Penile Prosthesis Central Region Design for Reduced Springback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable penile prostheses face challenges in maintaining a concealed position due to springback, which requires users to repeatedly bend the device to achieve and maintain a desired shape, affecting concealability and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic device with a central region of reduced diameter and annular groove regions, combined with discs, that minimizes material compression and stretching, allowing for easier bending and reduced springback, along with a flexible sheath for enhanced concealability and customizable fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the prosthesis is made with uniform diameter throughout, then structural strength is maintained, but springback occurs requiring repeated bending to achieve desired position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a central region with reduced diameter specifically in the area where bending is needed, while maintaining larger diameter at proximal and distal ends for structural strength. This localized structural modification allows the central region to be more compliant and resistant to springback, enabling the prosthesis to maintain its bent concealed position without requiring repeated bending adjustments.
2Ease of operation
If the central region diameter is reduced, then bending ease and springback reduction are achieved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by reducing the diameter only in the central region where bending is required, while maintaining the full diameter at the proximal and distal ends. This localized modification provides bending ease and springback resistance in the central region without compromising the overall structural integrity of the prosthesis, as the stronger end regions remain intact to provide anchoring and support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the prosthesis into distinct regions with different diameters - a central region with reduced diameter for bending compliance, and proximal/distal regions with larger diameter for structural strength. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally while contributing to the overall performance of the device.
3Shape
If repeated bending is performed to achieve concealed position, then desired shape is achieved, but user convenience and time are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the prosthesis with a central region of reduced diameter during manufacturing, which is specifically designed to minimize springback and facilitate bending. This preliminary structural preparation allows the prosthesis to be bent into the concealed position more easily and to maintain that position without requiring repeated bending adjustments, thereby reducing the time and effort required by the user.
4Area of moving object
If the prosthesis maintains large girth characteristics, then anatomical fit is improved, but bending compliance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a central region with reduced diameter specifically in the area where bending compliance is needed, while maintaining large girth characteristics at the proximal and distal ends. This localized structural modification allows the prosthesis to maintain its anatomical fit and large girth appearance where needed, while the central region provides the necessary bending compliance for concealability.
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 design achieves reduced springback and maintains large girth characteristics, enabling the prosthetic to remain in a bent position without the need for repeated bending, improving concealability and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The column comprises resilient material. The central region has a reduced diameter relative to the proximal and distal ends. The design achieves reduced springback and maintains large girth characteristics, enabling the prosthetic to remain in a bent position without the need for repeated bending.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic device including a column of resilient material that has a central region between the proximal and distal ends. The central region has a reduced diameter relative to the proximal and distal ends. Discs protrude from the central region.