Penile Prosthesis Pump Grooved Valve Stem
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users with limited hand strength or dexterity face difficulty in overcoming the 'crack force' required to operate existing inflatable penile prosthesis pumps, leading to the impression that the pump is malfunctioning.
Innovation Solution
A deflate valve assembly with a longitudinally movable stem and a groove that aligns with both inlet and exhaust flow paths, eliminating the need to overcome a crack force by allowing smooth deflation without disengaging from a narrower valve seat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the valve stem is retained in a narrower valve seat to ensure proper sealing and valve function, then the reliability of the pump is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to excessive crack force required to disengage the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a radial retention mechanism (narrow valve seat gripping the valve stem radially) to a longitudinal groove alignment mechanism. The groove in the valve stem body allows the stem to move longitudinally within the valve seat without requiring radial disengagement, thereby eliminating crack force while maintaining sealing reliability through the longitudinal movement path.
2Reliability
If the valve stem is held securely in the valve seat to prevent leakage, then the pump reliability is improved, but the force required to operate the valve increases making it difficult for users with limited hand strength
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a longitudinal groove dimension that allows the valve stem to move axially within the valve seat rather than requiring radial force to overcome retention. This dimensional change enables the valve to be operated with minimal force while maintaining the sealing function through the groove's alignment with flow paths.
3Reliability
If the valve stem is retained tightly in the valve seat to ensure proper valve function, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to the pop sound and crack force indicating difficult valve disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a longitudinal groove in the valve stem body that provides an axial movement path within the valve seat. This allows the valve stem to be disengaged and re-engaged smoothly without the radial popping motion, eliminating the audible crack force indicator and providing silent, smooth operation that is easy for all users to perform.
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 limited hand strength to deflate the penile prosthesis quickly and efficiently, ensuring the pump operates correctly without the need for excessive force, enhancing user experience and reducing the perception of malfunction.
Implementation Method 1
The stem is biased between a first position and a second position by a spring
Data Source
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AI summary
A pump for an implantable penile prosthesis has a pump body attachable between a penile implant and a reservoir containing a liquid. A deflate valve assembly is placed within the pump body and has a sleeve sealed inside of the pump body and a stem that is movable longitudinally within the sleeve. A groove is formed in an exterior surface of the stem. The stem is longitudinally movable within the sleeve to align the groove with both an inlet flow path and an exhaust flow path to form a deflation flow path between the penile implant and the reservoir.