Rotary Valve Pump Prevents Auto-Inflation in Penile Prostheses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implanted penile prosthetics can experience unintended 'auto-inflation' due to external pressure increases, leading to unwanted erections, as liquid flows directly from the reservoir to the inflatable implants without user input.
Innovation Solution
A pump with a rotary valve that rotates in only one direction, preventing liquid from flowing from the reservoir to the inflatable implants without affirmative operation, thus preventing auto-inflation and unintended erections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pump bulb is made operable to move liquid from the reservoir to the inflatable implants, then the user can achieve erection, but the liquid may flow directly from the reservoir to the inflatable implants without user input causing unintended auto-inflation
Solution Approach 1:
A rotary valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the reservoir and the inflatable implants. This valve acts as a mediator that controls liquid flow and prevents direct flow from the reservoir to the implants without user input, thereby eliminating auto-inflation while preserving user control through the pump bulb operation
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary valve is designed with a stop ledge that prevents rotation in the direction that would cause auto-inflation. This preliminary anti-action mechanism proactively prevents the harmful effect of auto-inflation by blocking the flow path before pressure buildup can cause unintended erection
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a rotary valve is added to prevent auto-inflation, then user control is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary valve is integrated directly into the pump body, merging the valve function with the existing pump structure. This integration approach prevents auto-inflation while minimizing the increase in device complexity by avoiding separate, standalone valve components
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary valve serves multiple functions: it controls liquid flow during normal pump operation, prevents auto-inflation by blocking reverse flow, and works in conjunction with the pump bulb to maintain user control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate mechanisms
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 prevents auto-inflation and unintended erections by ensuring that liquid can only flow into the inflatable implants when the pump bulb is actively operated, maintaining user control over the inflation process.
Implementation Method 1
The pump includes a rotary valve communicating with both of the first flow path and the second flow path
Implementation Method 2
The constrained movement of the rotary valve provides the pump with an anti-auto-inflation feature that prevents the liquid from moving from the reservoir to the inflatable implants without affirmative operation of the pump bulb
Data Source
AI summary
A penile prosthesis kit of parts includes an inflatable implant, a reservoir adapted to contain a volume of liquid, a pump, tubing and tubing connectors provided for attachment of the inflatable implant and the reservoir to the pump, and instructions for use provided for implantation and use of the pump. The pump has a rotary valve located in a first flow path entering into the pump and in a second flow path exiting from the pump. When implanted, the rotary valve is constrained to rotate in only one direction to move a portion of the volume of the liquid from the reservoir through the first flow path and through the second flow path into the inflatable implant.