Externally Controlled Piezoelectric Pump for Penile Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional penile implants with hand-operated pumps can be difficult for users with physiological limitations, such as absence of upper limbs or impaired dexterity, to operate effectively.
Innovation Solution
Replacing the hand-operated pump with an externally controlled piezoelectric pump that can be activated using a remote control, eliminating the need for manual squeezing and incorporating a non-implantable battery and removing fluid pressure sensors for increased safety and service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hand-operated pump is used in conventional penile implants, then the device can be operated manually to transfer fluid from the tank to the cylinders, but users with physiological limitations such as absence of upper limbs or impaired dexterity cannot operate it effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pump operation with an automatic piezoelectric pump system. The piezoelectric pump uses electrical signals to drive fluid transfer, eliminating the need for manual squeezing. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with an automated electromechanical system directly addresses the contradiction by making the device operable for users who cannot perform manual actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote control unit as an intermediary between the user and the pump system. The remote control transmits signals wirelessly to activate the piezoelectric pump, serving as a mediator that allows users with physical limitations to control the device without direct manual manipulation of the pump itself.
2Extent of automation
If an implanted battery is used to power the pump, then the device can operate automatically, but the risk of mechanical failure increases and service life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery from the implanted system and places it in an external remote control unit. This separation removes the source of potential mechanical failure (implanted battery) from the permanent implant, while maintaining automation through wireless signal transmission. The implanted system becomes passive and more reliable, while the external battery-powered remote provides automated control.
3Reliability
If fluid pressure sensors are implanted to monitor pressure, then the system can regulate pressure automatically, but the complexity of the implant increases and potential failure points are added
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes fluid pressure sensors from the implanted system entirely. Instead of implanting sensors to monitor and regulate pressure, the system relies on the mechanical properties of the pump and cylinder system itself to provide inherent pressure control, eliminating additional failure points and reducing implant complexity.
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 users with physical limitations to easily control their penile implants, reducing the risk of mechanical failure and extending the device's lifespan by using a piezoelectric pump with external power and eliminating the need for implanted batteries and sensors.
Implementation Method 1
an automatic pump module (6) having a controller (5) and a piezoelectric pump (6)
Implementation Method 2
the piezoelectric pump (6) transfers fluid from the tank (1) into the cylinders (2)
Data Source
AI summary
A medical human implant is proposed. The device is intended as an improvement over the existing implant systems used to treat erectile dysfunction, replacing a hand-operated pump. The device includes two piezoelectric pumps or a single piezoelectric pump with a reverse mode, an implant controller, and a receiver antenna of a wireless charger. The remotely operated implant controller is electrically coupled to the pump and is configured to actuate the pump to circulate fluid within the modifiable implant system. The wireless charger receiver provides powering of both the pump and controller, wherein energy is transferred from an external, non-implantable, source.