Bi-Directional Valve Pump for Faster Penile Prosthesis Deflation
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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 resulting in prolonged erections and user frustration due to complex fluid transfer mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional valve pump assembly that includes a valve body with a bi-directional valve capable of moving between inflation and deflation positions, allowing fluid to be transferred directly between the inflatable member and the fluid reservoir, bypassing the pump bulb during deflation, with multiple deflation buttons and feedback components for user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional pump mechanism is used to transfer fluid from the reservoir to the inflatable members, then the prosthesis can be inflated, but the time and energy required for inflation is relatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mechanism is segmented into multiple independent pump bulbs (first pump bulb and second pump bulb) that can operate simultaneously or independently. This segmentation allows parallel fluid transfer operations, doubling the potential inflation rate and reducing the time required to achieve desired rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the inflation and deflation control functions into a single integrated pump assembly with a bi-directional valve. This unified structure allows the system to switch between inflation and deflation modes without requiring separate mechanisms, improving operational efficiency and reducing the time needed to transition between states.
2Productivity
If a traditional pump mechanism is used to transfer fluid from the reservoir to the inflatable members, then the prosthesis can be inflated, but the energy required for inflation is relatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is divided into multiple pump bulbs that can be activated sequentially or in parallel. This segmentation allows the user to distribute the energy input across multiple smaller actions rather than requiring one large energy-intensive pumping action, making the overall process more energy-efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump mechanism utilizes periodic squeezing and releasing of the pump bulbs to create rhythmic fluid transfer. This periodic action leverages elastic recoil and pressure differentials created during each cycle, reducing the total energy required compared to continuous pumping.
3Productivity
If a complex fluid transfer mechanism is used, then the prosthesis can be inflated and deflated, but the disparity from normal human male erection occurrence is high
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is designed with multi-functionality, allowing the same device to perform both inflation and deflation operations. The bi-directional valve enables the pump to reverse fluid flow direction based on user intent, making the device adaptable to different operational modes without requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including movable valves and flexible pump bulbs that can adapt their configuration based on the operational phase. The bi-directional valve dynamically switches between allowing forward flow during inflation and reverse flow during deflation, making the system more responsive and easier to control.
4Productivity
If existing pump designs are used, then fluid can be transferred to inflatable members, but the risk of prolonged erections is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-directional valve provides multi-functionality by enabling both inflation and deflation through the same pump assembly. This allows the user to quickly switch from inflation to deflation mode if needed, providing better control over erection duration and reducing the risk of prolonged erections.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assembly incorporates feedback mechanisms including tactile feedback from the pump bulb compression and visual or tactile indicators of inflation status. This feedback allows the user to monitor the inflation process in real-time and make adjustments to prevent over-inflation or prolonged erection.
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 bi-directional valve pump assembly reduces the time and effort required for inflation and deflation, providing faster and more efficient control over penile prosthesis rigidity, while also simplifying the user interface and reducing the risk of prolonged erections.
Implementation Method 1
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
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
According to an aspect, an inflatable penile prosthesis (100) includes a fluid reservoir (102) configured to hold fluid, an inflatable member (104), and a pump assembly (106) configured to transfer the fluid between the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member. The pump assembly includes a valve body (110), a pump bulb (108), and a deflation mode actuator (112). The valve body includes a bi-directional valve (124) 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 (119) 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 (117) in the valve body to transfer fluid from the inflatable member to the fluid reservoir that bypasses the pump bulb.