Penile Prosthesis Pump Valve Block for Smooth Fluid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing penile prostheses face issues with complex valve components that disrupt smooth fluid transfer between the fluid reservoir and inflatable members, affecting the operation of the prosthesis.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable penile prosthesis with a pump assembly featuring a valve assembly that includes a housing, a valve block, and movable members configured to switch between inflation and deflation positions, along with specific valves like refill, inflation, and anti-auto inflation valves, to control fluid flow efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex valve components are used to control fluid flow, then the prosthesis can achieve inflation and deflation functions, but the valve components disrupt the smooth transfer of fluid between the reservoir and inflatable members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the valve components from the main fluid pathway by positioning them in a valve block that is separate from the direct fluid transfer route. The valve block contains the valve elements within dedicated cavities, allowing fluid to bypass the valve mechanisms during transfer, thus eliminating disruption to smooth fluid flow while maintaining inflation and deflation control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a valve block as an intermediary structure that houses the valve components. This valve block acts as a mediator between the fluid reservoir and inflatable members, containing the valve elements within its cavities while providing dedicated fluid ports for controlled fluid transfer. The intermediary structure isolates the valve components from the main fluid pathway, preventing their complexity from disrupting fluid transfer smoothness.
2Ease of operation
If multiple valve components are arranged in a valve block, then fluid flow control is achieved, but the arrangement disrupts the smooth transfer of fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid transfer system into distinct functional zones: a valve block containing valve components for flow control, and separate fluid pathways for efficient fluid transfer. The valve block is divided into multiple cavities, each housing specific valve elements, while fluid ports provide dedicated pathways that bypass the valve mechanisms during active fluid transfer, maintaining efficiency while enabling precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the spatial conflict between valve components and fluid transfer by transitioning to a three-dimensional arrangement. The valve block uses vertical stacking of cavities and lateral positioning of fluid ports to create multiple dimensions for fluid flow. Fluid can transfer horizontally through dedicated ports while valve elements operate within vertical cavities, eliminating interference between control functions and transfer efficiency.
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 solution enhances the operational efficiency of the penile prosthesis by ensuring smooth and controlled fluid transfer, reducing complexity and improving the responsiveness of the inflation and deflation cycles.
Implementation Method 1
The pump mechanism transfers fluid between a fluid reservoir and the inflatable members to inflate and deflate the inflatable members
Implementation Method 2
The movable valve element which appears to be configured to move between an inflation position and a deflation position within a bore of the valve body. The movable valve element in the inflation position appears to define a fluid passageway through the bore to transfer fluid from the pump bulb to the second fluid port
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An inflatable penile prosthesis (100) includes a fluid reservoir (102) configured to hold fluid, an inflatable member (104), and a pump assembly (106) configured to transfer fluid between the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member. The pump assembly includes a pump bulb (108), a valve assembly comprising a housing and valve block (110), a plurality of valves disposed within the valve block, a first fluid port (114) in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, and a second fluid port (115) in fluid communication with the inflatable member. The plurality of valves includes a control valve (420) configured to move between an inflation position and a deflation position to control the flow of fluid within the valve block and the transfer of fluid between the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member. The control valve comprises a first movable member (422) received in the fluid passageway and a second movable member (430) coupled to the housing and engaged with the first movable member.