Bi-Directional Valve Pump With Deflation Bypass Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing penile prostheses for erectile dysfunction require significant time and energy to inflate and deflate, with existing designs often leading to prolonged erections and user frustration due to complex deflation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional valve pump assembly for inflatable penile prostheses that includes a valve body with a bi-directional valve, a pump bulb, and a deflation mode actuator, allowing for efficient fluid transfer between a fluid reservoir and inflatable member, with the bi-directional valve moving between inflation and deflation positions to bypass the pump bulb during deflation, reducing pressure drop and fluid resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If fluid is transferred through the pump bulb during deflation, then the existing pump mechanism can be used, but the pressure drop and fluid resistance increase, slowing down the deflation process
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid pathway is segmented into two separate routes: one through the pump bulb for inflation, and another bypass route for deflation. The bi-directional valve divides the fluid path, allowing selective routing of fluid flow to optimize performance for each operation mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The bi-directional valve acts as an intermediary component that mediates fluid flow between different pathways. It selectively opens the bypass passage during deflation to reduce resistance, while maintaining the original pump bulb pathway during inflation.
2Ease of operation
If a complex deflation mechanism is used, then deflation can be controlled, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-directional valve serves multiple functions: it controls fluid direction during both inflation and deflation phases, acts as a flow splitter, and provides bypass capability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each operation mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflation and deflation control functions are merged into a single bi-directional valve mechanism rather than using separate valves for each direction. This consolidation simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining full functionality.
3Productivity
If multiple pump acts are required to achieve desired rigidity, then fluid transfer can be controlled, but the time and energy expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass passage enables continuous and unobstructed fluid flow during deflation, eliminating the step-by-step restriction imposed by the pump bulb mechanism. This continuous flow path maintains higher fluid velocity and reduces the time required for complete deflation.
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 solution enables faster inflation and deflation cycles with reduced energy expenditure, providing quicker rigidity achievement and easier operation by allowing fluid to bypass the pump bulb during deflation, thus addressing the inefficiencies of existing designs.
Implementation Method 1
The bi-directional valve in the inflation position is configured to open a fluid passageway in the valve body to transfer fluid from the pump bulb to the inflatable member. The bi-directional valve in the deflation position is configured to open a fluid passageway in the valve body to transfer fluid from the inflatable member to the fluid reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, an inflatable penile prosthesis includes a fluid reservoir configured to hold fluid, an inflatable member, and a pump assembly configured to transfer the fluid between the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member. The pump assembly includes a valve body, a pump bulb, and a deflation mode actuator. The valve body includes a bi-directional valve configured to move from an inflation position to a deflation position in response to an activation of the deflation mode actuator. The bi-directional valve in the inflation position is configured to open a fluid passageway in the valve body to transfer fluid from the pump bulb to the inflatable member. The bi-directional valve in the deflation position is configured to open a fluid passageway in the valve body to transfer fluid from the inflatable member to the fluid reservoir that bypasses the pump bulb.