Magnetic Induction Penile Prosthesis Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current penile prostheses using shape memory alloys face challenges in efficient and discreet heat induction, with existing methods being impractical, unsafe, and leading to uneven heating, which can cause tissue burns and mechanical failures.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic induction apparatus that generates an alternating magnetic field using a coil connected to a power source, inducing eddy currents and heat in the penile prosthesis to change its state from flaccid to erect, featuring a sheath or wand design with thermal and electrical insulation, and potentially including conductive materials for improved heat distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If external heat sources (warm water, hot pads) are used to heat the penile prosthesis, then the shape memory alloy can transition from martensitic to austenitic state, but the heating is uneven and causes tissue burns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic induction apparatus as an intermediary device that generates heat within the penile prosthesis itself through electromagnetic induction, rather than applying external heat sources. The apparatus includes a coil that creates an alternating magnetic field, inducing eddy currents in the conductive shape memory alloy, which generates heat internally and evenly throughout the prosthesis structure, avoiding tissue burns while achieving the required temperature for phase transition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal external heating system (hot pads, warm water) with an electromagnetic induction system. The magnetic induction apparatus uses electromagnetic fields to directly induce heating within the prosthesis material, substituting the external thermal conduction method with an internal electromagnetic heating mechanism that provides more controlled and uniform heat distribution
2Temperature
If the penile prosthesis is made visible or accessible for heat application, then heat can be transferred to activate the shape memory alloy, but it compromises discretion and romantic atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic induction apparatus serves as an intermediary that enables heat generation without direct contact or visible application of heat sources. The device is placed over the penis and activates the prosthesis through electromagnetic induction, keeping the heating process hidden and maintaining discretion while achieving the desired temperature increase for phase transition
3Temperature
If conventional heat transfer methods are used, then the penile prosthesis can be activated, but the heating is slow and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow external heat transfer methods with rapid electromagnetic induction heating. The alternating magnetic field induces eddy currents that generate heat directly within the prosthesis material, providing fast and efficient heating that achieves the required temperature for phase transition much quicker than external conduction methods
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic induction apparatus uses periodic alternating current through the coil to generate an alternating magnetic field, which continuously induces eddy currents in the prosthesis. This periodic electromagnetic action ensures rapid and uniform heat generation throughout the shape memory alloy, achieving quick activation
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 magnetic induction apparatus provides a quick, discrete, and efficient method to activate the penile prosthesis, ensuring even heating and reducing the risk of tissue damage, with the ability to generate sufficient force for an erect state without direct contact, thus overcoming the limitations of existing heat transfer methods.
Implementation Method 1
The current in the coil produces an alternating magnetic field which induces eddy currents and generates heat in the penile prosthesis
Implementation Method 2
The current in the coil produces an alternating magnetic field which induces eddy currents and generates heat in the penile prosthesis
Implementation Method 3
The current in the coil produces an alternating magnetic field which induces eddy currents and generates heat in the penile prosthesis
Implementation Method 4
A useful memory alloy would be a Nitinol-Titanium (or Ni-Ti or referred to as Nitinol) alloy that undergoes a transition from a more malleable martensitic state to a more rigid austenitic state with application of heat
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for magnetic induction of a penile prosthesis are disclosed. The magnetic induction system includes a wand that has a coil arrangement covered with a thermal and electrical insulator sheath operable to generate an alternating magnetic field. The coil arrangement of the sheath is configured to receive the length of the penile prosthesis therein. The penile prosthesis may be made from a shape memory material such that application of alternating magnetic fields generated by the magnetic induction system induces eddy currents that raise the temperature of the penile prosthesis to a temperature above the austenitic transformation temperature that allows the penile prosthesis to achieve an erect state.