Penile Prosthetic Deflation Assembly Accessibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing penile prosthetic devices face challenges in user accessibility and identification of the deflation mechanism, particularly for patients with limited dexterity or those with obese or anatomically varied body types, as the deflation assembly is often incorporated with the pump or reservoir, making it difficult to locate and operate.
Innovation Solution
A penile prosthetic design featuring a separate deflation assembly with a prominently identifiable activation surface, including an outer peripheral rim that defines a maxima, allowing easy palpation through skin and tissue layers, and is implanted between the transversalis fascia and the pelvis exterior surface, decoupling it from the pump and reservoir for customized anatomy and improved usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the deflation assembly is incorporated with the pump or reservoir, then the device structure is more compact, but the deflation mechanism becomes difficult to locate and operate for users with limited dexterity or anatomical variations
Solution Approach 1:
The deflation assembly is separated from the pump and reservoir into an independent component. This segmentation allows the deflation mechanism to be positioned in an anatomically accessible location while maintaining functional integration through fluid communication pathways, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate deflation assembly acts as an intermediary component between the user and the fluid system. This intermediary provides a dedicated, easily accessible interface for deflation operations while maintaining connection to the fluid reservoir and cylinder system through flexible conduits, enabling independent optimization of accessibility and structural integration.
2Ease of operation
If the activation surface is not prominently identifiable, then the device structure is simpler, but users with limited dexterity or anatomical challenges cannot easily locate and operate the deflation mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The activation surface incorporates contrasting visual characteristics (described as a 'maxima' with an outer peripheral rim) that create a detectable visual and tactile contrast against surrounding tissue. This allows users to easily locate and identify the activation surface through sight and touch without adding complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation surface features a localized structural variation with an outer peripheral rim that creates a distinct tactile and visual signature. This local quality enhancement at the critical interaction point provides easy identifiability without requiring complex modifications to the overall device structure.
3Ease of operation
If the deflation assembly is implanted deeper in the body, then it is less visible and accessible, but it provides better anatomical integration; however, this makes it difficult for users to locate and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The deflation assembly is positioned in a different anatomical dimension or plane compared to traditional integrated designs. By placing it in the scrotal region rather than incorporating it into the penile or abdominal structures, the design achieves both accessibility (easy user contact) and anatomical integration (stable positioning within the body's natural contours).
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical method of treating erectile dysfunction includes implanting a penile prosthetic in a patient. The penile prosthetic includes an inflatable portion implantable into a penis that is attachable to a liquid reservoir, a pump, and a deflation assembly. The method includes implanting the deflation assembly in contact with an exterior surface of a pelvis of the patient, and positioning an activation surface of the deflation assembly away from the exterior surface of the pelvis. The method thus allows the patient to palpate the activation surface through skin.