Penile Tumescence Device Axial Radial Monitoring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current measurement techniques for penile tumescence and rigidity, such as the Rigiscan, are invasive, impractical, and only provide intermittent data, failing to capture continuous axial and radial rigidity measurements, which limits their effectiveness in diagnosing erectile dysfunction.

Innovation Solution

A device with axial and radial monitoring means using sensors with different elasticity to measure penile rigidity and tumescence continuously, comprising strain gauge or extensometer sensors applied in the axial and radial directions, allowing for real-time data collection and analysis of physiological parameters like hardness and diameter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If prior art measurement techniques (Rigiscan) are used, then measurement function is provided, but the device is invasive and impractical

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser-friendlinessVSAvoidinvasiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces invasive mechanical measurement systems with non-invasive optical sensing technology. Optical sensors detect penile rigidity and tumescence through light interaction with tissue, eliminating the need for invasive mechanical probes while maintaining measurement capability. This substitution directly resolves the contradiction by removing invasiveness while preserving the core measurement function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If prior art measurement techniques are used, then intermittent data is obtained, but continuous monitoring is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata completenessVSAvoidmeasurement continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous monitoring through multiple optical sensors that continuously track penile rigidity and tumescence parameters throughout the nocturnal period. The system captures real-time data across the entire duration of sleep cycles, providing uninterrupted measurement coverage rather than intermittent snapshots. This ensures complete data capture for accurate NPT assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If single-direction sensors are used, then simple measurement is achieved, but comprehensive rigidity assessment is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverigidity assessment accuracyVSAvoidsensor configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs sensors arranged in multiple spatial dimensions (axial and radial directions) to capture comprehensive rigidity characteristics. By measuring rigidity along different anatomical axes simultaneously, the system obtains a complete three-dimensional understanding of penile rigidity, significantly improving measurement precision while the modular sensor design keeps device complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Loss of information

If measurement device covers full penile length, then comprehensive data is obtained, but device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the measurement device into multiple modular sensor segments distributed along the penile length. Each segment contains optimized sensing elements that independently contribute to the overall measurement. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of the entire penile structure while keeping each individual module compact and manageable, avoiding a single large complex device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables continuous, user-friendly monitoring of penile rigidity and tumescence, providing comprehensive data on the full length of the penis, improving diagnostic accuracy and patient experience by overcoming the limitations of existing devices.

Implementation Method 1

the axial monitoring means each comprise at least two sensors with a different elasticity to each other... said sensors are strain gauge sensors or extensometer sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStrain gauge: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 2

the axial monitoring means each comprise at least two sensors with a different elasticity to each other... allowing for real-time data collection and analysis of physiological parameters like hardness and diameter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4017433B1Penile tumescence measuring device
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 UNIV HASSELT
  • EP4017433B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1B
  • EP4017433B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~2
  • EP4017433B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a device for measurement of the rigidity and/or tumescence of a penis during a penile tumescent event. In particular, the device of the present invention comprises axial and/or radial monitoring means for monitoring the axial and/or radial tumescence and/or rigidity of a penis during a penile tumescent event. The present invention further also provides methods for monitoring the axial and/or radial tumescence and rigidity of a penis.