Penile Prosthesis Pressure Amplifier Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Some patients with erectile dysfunction lack the necessary dexterity and/or strength to apply sufficient pressure to manual pumps of inflatable penile prostheses, making it difficult to achieve full erection.
Innovation Solution
A pressure amplifier is integrated with the manual pump, featuring sub-amplifiers with chambers and piston assemblies that amplify the fluid pressure, allowing for easier and more efficient inflation of penile prosthesis cylinders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual pump is used to inflate the penile prosthesis cylinders, then the device can be operated without external power sources, but patients lacking dexterity or strength cannot apply sufficient pressure to achieve full erection
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure amplifier is introduced as an intermediary device between the manual pump and the inflatable cylinders. The amplifier includes a first chamber receiving fluid from the pump and a second chamber delivering fluid to the cylinders, with a piston assembly that mechanically amplifies the input pressure to generate higher output pressure, enabling patients with limited hand strength to achieve full erection
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure amplifier changes the pressure parameter of the fluid by using a piston assembly with different surface areas in the first and second chambers. When fluid enters the first chamber, it moves the piston assembly, which then delivers fluid to the second chamber at a higher pressure, thus transforming the pressure level to overcome the limitation of manual pump pressure
2Ease of operation
If a pressure amplifier is added to amplify pump pressure, then patients with limited strength can achieve full erection, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure amplifier is merged with the existing manual pump and reservoir system into an integrated inflation apparatus. The amplifier's first chamber is fluidically coupled to the reservoir through the pump, and the second chamber is coupled to the cylinders, combining multiple functions (fluid storage, pumping, pressure amplification) into a single cohesive device that can be implanted together as one system
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure amplifier operates automatically based on fluid pressure differential without requiring external control mechanisms. When the patient activates the manual pump, fluid flows into the first chamber, automatically moving the piston assembly and delivering amplified pressure to the second chamber and cylinders, making the system self-regulating and reducing the need for additional controls or power sources
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 pressure amplifier reduces the force required to fully inflate the cylinders, enabling users with dexterity or strength issues to achieve and maintain a fully erect condition, improving the usability of inflatable penile prostheses.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure amplifier includes a first sub-amplifier having a first chamber and a piston assembly contained in the first chamber. The first chamber includes an input port that is fluidically coupled to the manual pump, and an output port that is fluidically coupled to the interior chamber of the inflatable cylinder. Actuation of the manual pump drives movement of the piston assembly along the central axis, which drives fluid into the interior chamber of the inflatable cylinder.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable penile prosthesis inflation apparatus includes a manual pump, and a pressure amplifier. The pressure amplifier includes a first sub-amplifier having a first chamber and a piston assembly contained in the first chamber. The first chamber includes an input port that is fluidically coupled to the manual pump, and an output port. The piston assembly is configured to move along a central axis.