Electronic Pump Assembly for Inflatable Penile Prosthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing penile prostheses for erectile dysfunction require manual pumping, which can be challenging for some patients, necessitating an automated and efficient fluid transfer mechanism for easier operation.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable penile prosthesis with an electronic pump assembly that includes a fluid reservoir, an inflatable member, and a controller-driven pump and valve system, allowing wireless control for inflation and deflation, featuring electromagnetic or piezoelectric pumps and pressure sensors for efficient fluid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual pump mechanism is used for fluid transfer, then the device structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the challenging manual pumping procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pumping system with an electronic pump assembly that includes electromagnetic or piezoelectric pumps, controllers, and pressure sensors. This substitution eliminates the need for manual squeezing operations while providing automated fluid transfer between the reservoir and inflatable members, thereby improving ease of operation without compromising structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic pump assembly incorporates pressure sensors that automatically detect fluid pressure levels and controllers that autonomously regulate pump operation based on these readings. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for user judgment or manual adjustment, allowing the device to manage its own fluid dynamics and further enhancing ease of operation
2Productivity
If an electronic pump assembly with multiple components is implemented, then the productivity of fluid transfer is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the electromagnetic or piezoelectric pumps, active valves, pressure sensors, and controllers into a unified electronic pump assembly that works as a coordinated system. This merging of components enables efficient automated fluid transfer between the reservoir and inflatable members, significantly improving productivity while managing complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic pump assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: the pumps transfer fluid, the active valves control fluid direction, the pressure sensors monitor system pressure, and the controllers coordinate all operations. This multi-functionality allows a single integrated assembly to handle the complete fluid management task, improving productivity without requiring separate systems for each function
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 electronic pump assembly automates fluid transfer, reducing user effort and improving the efficiency of inflation and deflation operations, providing a more convenient and reliable solution for patients with erectile dysfunction.
Implementation Method 1
The pump may include an electromagnetic pump
Implementation Method 2
The pump may include a piezoelectric pump
Implementation Method 3
The electronic pump assembly may include a pressure sensor
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, an inflatable penile prosthesis includes a fluid reservoir configured to hold fluid, an inflatable member, and an electronic pump assembly configured to transfer the fluid between the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member. The electronic pump assembly includes a pump, an active valve disposed in parallel with the pump, and a controller configured to control the pump and the active valve.