Cloverleaf Implantable Fluid Chamber Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable penile prostheses face challenges with reservoirs and cylinders that require larger fluid volumes without increased outer dimensions, and are difficult to collapse and fold for surgical implantation, leading to inefficiencies in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of implantable fluid devices with a flexible fluid chamber featuring a 'cloverleaf' profile that expands to increase surface area when inflated, allowing for a larger fluid volume without increased dimensions, and a manufacturing process using mandrels or molds to create these devices from semi-liquid materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If known reservoirs and cylinders are constructed with larger fluid volume, then the fluid storage capacity increases, but the outer dimensions and surgical implantation difficulty increase proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir and cylinder are designed with a multi-lobed or cloverleaf cross-sectional geometry instead of a simple circular or oval shape. This dimensional change in the cross-section allows the device to occupy more three-dimensional space within the same external envelope, thereby increasing fluid volume without increasing the maximum outer dimensions that constrain surgical implantation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device features a collapsed or folded configuration during implantation that nests the lobes or segments together, creating a compact profile for surgical insertion. Once implanted and inflated, the lobes expand outward to utilize available space, effectively nesting the high-volume capacity within a low-profile implantation footprint.
2Quantity of substance
If known reservoirs and cylinders are constructed with larger fluid volume, then the fluid storage capacity increases, but the manipulation and folding difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir and cylinder walls are designed with predetermined fold lines, creases, or segmented lobes that divide the structure into manageable sections. These segments can be independently manipulated during surgery, allowing the device to be collapsed into a compact form for implantation while maintaining the capacity for large fluid volume when expanded.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static, rigid structure to a dynamic, adaptable form that changes configuration based on operational state. During implantation, the device is in a collapsed or folded dynamic state for ease of manipulation. After implantation, it transitions to an expanded static state that provides the desired large fluid volume capacity.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard geometric shapes are used for reservoirs, then manufacturing is simplified, but the surface area and fluid volume are limited for given dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs an asymmetric or non-standard geometric cross-section (such as multi-lobed, cloverleaf, or irregular polygonal shapes) instead of symmetric circles or ovals. This asymmetric geometry increases the perimeter and surface area for a given maximum dimension, allowing greater fluid volume capacity while remaining manufacturable through molding or forming processes that can accommodate complex but repeatable geometries.
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
These devices enable easier surgical implantation with a minimal deflated profile and maximum expansion when inflated, reducing the 'dog ear' effect and facilitating faster, more efficient surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the scrotal pump is typically manipulated by the patient in an instructed way to cause fluid transfer from the reservoir, via the valve, to the cylinder such that inflation of the cylinder is effected thereby resulting in an erection as desired
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
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Figure 6~6a
AI summary
An implantable fluid device comprises a flexible fluid chamber capable of being in an inflated state and a deflated state. The chamber has a first end, a second end, and a central longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end. The chamber also has, in cross section when deflated, a plurality of alternating protrusions and intermediate portions about the central longitudinal axis. When deflated, the protrusions have a selected height and the intermediate portions have a selected depth. When inflated, the protrusions have the selected height and the intermediate portions have a selected height.