is hermetically sealed to prevent contamination and degradation until use. This segmentation isolates the liquid medication from environmental factors, maintaining stability while preserving the ease of liquid administration.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective packaging system acts as an intermediary barrier between the liquid medication and the external environment. This packaging prevents contamination and degradation while allowing the liquid to be administered easily when the unit dose is opened at the point of use.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~4A
AI summary
Devices and methods for delivering an ingestible medicament of a medicament tablet into the gastrointestinal tract of a user. A device according to the invention includes a vibrating ingestible capsule and a hollow medicament compartment housing. The vibrating capsule includes a housing, a vibrating agitation mechanism disposed within the housing, a power supply, and a control element. The hollow medicament compartment housing is associated with the housing of the capsule and includes at least one aperture. The hollow of the medicament compartment housing is configured to have the medicament tablet disposed therein. The aperture(s) are dimensioned to enable fluid communication the surrounding environment and the hollow.