Penile Prosthetic Pump Bulb with Concave Finger Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users with reduced finger mobility or dexterity due to conditions like arthritis face challenges in grasping and repeatedly squeezing the pump bulb of existing penile prosthetics, which can lead to difficulties in effectively operating the device.

Innovation Solution

The design of a penile prosthetic pump bulb with a concave portion between spherical end sections, providing a finger access area that naturally fits between the user's fingers, and an external surface formed by interconnected segments for improved grasping and stability, reducing the required force for operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional spherical pump bulb is used, then the device structure is simple, but users with reduced dexterity have difficulty grasping and squeezing it

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of grasping and squeezingVSAvoidpump bulb structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump bulb is divided into multiple segments including a first spherical end section, a second spherical end section, and a concave portion connecting them. This segmentation creates distinct functional zones that improve graspability while maintaining structural integrity through the segmented design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pump bulb transitions from a symmetric spherical shape to an asymmetric form with a concave portion between two spherical end sections. This asymmetric design creates a more natural fit between fingers and thumb, improving ease of grasping and squeezing for users with reduced dexterity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of operation

If the pump bulb is made larger to improve grasping, then ease of operation improves, but the space required for implantation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of graspingVSAvoidpump bulb volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pump bulb utilizes spherical end sections that provide natural curvature for finger placement. The concave portion connecting these spheres creates ergonomic contours that enhance grasping without requiring a significant increase in overall volume, optimizing the balance between operability and implantation space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of operation

If a concave portion is added to improve finger access, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefinger accessVSAvoidpump bulb fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pump bulb is segmented into distinct geometric zones (spherical end sections and concave connecting portion) that can be manufactured using standard molding techniques. This segmentation allows for precise control of complex geometries while maintaining compatibility with conventional manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3123981B1Pump bulb for an implantable penile prosthetic

Publication Date: 2021.10.20 COLOPLAST AS

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Figure 3A~3C

AI summary

A penile prosthetic (20) includes an inflatable member (24) that is implantable into a penis of a user, a reservoir (22) that is implantable in an abdomen, and a pump (26). The pump is configured to be attached between the inflatable member and the reservoir and is implantable in a scrotum. The pump includes a pump bulb (42) formed by first and second end sections (50, 52), a mid-section (54) and concave portions (58).