Erectile Dysfunction Device with Inflatable Constriction and Vibratory Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for erectile dysfunction are often cumbersome and inadequate in addressing severe cases, particularly in maintaining erections and addressing underlying hemodynamic dysfunction in penile tissue.
Innovation Solution
A device combining inflatable constriction rings and vibratory units to constrict blood flow and provide vibratory stimulus, using elastic, skin-compatible materials and an inflation system with adjustable pressure to manage venous outflow and arterial flow, suitable for use with or without vacuum devices or penile prostheses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional constriction devices are used to maintain erection, then venous outflow is constricted, but the devices are cumbersome and impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate functional components: a constriction ring for venous occlusion and a vibratory device for arterial stimulation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the constriction ring can be designed for comfort and ease of wear, while the vibratory device provides active stimulation without adding bulk to the constriction mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibratory device acts as an intermediary mechanism that indirectly supports erection maintenance by stimulating arterial blood flow, rather than relying solely on mechanical constriction. This intermediary approach addresses the underlying hemodynamic dysfunction while the constriction ring manages venous outflow.
2Reliability
If constriction devices are used to address severe erectile dysfunction, then venous outflow is controlled, but they don't adequately address underlying hemodynamic dysfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The combined device serves multiple functions: the constriction ring manages venous outflow while the vibratory component stimulates arterial blood flow. This multi-functionality allows the device to address both venous and arterial aspects of hemodynamic dysfunction, making it adaptable to various severity levels and types of erectile dysfunction.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibratory device introduces a new physical parameter (vibration frequency and amplitude) to the treatment approach, enabling arterial stimulation that complements the mechanical constriction. This parameter change allows the device to address hemodynamic dysfunction from multiple physiological angles.
3Reliability
If implanted penile prosthesis is used, then erection is achieved, but it interferes with physiology of functional erectile tissue and does not extend into the glans
Solution Approach 1:
The vibratory device stimulates the penis to achieve erection through natural physiological mechanisms (arterial dilation and blood flow), allowing the erectile tissue to serve its natural function rather than being replaced by a prosthesis. This self-service approach maintains the physiology of functional erectile tissue while achieving the desired erection.
4Productivity
If vibratory devices are used to induce erection, then arterial stimulation is provided, but the devices are cumbersome and impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The vibratory device is merged with or integrated into the constriction ring device, combining two previously separate functions into a single coordinated system. This merging eliminates the need for separate cumbersome devices while maintaining both arterial stimulation and venous constriction capabilities.
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 device effectively helps maintain erections by controlling blood flow and providing direct vibratory stimulation to the penis, enhancing erectile function and addressing issues of venous outflow and tissue engorgement, suitable for various severities of erectile dysfunction.
Implementation Method 1
providing vibratory stimulus to address erectile dysfunction
Implementation Method 2
constraining venous outflow from the penis
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for constricting blood flow and for providing vibratory stimulus to address erectile dysfunction includes a single vibration unit or multiple vibration units. One embodiment includes proximal and distal rings or bands configured to annularly surround a penis close to the base of the penis and proximal to the glans. In another embodiment, the annular rings or bands are connected by at least one intermediate bar, which houses vibratory units, and/or at least one splint which may be an inflatable splint. The intermediate bar is configured to partially cover a penis between the bands. The device is made of an elastic, skin-compatible, slippery/smooth material. The apparatus may include use of a vacuum tube, to induce an erection, and an inflatable constriction ring to maintain the erection induced.