Penile Prosthesis Deflation Block Rear Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing penile prostheses for erectile dysfunction often cause patient discomfort due to the positioning of the deflation block at the front tip, which can lead to inefficient fluid flow and discomfort during deflation.
Innovation Solution
The penile prosthesis features a deflation block positioned between the inflatable volume and the reservoir, equipped with one-way valves that control fluid flow, allowing for efficient inflation and deflation by directing fluid through a forked fluid connector, enabling easy operation and reduced discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the deflation block is positioned at the front tip of the inflatable cylinder, then the structure is simplified, but patient discomfort occurs during deflation and fluid flow efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional positioning of the deflation block by moving it from the front tip to the rear tip of the inflatable cylinder. This inversion resolves the contradiction by eliminating patient discomfort during deflation while maintaining structural simplicity through the relocated one-way valve mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a deflation block as an intermediary component positioned at the rear tip, which mediates the fluid flow control during deflation. This intermediary structure enables efficient fluid return to the reservoir while preventing patient discomfort, resolving the contradiction between operational comfort and structural design.
2Ease of manufacture
If the deflation block is positioned at the front tip, then installation is easier, but fluid flow efficiency during deflation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional positioning approach by placing the deflation block at the rear tip rather than the front tip. This inversion maintains installation simplicity while dramatically improving fluid flow efficiency during deflation, as the rear-positioned block allows more effective fluid return to the reservoir.
3Ease of operation
If the deflation block is positioned at the rear tip between the inflatable volume and reservoir, then patient comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a deflation block as an intermediary component at the rear tip that integrates multiple functions: controlling fluid flow, preventing backflow, and enabling comfortable deflation. This single intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by achieving patient comfort without requiring multiple separate components.
4Productivity
If the deflation block is positioned at the rear tip with one-way valves, then fluid flow control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a deflation block as an intermediary component that incorporates one-way valves to control fluid flow. This single integrated component achieves efficient fluid flow control while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity, as the one-way valve mechanism is a standard component that can be reliably manufactured and assembled.
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
This configuration enhances patient comfort by eliminating discomfort during deflation and ensures efficient operation by maintaining the deflation block at the rear, allowing for easy manual pressure adjustment to open the valve for fluid flow, thus effectively managing the penile prosthesis' inflation and deflation states.
Implementation Method 1
The deflation block includes a one-way valve configured to control a flow of fluid from the inflatable volume to the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
The pump is configured to drive fluid from the reservoir and into the inflatable volume
Data Source
AI summary
A penile prosthesis includes an inflatable cylinder, a fluid connector and a pump. The inflatable cylinder includes an inflatable volume extending within a front tip, and a reservoir within a rear tip. The fluid connector includes a first end, and a second end that is forked into an inflation branch, which is fluidically coupled to the inflation volume, and a reservoir branch, which is fluidically coupled to the reservoir. The pump is attached to the first end and is configured to drive fluid from the reservoir through the reservoir branch and the inflation branch, and into the inflatable volume.