Penile Prosthesis Pump Assembly With Segmented Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing penile prostheses with inflatable cylinders face issues with complex valve components that can cause the pump bulb to get stuck in a collapsed state or function improperly, leading to inefficiencies in fluid transfer.
Innovation Solution
A pump assembly for a penile prosthesis featuring a valve body with a movable valve element and a biasing member, allowing for seamless transitions between inflation and deflation positions without requiring prolonged pressing, and including a refill valve to optimize fluid flow and reduce pressure drop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex valve components are used in the pump mechanism, then fluid transfer control is improved, but the pump bulb may get stuck in a collapsed state or function improperly
Solution Approach 1:
The valve component is divided into two separate members: a first valve member and a second valve member. Each member independently controls fluid flow in opposite directions, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliable fluid transfer control. The first valve member handles inflow to the reservoir, while the second valve member handles outflow from the reservoir, eliminating the complexity of a single complex valve mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member is extracted as a separate component from the valve members and positioned within the pump bulb. This external biasing mechanism provides the necessary restoring force to prevent the pump bulb from collapsing without being integrated into the valve structure itself, thereby simplifying the valve components while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If complex valve components are used in the pump mechanism, then fluid transfer control is improved, but operation becomes more difficult and may require prolonged pressing
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the valve into two simple members with distinct functions (inflow control and outflow control), each member can be operated with minimal force. The first valve member opens for inflow when the bulb is pressed, and the second valve member opens for outflow when the bulb is released, enabling easy operation without prolonged pressing.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member provides automatic restoring force that opens the second valve member when the pump bulb is released, enabling the deflation cycle to occur automatically without requiring the user to maintain pressure or perform additional actions. This self-service mechanism simplifies operation while maintaining reliable fluid transfer control.
3Productivity
If the pump bulb collapses during operation, then fluid transfer efficiency decreases, but simpler valve designs may not prevent collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member is extracted and positioned within the pump bulb to provide internal support pressure that prevents collapse during operation. This separate biasing mechanism maintains bulb integrity without adding complexity to the valve structure, ensuring high fluid transfer efficiency while keeping the valve design simple with only two members.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member provides localized support pressure specifically where needed in the pump bulb to prevent collapse during the deflation cycle. This targeted local quality enhancement maintains fluid transfer efficiency without requiring a complex overall valve structure.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, an inflatable penile prosthesis includes a fluid reservoir configured to hold fluid, an inflatable member, and a pump assembly configured to transfer the fluid between the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member. The pump assembly includes a pump bulb, a valve body, a valve disposed within the valve body, a first fluid port configured to be fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir, and a second fluid port configured to be fluidly coupled to the inflatable member. The valve is configured to move between an inflation position and a deflation position. The valve includes a first member and second member, the first member being configured to move with respect to the second member.