Timed Vibrating GI Capsule for Jetlag Bowel Regulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gastrointestinal treatment systems do not effectively mitigate the effects of jetlag, particularly through mechanical stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract at specific times to regulate bowel movements.
Innovation Solution
A gastrointestinal treatment system comprising a vibrating capsule with a housing, vibrating agitator, power supply, and controller that activates the agitator at predetermined times, such as meal times, to exert vibrations on the gastrointestinal tract, thereby triggering spontaneous bowel movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gastrointestinal treatment system uses mechanical stimulation at specific times to regulate bowel movements, then the effectiveness of treating jetlag is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for timing mechanisms and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is pre-programmed with timing information for the subject's circadian cycle and gastric pH profile before ingestion. This allows the capsule to automatically activate the vibrating agitator at the optimal predetermined time without requiring complex real-time sensing or adjustment mechanisms during digestion, thus improving treatment effectiveness while limiting complexity growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic vibration cycles with specific durations and intervals rather than continuous operation. The controller activates the vibrating agitator in predetermined time windows that align with circadian rhythms and gastric pH cycles, providing effective mechanical stimulation while reducing overall power consumption and simplifying the power supply requirements.
2Productivity
If the vibrating agitator operates at predetermined times to trigger bowel movements, then the productivity of the treatment system is improved, but the use of energy increases due to periodic activation
Solution Approach 1:
The vibrating agitator operates in periodic cycles with predetermined durations and intervals rather than continuously. Each vibration episode is timed to coincide with optimal moments in the gastric pH cycle and circadian rhythm, maximizing treatment productivity while minimizing total energy consumption by keeping the agitator inactive during suboptimal periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies vibration stimulation selectively during specific time windows when it is most likely to be effective, rather than providing constant stimulation. This partial action approach focuses energy delivery on the most productive moments, achieving adequate treatment outcomes with reduced overall energy expenditure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the capsule includes timing mechanisms and controllers for predetermined activation, then the adaptability to circadian cycles is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Circadian cycle timing information and gastric pH profile data are pre-programmed into the controller before the capsule is ingested. This preliminary configuration allows the device to adapt to the subject's biological rhythms without requiring complex real-time sensing, processing, or adjustment mechanisms, thereby achieving high adaptability while limiting complexity growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically uses the pre-programmed timing information to determine optimal activation times for the vibrating agitator based on the subject's circadian cycle and gastric pH profile. The system serves itself by autonomously making activation decisions without requiring external control or complex interaction with the subject's physiological state, enhancing adaptability while maintaining simplicity.
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 effectively mitigates jetlag by regulating bowel movements through mechanical stimulation at specific times, aligning with the subject's circadian cycle and gastric pH profile, thus reducing the discomfort associated with jetlag.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrating agitator adapted such that, in a first vibrating mode of operation, the housing exerts vibrations on an environment surrounding the capsule
Data Source
AI summary
A gastrointestinal treatment system including a gastrointestinal capsule adapted to treat a subject following ingestion of the gastrointestinal capsule. The gastrointestinal capsule includes: (a) a housing; (b) a vibrating agitator, powered by the battery, the vibrating agitator adapted such that, in a first vibrating mode of operation, the housing exerts vibrations on an environment surrounding the capsule; (c) a power supply disposed within the housing and adapted to power the vibrating agitator; and (d) a controller adapted, in response to receipt of an activation input, to activate the vibrating agitator to operate in the first vibrating mode of operation at at least one predetermined time of day. The system and method may be used to treat an ailment of the gastrointestinal tract and/or to mitigate at least one symptom of jetlag in a subject travelling from an origin location to a destination location.