Shape Memory Alloy Penile Prosthesis for Tissue Erosion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current penile prostheses for erectile dysfunction either have mechanical failures or exert excessive force on surrounding tissues, lacking a solution that is both physiologically appearing and discrete.
Innovation Solution
A penile prosthesis made from nickel-titanium alloys with shape-memory properties that expands radially in response to temperature changes, maintaining a cylindrical shape and allowing for a natural-looking erection without the need for external pumps or reservoirs, utilizing copper or chromium doping to adjust temperature response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If an inflatable prosthesis is used to simulate a natural erection, then the appearance is more physiologic and risk of erosion is reduced, but the device complexity increases and mechanical failure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pump and reservoir components from the traditional inflatable prosthesis system, leaving only the cylindrical elements implanted in the corpora cavernosa. The shape-memory alloy material inherently provides the expansion capability without requiring external pumping mechanisms, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining physiologic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape-memory alloy cylinders automatically expand and contract in response to temperature changes from the surrounding environment, eliminating the need for manual operation of pumps or reservoirs. The material self-regulates its shape based on thermal conditions, providing autonomous functionality.
2Reliability
If a semi-rigid prosthesis is used to ensure penetration capability, then the device is simple and reliable, but it appears constantly erect and exerts excessive force on surrounding tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis transitions from a static semi-rigid state to a dynamic system that automatically changes shape based on temperature. The shape-memory alloy allows the device to be rigid when warm (erect state) and flexible when cool (flaccid state), providing both penetration capability and natural appearance throughout different conditions.
3Reliability
If a semi-rigid prosthesis is used to ensure penetration capability, then the device is simple and reliable, but the risk for tissue erosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the prosthesis material by using shape-memory alloy that responds to temperature variations. This allows the device to adjust its rigidity and applied force dynamically, reducing excessive pressure on surrounding tissues when in the cool, flexible state while maintaining structural integrity when needed.
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 prosthesis provides a reliable, physiologically appearing solution for erectile dysfunction by expanding at body temperature to simulate an erection and returning to a flaccid state when cooled, reducing mechanical stress on tissues and improving durability.
Implementation Method 1
the prosthesis has a dimension that enlarges in response to an increase in temperature around said prosthesis
Implementation Method 2
the device widens radially while maintaining a substantially cylindrical shape at or above a transition temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A penile prosthesis is disclosed that can alternate between an erect and flaccid state based on the shape memory properties of an exoskeleton that is responsive to increases and decreases in temperature. The exoskeleton consists of a shape memory alloy, such as nitinol, which in the erect configuration can radially expand and resist axial loads and buckling forces during coitus. The shape memory alloy is temperature-tuned to undergo a change to an erect state under external application of heat and can revert to a flaccid state with cooling below resting penile temperature.