Penile Prosthesis Valve Channels for Low-Noise Fluid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing penile prostheses with inflatable cylinders experience noise and vibration due to oscillation of the pump mechanism, which can be annoying and non-discrete for patients.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a valve assembly with specific geometries and biasing members to minimize oscillation, featuring entry and exit portions with varying diameters and channel portions to stabilize fluid flow, reducing noise and vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fluid pathways are optimized for maximum efficiency, then fluid transfer speed is improved, but oscillation noise and vibration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the fluid pathway by replacing straight channels with curved or spiral configurations. This curved geometry dissipates fluid momentum and reduces oscillation while maintaining efficient fluid transfer, thereby resolving the contradiction between productivity and harmful vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary damping element or compliant section in the fluid pathway that absorbs oscillation energy. This intermediary component allows efficient fluid transfer while isolating and reducing the transmission of vibration and noise, thus resolving the technical contradiction.
2Productivity
If pump mechanism operates with high efficiency, then fluid transfer rate is improved, but noise and vibration become more pronounced
Solution Approach 1:
Curved fluid pathways in the pump mechanism reduce turbulent flow and oscillation during high-rate fluid transfer, thereby maintaining productivity while minimizing noise and vibration harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies physical parameters of the fluid pathway such as diameter variations, curvature radius, and wall thickness to optimize fluid flow characteristics. These parameter changes enable high fluid transfer rates while controlling oscillation and reducing noise generation.
3Ease of manufacture
If valve geometry is simplified for manufacturing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but fluid flow stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve geometry is divided into standardized segments or modular components that can be manufactured using conventional processes. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity while the assembled configuration provides stable fluid flow characteristics through optimized geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
Specific geometric parameters of the valve such as angle, radius, and cross-sectional area are optimized within manufacturing tolerances to achieve stable fluid flow. These parameter adjustments balance ease of manufacture with flow stability requirements.
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 effectively reduces noise and vibration during fluid transfer, providing a more discrete and comfortable experience for patients.
Implementation Method 1
a valve member disposed inside the chamber, the valve member being biased to rest against the entry portion
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable penile prosthesis can include, a reservoir, an inflatable member and a pump assembly. The pump assembly can include at least one valve comprising an entry portion, a middle portion, an exit portion, and exit tube interface, and a valve member. The exit portion can include a first landing portion including an interior portion, the interior portion of the first landing portion being semicircular about a longitudinal exit axis, the longitudinal exit axis extending through a center of the exit portion parallel to a direction that an exit tube interface extends from the exit portion, and a first channel portion adjacent to the first landing portion and including an interior portion, the interior portion of the first channel portion being farther from the longitudinal exit axis than the interior portion of the first landing portion.


