Penile Prosthesis Pump Valve Assembly for Smooth Fluid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing penile prostheses with inflatable cylinders face issues with complex valve components that can cause the pump bulb to get stuck in a collapsed state or function improperly, leading to inefficiencies in fluid transfer.
Innovation Solution
A pump assembly for a penile prosthesis featuring a valve body with a movable valve element and a biasing member, allowing for seamless transitions between inflation and deflation positions, reducing the likelihood of the pump bulb getting stuck and optimizing fluid flow pathways for faster inflation and deflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex valve components are used in the pump assembly, then fluid transfer control is improved, but the pump bulb may get stuck in a collapsed state or function improperly
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into multiple members (first member, second member, third member) with distinct functions. The first member defines a cavity, the second member includes a projection that fits into the cavity, and the third member includes engagement surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve members are nested within the valve body in a compact arrangement. The first member's cavity receives the second member's projection, and the third member's surfaces engage with the first member. This nested configuration reduces overall complexity and prevents the pump bulb from getting stuck by ensuring proper spatial relationships between components.
2Reliability
If complex valve components are used in the pump assembly, then fluid transfer control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve members (first member, second member, third member) are combined within a single valve body to work together as an integrated fluid control system. The first member defines a cavity, the second member includes a projection that fits into the cavity, and the third member includes engagement surfaces. This merging approach achieves reliable fluid transfer control while maintaining a compact and manageable device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly serves multiple functions: the first member defines a cavity for fluid flow control, the second member's projection provides mechanical coupling and movement control, and the third member's engagement surfaces ensure proper positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable fluid transfer control.
3Productivity
If traditional valve design is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but fluid transfer efficiency and speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve members are designed to move dynamically between different positions to control fluid flow. The first member can move within its cavity, the second member's projection can engage and disengage, and the third member's surfaces can adjust positions. This dynamic design enables faster fluid transfer by allowing the valve to quickly transition between open and closed states, improving productivity while managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve members are designed with specific geometric parameters (cavity dimensions, projection shapes, engagement surface configurations) that optimize fluid flow characteristics. By carefully controlling these parameters, the valve can achieve rapid opening and closing actions, thereby increasing fluid transfer speed and productivity without excessively increasing device complexity.
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 enhances the functionality of the penile prosthesis by ensuring smooth fluid transfer, minimizing pressure drops, and reducing the force required for inflation, thereby improving the overall performance and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member configured to bias the movable valve element from the inflation position to the deflation position
Implementation Method 2
a pump assembly configured to transfer the fluid between the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, an inflatable penile prosthesis includes a fluid reservoir configured to hold fluid, an inflatable member, and a pump assembly configured to transfer the fluid between the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member. The pump assembly includes a pump bulb, a valve body, a valve disposed within the valve body, a first fluid port configured to be fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir, and a second fluid port configured to be fluidly coupled to the inflatable member. The valve is configured to move between an inflation position and a deflation position. The valve includes a first member and second member, the first member being configured to move with respect to the second member.