Dual Pump Bulb Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Inflation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing penile prostheses require significant force and multiple squeezes to inflate due to their pump mechanisms, which can be cumbersome for users.
Innovation Solution
A dual-pump bulb system with a valve housing that allows fluid transfer from the inflatable member to the pump bulbs upon deformation, enabling inflation with a single squeeze of each bulb and efficient deflation by unseating the valve when compressed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pump bulb is used in existing penile prostheses, then the device structure is simpler, but the inflation process requires many sequential squeezes and relatively large force
Solution Approach 1:
The single pump bulb is divided into multiple pump bulbs (first pump bulb and second pump bulb), each capable of independently transferring fluid to the inflatable member. This segmentation allows the inflation process to be distributed across multiple parallel actions rather than requiring many sequential squeezes of a single bulb, thereby reducing the total number of operations needed while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Device complexity
If a single pump bulb is used in existing penile prostheses, then the device structure is simpler, but the inflation process requires relatively large force
Solution Approach 1:
The pump function is segmented across multiple pump bulbs, distributing the total fluid transfer requirement. Each pump bulb handles a portion of the total fluid volume needed for inflation, thereby reducing the force required per squeeze compared to transferring the entire volume through a single bulb.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pump bulbs are combined in parallel within the same pump housing, working together to achieve the total inflation volume. The merging of multiple pumping actions into a single coordinated system allows for reduced individual effort while maintaining the overall pumping capability.
3Device complexity
If a single pump bulb is used in existing penile prostheses, then the device structure is simpler, but the inflation process requires many sequential squeezes
Solution Approach 1:
The pump bulb is segmented into multiple independent units that can operate in parallel. This allows fluid transfer to occur through multiple simultaneous or rapidly sequential actions, significantly reducing the total time required for inflation compared to many sequential squeezes of a single bulb.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple pump bulbs enable a more efficient periodic action pattern where each bulb can be squeezed in a coordinated sequence, creating a faster rhythm of fluid transfer that reduces overall inflation time while maintaining mechanical 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
Reduces the force required for inflation and simplifies the process by allowing inflation with a single squeeze of each pump bulb and efficient deflation, improving user experience and device performance.
Implementation Method 1
The pump assembly is configured to facilitate a transfer of fluid from the first cavity to the inflatable member in response to the first pump bulb being activated
Implementation Method 2
the valve housing is configured to be deformed to allow fluid to move from the inflatable member to the first cavity
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, an implant includes an inflatable member and a pump assembly. The pump assembly has a first pump bulb defining a first cavity, a second pump bulb defining a second cavity, a valve, and a valve housing. The pump assembly is configured to facilitate a transfer of fluid from the first cavity to the inflatable member in response to the first pump bulb being activated. The pump assembly is configured to facilitate a transfer of fluid from the second cavity to the inflatable member in response to the second pump bulb being activated.