Wireless communications system integrating electronics into orally ingestible products for controlled release or injection of active ingredients

A system, comprising:

• at least one communications device for generating a wireless activation signal;
• and
• a consumable capsule, comprising:
• a capsule body;
• a receiving antenna comprising a plurality of antenna coils disposed within the capsule body for receiving electromagnetic energy via the wireless activation signal;
• a control section configured, in response to receiving the electromagnetic energy, to generate a trigger signal;
• at least one elongate linear actuator comprising a wire coil spirally wound along at least a portion of a length thereof, wherein a first portion of the at least one elongate linear actuator is attached to the control section and a second portion of the at least one elongate linear actuator is disposed on a platform;
• and
• a needle projecting from the platform and storing an active ingredient, the at least one elongate linear actuator being responsive to the trigger signal to change its configuration to allow the needle to move from a stowed position, through a wall of the capsule body, and into an injection position to permit injection of the active ingredient into an external environment.

A method of releasing an active ingredient, comprising:

• providing a consumable capsule, the consumable capsule comprising:
• a capsule body;
• a receiving antenna disposed within the capsule body;
• a control section;
• at least one elongate linear actuator comprising a wire coil spirally wound along at least a portion of a length thereof, wherein a first portion of the at least one elongate linear actuator is attached to the control section and a second portion of the at least one elongate linear actuator is disposed on a platform;
• and
• a needle projecting from the platform and storing the active ingredient;
• receiving, by the receiving antenna, electromagnetic energy via a wireless signal;
• transmitting, via the control section in response to receiving the electromagnetic energy, a trigger signal;
• and
• moving, based on the at least one elongate linear actuator being responsive to the trigger signal to change its configuration, the needle from a stowed position, through a wall of the capsule body, and into an injection position to permit injection of the active ingredient into an external environment.