A remote assisted feeding system
By simulating infant sucking stimulation through a remote assisted feeding system, the problem of reduced milk production in mothers of premature infants separated from their babies is solved, and the effect of increasing milk production is achieved. It is suitable for premature infants, hospitalized newborns and postpartum women.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202311548942.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-31
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-11-20
AI Technical Summary
Premature infants cannot experience the sucking stimulation of their mothers when separated from them, leading to a decrease in the mother's milk production, and existing interventions are not very effective.
Design a remote assisted feeding system that collects infant sucking information by placing a sensor in the nipple, generates control commands using a signal processing device, simulates infant sucking stimulation, and uses a customized breast shield on the mother's side to simulate sucking action and temperature, thereby increasing milk production.
It establishes interactive connections between mothers and infants during periods of separation, alleviates maternal anxiety, increases the secretion of prolactin and oxytocin, and improves maternal milk production. It is suitable for premature infants, hospitalized newborns, and postpartum women.
Smart Images

Figure CN117357763B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a remote assisted feeding system. Background Technology
[0002] Premature infants have immature organ systems, making them prone to various serious complications. They require admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for treatment and observation after birth. NICU admission separates the mother and infant, preventing the baby from suckling at the mother's breast. This leads to decreased prolactin and oxytocin secretion in the mother, delaying lactation stage II and reducing milk production.
[0003] Clinical interventions are needed to strengthen emotional support and health education for postpartum women and increase breastfeeding time in order to reduce the occurrence of insufficient milk production.
[0004] However, current methods are not very effective, and there is an urgent need for a remote assisted feeding system to establish a connection between mother and baby, so that the mother's breasts can feel simulated sucking stimulation similar to that from the baby's real sucking stimulation, thereby increasing the mother's milk production. Summary of the Invention
[0005] This invention provides a remote assisted feeding system that solves the problem of reduced milk production in mothers when their breasts do not receive sucking stimulation from their babies during mother-infant separation.
[0006] This invention provides a remote assisted feeding system, comprising: a nipple customized according to the shape of the mother's nipple, with a sensing device for detecting infant sucking, used to collect sucking information of the infant sucking the nipple in a mother-infant separation state, and send it to a signal processing device; a signal processing device for generating control commands to simulate infant sucking stimulation in a mother-infant separation state based on the sucking information sent by the sensing device, and sending them to the mother; a breast pump device disposed on the mother's side, having a breast shield customized according to the shape and size of the mother's breasts and the actual size and gender of the infant, used to simulate infant sucking stimulation in a mother-infant separation state after the mother wears the breast shield in a mother-infant separation state according to the received control commands; and a breast milk collection device disposed on the mother's side, used to collect breast milk discharged by the mother during the simulated infant sucking stimulation in a mother-infant separation state through communication with the breast shield, so as to feed the infant in a mother-infant separation state with the breast milk.
[0007] Preferably, the nipple has a double-layer structure, and the sensing device is disposed in the double-layer structure, comprising: a plurality of pressure sensors for sensing the sucking force of the infant; correspondingly, the sucking information includes: the sucking pressure at the location of each pressure sensor during the infant sucking the nipple in a mother-infant separation state; the signal processing device generates a pressure trajectory at the location of each pressure sensor during the infant sucking the nipple in a mother-infant separation state and the receiving time of the sucking pressure, and generates a control command corresponding to each pressure sensor for simulating the pressure trajectory according to the pressure trajectory at the location of each pressure sensor during the infant sucking the nipple, and sends it to the mother.
[0008] Preferably, the bra includes: a double-layer structure consisting of an inner layer that contacts the mother's breasts when the mother wears the bra and an outer layer that does not contact the mother's breasts; an arc-shaped support body disposed in the double-layer structure of the bra, conforming to the shape of the mother's breasts; and multiple motion blocks distributed on the side surface of the arc-shaped support body facing the inner layer of the bra, used to simulate the sucking stimulation of an infant in a mother-infant separation state.
[0009] Preferably, the breast bra further includes a prosthetic tongue disposed in the inner layer of the breast bra that contacts the nipple and extends toward the areola. The prosthetic tongue includes: a double-layer structure consisting of an upper layer that contacts the mother's breast and a lower layer that does not contact the mother's breast; a tongue-shaped support body disposed in the double-layer structure of the prosthetic tongue and conforming to the shape of an infant's tongue; and multiple motion blocks distributed on the side surface of the tongue-shaped support body facing the upper layer of the prosthetic tongue, for simulating the sucking stimulation of an infant in a mother-infant separation state.
[0010] Preferably, the signal processing device is further configured to pre-store a first correspondence between each pressure sensor in the nipple and a motion block in the bra, or a second correspondence between each pressure sensor in the nipple and a motion block in the bra and its prosthetic tongue; wherein, for any pressure sensor, the signal processing device finds the motion block corresponding to the pressure sensor according to the first or second correspondence, and controls the found motion block corresponding to the pressure sensor to perform an action according to the control command corresponding to each pressure sensor for simulating the pressure trajectory.
[0011] Preferably, the sensing device further includes: one or more temperature sensors for sensing the temperature of the infant's mouth; correspondingly, the sucking information further includes: the temperature at the location of each temperature sensor during the infant's sucking of the pacifier in a mother-infant separation state; correspondingly, the signal processing device generates a temperature trajectory at the location of each temperature sensor during the infant's sucking of the pacifier in a mother-infant separation state and the time of receiving the temperature, and generates a control command corresponding to each temperature sensor for simulating the temperature trajectory according to the temperature trajectory at the location of each temperature sensor during the infant's sucking of the pacifier, and sends it to the mother.
[0012] Preferably, the breast bra further includes a breast bra temperature-controlled metal layer disposed on the side surface of the arc-shaped support facing the outer layer of the breast bra, wherein a plurality of heating metal plates are disposed therein to simulate the temperature of the infant sucking stimulation in the state of mother-infant separation.
[0013] Preferably, the prosthetic tongue further includes: a temperature-controlled metal layer for the prosthetic tongue, disposed on the side surface of the tongue-shaped support facing the lower layer of the prosthetic tongue, wherein a plurality of heating metal plates are provided to simulate the temperature of the infant sucking stimulation in the state of mother-infant separation.
[0014] Preferably, the signal processing device is further configured to pre-store a third correspondence between each temperature sensor in the pacifier and a heating metal sheet in the bra, or a fourth correspondence between each temperature sensor in the pacifier and a heating metal sheet in the bra and its prosthetic tongue; wherein, for any temperature sensor, the signal processing device finds the heating metal sheet corresponding to the temperature sensor according to the third or fourth correspondence, and controls the temperature of the found heating metal sheet corresponding to the temperature sensor according to the control command for simulating the temperature trajectory corresponding to the temperature sensor.
[0015] Preferably, the plurality of pressure sensors and the plurality of temperature sensors are distributed alternately, or a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor are arranged together to form a sensing unit, and the plurality of sensing units are evenly distributed at different locations.
[0016] This invention uses a sensor in the nipple to detect the baby's actual sucking stimulation. A signal processing device then transmits this stimulation to the mother, controlling the breast shield in the breast pump on the mother's side to perform corresponding actions. This establishes an interactive connection between mother and baby in situations of separation, while also allowing the mother's breast to experience simulated sucking stimulation similar to the baby's actual sucking. This alleviates separation anxiety, promotes the secretion of prolactin and oxytocin, and increases milk production. It is suitable for hospitalized premature infants, hospitalized newborns, hospitalized critically ill mothers, or newborns and mothers separated from their babies due to any other factors. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of a remote assisted feeding system provided by the present invention;
[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the nipple provided by the present invention;
[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the breast pumping device provided by the present invention;
[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a bra;
[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a breast bra that includes a false tongue;
[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the double-layer structure and internal structure of a bra. Detailed Implementation
[0023] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.
[0024] This invention designs a remote assisted feeding system, which may include an infant feeding device (hereinafter referred to as the infant-side device) and a mother-side feeding and lactation assist device (hereinafter referred to as the mother-side device). When the infant sucks on the nipple, the infant-side device transmits sucking information, such as the sucking force and tactile sensation, and sucking pattern, to the mother's breast through the mother-side device, stimulating the nipple nerve endings and the anterior pituitary gland, releasing prolactin, thereby increasing milk secretion.
[0025] See Figure 1 The remote assisted feeding system provided by the present invention may include: a nipple customized according to the shape of the mother's nipple, a signal processing device, a milk pumping device disposed on the mother's side, and a breast milk collection device disposed on the mother's side.
[0026] 1. Pacifiers customized according to the shape of the mother's nipple
[0027] The nipple is equipped with a sensing device that detects when the baby sucks on the nipple, which is used to collect sucking information of the baby sucking on the nipple when the mother and baby are separated, and send it to the signal processing device.
[0028] See Figure 2 The nipple 100 has a double-layer structure, consisting of an outer nipple layer 101 that can contact the infant's mouth and an inner nipple layer 102 that cannot contact the infant's mouth. The sensing device 103 is located in the double-layer structure and can transmit the collected sucking information to a signal processing device via wired or wireless means. In addition, when the infant cannot suck and swallow and is being tube fed, the nipple can be used for dummy feeding to train the sucking function. When the infant can suck and swallow completely, the nipple 100 can also include a milk tube interface 104 (which can be made of PVC, PC, PPSU, silicone, stainless steel, etc.) for connecting a milk tube, so that a milk storage bag can be connected to the milk tube for feeding.
[0029] The sensing device 103 may include multiple pressure sensors for sensing the sucking force of an infant. In this case, the sucking information includes the sucking pressure at the location of each pressure sensor during the infant sucking on the pacifier in a mother-infant separation state.
[0030] Furthermore, the sensing device 103 may also include one or more temperature sensors for sensing the temperature of the infant's mouth. In this case, the sucking information also includes the temperature at the location of each temperature sensor during the infant sucking the nipple in a mother-infant separation state.
[0031] It should be noted that when the sensing device 103 includes multiple pressure sensors and multiple temperature sensors, the multiple pressure sensors and multiple temperature sensors can be distributed alternately, or one pressure sensor and one temperature sensor can be placed together to form a sensing unit, and multiple sensing units can be evenly distributed in different positions. There is no limit to the number of pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and sensing units. The denser the density, the more realistic the simulated trajectory, without affecting the baby's sucking.
[0032] II. Signal Processing Equipment
[0033] The signal processing device is used to generate control commands for simulating infant sucking stimulation in a mother-infant separation state based on the sucking information sent by the sensing device, and send them to the mother.
[0034] The signal processing device may include a power supply, an integrated chip, a storage module, a charging port, a networking module, etc. During network connection, it transmits control commands wirelessly to the breast pump to complete circuit control. The signal processing device can be built into a small cotton doll on the baby's side to prevent electric shock; it can also be placed in the breast pump on the mother's side, or it can be placed in the cloud, depending on the specific needs.
[0035] Specifically, when the sensing device 103 includes multiple pressure sensors for sensing the sucking force of an infant, and the sucking information includes the sucking pressure at the location of each pressure sensor during the infant's sucking of the pacifier in a mother-infant separation state, the signal processing device receives the sucking information at the location of each pressure sensor during the infant's sucking of the pacifier in a mother-infant separation state, and obtains the reception time of the sucking information. Then, by parsing the sucking information, it obtains the identifier of each pressure sensor and the sucking pressure at its location. Finally, based on the sucking pressure at the location of each pressure sensor and the reception time of the sucking pressure, it generates a pressure trajectory at the location of each pressure sensor during the infant's sucking, and generates a control command corresponding to each pressure sensor to simulate the pressure trajectory according to the pressure trajectory at the location of each pressure sensor during the infant's sucking, and sends it to the mother. Furthermore, when the sensing device 103 further includes one or more temperature sensors for sensing the temperature of the infant's mouth, and the sucking information also includes the temperature at the location of each temperature sensor during the infant's sucking of the pacifier in a mother-infant separation state, the signal processing device receives the sucking information at the location of each temperature sensor during the infant's sucking of the pacifier in a mother-infant separation state, and obtains the reception time of the sucking information. Then, by parsing the sucking information, it obtains the identifier of each temperature sensor and the temperature at its location. Finally, based on the temperature at the location of each temperature sensor and the reception time of the temperature, it generates a temperature trajectory at the location of each temperature sensor during the infant's sucking, and generates a control command corresponding to each temperature sensor for simulating the temperature trajectory according to the temperature trajectory at the location of each temperature sensor during the infant's sucking, and sends it to the mother.
[0036] III. Breast pump device installed on the mother's side
[0037] The breast pump device has a breast shield customized according to the shape and size of the mother's breasts and the actual size and gender of the baby, for use by the mother wearing the breast shield in a mother-baby separation state to simulate the baby's sucking stimulation in a mother-baby separation state according to the received control instructions.
[0038] See Figures 3 to 6 The breast pumping device 300 includes a breast shield 301, a power supply component 302 disposed in the power supply compartment, a control circuit (not shown in the figure) powered by the power supply component 302, and a milk storage bag connection port 304 connected to the breast milk collection device 400.
[0039] The power supply assembly 302 can be a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery and a charger with a charging port. To facilitate battery replacement or charging, the power supply compartment has a screw-on cover 303.
[0040] In the first embodiment, the breast bra 301 (which may be made of a soft material similar to human tissue) may include: a sealed double-layer structure (which may be made of PVC, PP, PC, PPSU, silicone, rubber, etc.), an arc-shaped support (not shown in the figure, which may be made of PVC, PP, PC, PPSU, etc.), and multiple moving blocks 3013 (which may be made of PVC, PP, PC, PPSU, silicone, rubber, etc.). The double-layer structure of the breast bra consists of an inner layer 3011 that contacts the mother's breast when the mother wears the breast bra 301 and an outer layer 3012 that does not contact the mother's breast. The inner layer 3011 has a milk collection port 3015 at the position corresponding to the nipple. The milk collection port 3015 is connected to a milk collection pipe 3016 to guide breast milk to the breast milk collection device 400 via the milk collection port 3015, the milk collection pipe 3016, and the milk storage bag connection port 304. An arc-shaped support (not shown in the figure) is placed within the double-layer structure of the bra, conforming to the shape of the mother's breast. During implementation, it can be fixed to the outer layer 3012 of the bra or integrally formed with it. Multiple motion blocks 3013 are distributed on the surface of the arc-shaped support facing the inner layer 3011 of the bra, used to simulate the sucking stimulation of an infant in a mother-infant separation state.
[0041] In the second embodiment, based on the first embodiment, the breast bra may further include: a breast bra temperature-controlled metal layer, disposed on the side surface of the arc-shaped support facing the outer layer of the breast bra, wherein a plurality of heating metal sheets are provided to simulate the temperature of the infant sucking stimulation in the state of mother-infant separation.
[0042] In the third embodiment, based on the first and second embodiments, the breast shield 301 may further include a prosthetic tongue 3014 (which may be made of a soft material similar to human tissue) placed in the inner layer 3011 of the breast shield 301 that contacts the nipple and extends towards the areola. Similar to the structure of the breast shield 301, the prosthetic tongue 3014 may include: a double-layered prosthetic tongue structure (which may be made of PVC, PP, PC, PPSU, silicone, rubber, etc.), a tongue-shaped support (which may be made of PVC, PP, PC, PPSU, etc.), and multiple moving blocks (which may be made of PVC, PP, PC, PPSU, silicone, rubber, etc.). The double-layered prosthetic tongue structure consists of an upper layer that contacts the mother's breast and a lower layer that does not contact the mother's breast. The tongue-shaped support, placed in the double-layered prosthetic tongue structure, conforms to the shape of an infant's tongue. In implementation, it may be fixed to the lower layer of the prosthetic tongue or integrally formed with it. Multiple moving blocks are distributed on the side surface of the tongue-shaped support facing the upper layer of the prosthetic tongue, used to simulate the sucking stimulation of an infant in a mother-infant separation state.
[0043] In the fourth embodiment, based on the third embodiment, the prosthetic tongue 3014 further includes: a temperature-controlled metal layer for the prosthetic tongue, disposed on the side surface of the tongue-shaped support facing the lower layer of the prosthetic tongue, and having multiple heating metal sheets therein to simulate the temperature of the infant sucking stimulation in the state of mother-infant separation.
[0044] In the four embodiments described above, the moving blocks in the breast bra 301, namely the moving blocks 3013 in the double-layer structure of the breast bra and the moving blocks in the false tongue 3014, can be implemented in various ways. For example, they can be implemented by miniature vibration motors, with the signal processing device controlling the vibration of the corresponding miniature vibration motors to simulate infant sucking stimulation. Another example is the use of a rotary lifting mechanism. For each moving block that needs to move, the signal processing device first controls the lifting of the end of the moving block and then controls the rotation of the end of the moving block to simulate infant sucking stimulation. For example, see the description of the double-layer structure of the breast bra. Figure 5 An arc-shaped support 3017 is provided between the inner layer 3011 and the outer layer 3012 of the bra. The inner layer 3011 has multiple raised areas made of silicone material. Multiple rotating lifting mechanisms 3013, corresponding to the raised areas, are provided on the surface of the arc-shaped support 3017 facing the inner layer 3011. The ends of these mechanisms can extend, retract, and rotate. More specifically, the multiple rotating lifting mechanisms 3013 are mushroom-shaped (similar to a massager), with the head rotating around the handle (i.e., the axis of motion), while the axis of motion can extend and retract (similar to the extension and retraction of a hydraulic rod). A formula can be adjusted to convert the sucking pressure on the baby's side into the extension distance. Alternatively, the sucking pressure on the baby's side can be determined through repeated measurements and comparisons. The relationship between pressure and extension distance is established to find the extension distance corresponding to the sucking pressure. When simulating infant sucking, the movement shaft of the rotating lifting mechanism 3013 is first extended, causing the head to extend a specified distance towards the corresponding protruding area to achieve the required pressure. Then, the movement shaft of the rotating lifting mechanism 3013 is controlled to rotate the head to simulate sucking under appropriate pressure. When simulating infant sucking, the movement shaft of the rotating lifting mechanism 3013 is first stopped rotating, and then the movement shaft is retracted, i.e., the movement component of the rotating lifting mechanism 3013 is reset and stops moving. A temperature-controlled metal layer 3018 is provided on the surface of the arc-shaped support 3017 facing the outer layer 3012 of the breast bra to simulate the sucking action and infant temperature. The temperature-controlled metal layer 3018 can be a metal wire printed on the outer layer 3012 of the breast bra. To avoid electric shock, an insulating layer can be provided on both sides of the metal wire. The temperature-controlled metal layer 3018 can also be a temperature-controlled crystal layer with a temperature-controlled metal sheet inside. The temperature-controlled crystal layer is required to have good thermal conductivity and high heat transfer efficiency.
[0045] IV. Breast milk collection equipment installed on the mother's side
[0046] The breast milk collection device is used to collect breast milk expressed by the mother during a simulated mother-infant sucking stimulation state, through communication with the breast shield, for feeding the infant in this state. The device may include a milk infusion tube and a storage bag connected to the tube. On the mother's side, the expressed milk is stored in the storage bag via a connection port 304 of the milk pumping device to the milk infusion tube for easy feeding the infant later. On the infant's side, a nipple is connected to the storage bag via the milk infusion tube.
[0047] The overall workflow of this system is as follows: The baby sucks on a nipple with tactile sensors customized according to the shape of the mother's nipple. The baby's sucking force and temperature stimulate the sensors on the nipple. The remote assisted feeding program in the signal processing equipment records the time, duration, and magnitude of pressure felt by the pressure sensors in different parts of the nipple, as well as the time and temperature felt by the temperature sensors in different parts of the nipple, and other baby-related sucking information. Based on this sucking information, a motion pressure and temperature trajectory map is generated, which in turn generates corresponding control commands. These commands are transmitted via network to an electric breast shield model (hereinafter referred to as the breast shield) in the breast pump device, which is customized according to the baby's actual size and gender. The breast shield may include a prosthetic tongue. The temperature control unit (e.g., metal wire, temperature control metal sheet) and motion unit (e.g., motor) in the breast shield receive the control commands from the signal processing equipment. According to the control commands, the silicone moving block is controlled to squeeze the mother's breast at different times and with different amplitudes of movement. simulation The baby's sucking force, temperature, and touch provide a more realistic stimulation to the mother's breasts, promoting prolactin secretion and increasing milk production. In short, both the nipple on the baby's side and the breast pump on the mother's side contain multiple sensors and motion simulation components. These convert the baby's physical signals, such as temperature, sucking force, and lip and tongue movements, into electrical signals. These signals are then recorded, transmitted remotely, and transmitted in real-time via software that simulates the baby's sucking movements. At the mother's end, the electrical signals are reconstructed into the baby's various physical signals, simulating the baby's sucking action.
[0048] In addition, the remote assisted feeding system provided by the present invention may also include:
[0049] A camera device, positioned on the baby's side, is used to capture and transmit video of the baby (e.g., video of the baby sucking);
[0050] A VR device (i.e., VR glasses) is placed on the mother's side. It is used to generate a real-time image of the baby (e.g., the baby suckling) based on the received images of the baby (e.g., the baby suckling). The mother can watch the baby suckling and hear the baby's voice through the VR device she wears, which enhances the realism of remote breastfeeding and soothes the mother's anxiety, thereby promoting the quantity and quality of milk production.
[0051] Among them, software programs that record, remotely transmit, and simulate infant sucking actions, and VR software programs that simulate infant sucking scenes can be integrated into a single maternal and infant feeding APP, where both mother and baby can be matched by registering accounts with their identities.
[0052] Furthermore, the remote assisted feeding system provided by the present invention may further include:
[0053] Infant models can simulate the temperature, touch, and vision of an infant. When a mother holds an infant model, she can experience similar temperature, tactile, and visual stimulation as a real infant, alleviating maternal anxiety, inhibiting adrenaline secretion, promoting prolactin secretion, increasing mammary blood flow, promoting milk production, increasing breastfeeding rates, and promoting infant growth and development.
[0054] Application Example 1: The nipple is equipped with multiple pressure sensors.
[0055] The multiple pressure sensors are evenly distributed in the double-layer structure of the nipple at positions corresponding to the nipple and areola, as well as positions close to the areola. During infant sucking on the nipple while separated from the mother, each pressure sensor continuously collects the infant's sucking pressure at the location of the pressure sensor and transmits the identification and sucking pressure to a signal processing device via wired or wireless means.
[0056] The signal processing device receives the continuous sucking pressure data from each pressure sensor and generates a pressure trajectory for each sensor over time based on the sucking pressure and the time of receipt. This data is then used to generate corresponding pressure control commands. It should be noted that the sucking pressure collected by each pressure sensor at the same moment can characterize the sucking force and movements of different parts of the infant's lips and tongue at that moment. Therefore, the magnitude of pressure experienced by different parts of the body at different times can depict the trajectory of the infant's sucking force and lip and tongue movements.
[0057] The signal processing device can pre-store a first correspondence between each pressure sensor in the pacifier and a motion block in the breast bra, or a second correspondence between each pressure sensor in the pacifier and a motion block in the breast bra and its prosthetic tongue. Thus, based on the first or second correspondence, the signal processing device can find the motion block corresponding to each pressure sensor. When the pressure trajectories of each pressure sensor over time are aligned, the device controls the found motion block corresponding to that pressure sensor to execute actions according to the control commands for simulating the pressure trajectory for each pressure sensor. All motion blocks at all points achieve point-to-point pressure simulation of the pressure sensors on the pacifier, thus achieving the overall effect of simulating the movement of an infant's lips and tongue.
[0058] Application Example 2. A nipple is equipped with multiple pressure sensors and one temperature sensor.
[0059] The plurality of pressure sensors are evenly distributed in the double-layered structure of the nipple at positions corresponding to the nipple and areola, as well as at positions close to the areola. A temperature sensor is positioned in a suitable location in the double-layered structure corresponding to the nipple or areola. During infant sucking on the nipple while separated from the mother, each of the plurality of pressure sensors continuously collects the infant's sucking pressure at the location of the pressure sensor and transmits the identification and sucking pressure data to a signal processing device via wired or wireless means. Similarly, the temperature sensor continuously collects the infant's temperature at the location of the temperature sensor and transmits the identification and temperature data to the signal processing device via wired or wireless means.
[0060] The signal processing device receives the sucking pressure continuously transmitted by each of the plurality of pressure sensors, and generates a pressure trajectory of each pressure sensor over time based on the sucking pressure of each pressure sensor and the time of reception, thereby generating a corresponding pressure control command. It should be noted that the sucking pressure collected by each pressure sensor at the same moment can characterize the sucking force and sucking action of different parts of the infant's lips and tongue at that moment. Therefore, the pressure magnitude of different parts at different times can characterize the trajectory of the infant, including sucking force and lip and tongue movements.
[0061] The signal processing device receives the temperature continuously transmitted by the temperature sensor, generates a temperature trajectory that changes over time based on the temperature and the time of reception, and generates a temperature control command that enables the breast shield in the mother's breast pump to simulate the temperature trajectory based on the temperature trajectory that changes over time.
[0062] After the signal processing equipment transmits the two control commands to the mother's end, the moving blocks inside the breast shield of the mother's breast pump move under the control of the pressure control command of the simulated pressure trajectory. Taking a moving block at a certain position as an example, it first extends a certain distance and then rotates around an axis to simulate the pressure on the mother's breast when the baby suckles. At the same time, the temperature-controlling metal plates in the temperature-controlling metal layer inside the breast shield of the mother's breast pump provide a suitable temperature under the control of the temperature control command of the simulated temperature trajectory to simulate the temperature applied to the mother's breast when the baby suckles.
[0063] Application Example 3. The nipple is equipped with multiple pressure sensors and multiple temperature sensors.
[0064] The plurality of pressure sensors and the plurality of temperature sensors are alternately distributed in the double-layer structure of the nipple at positions corresponding to the nipple and areola, as well as at positions near the areola. During infant sucking on the nipple in a mother-infant separation state, each pressure sensor continuously collects the infant's sucking pressure at the location of the pressure sensor and transmits the identifier and sucking pressure to a signal processing device via wired or wireless means. Similarly, each temperature sensor continuously collects the temperature applied by the infant at the location of the temperature sensor and transmits the identifier and temperature to the signal processing device via wired or wireless means.
[0065] The signal processing device receives the continuous sucking pressure transmitted by each pressure sensor and generates a pressure trajectory of each pressure sensor over time based on the sucking pressure of each pressure sensor and the time of reception, thereby generating corresponding pressure control commands. It should be noted that the sucking pressure collected by each pressure sensor at the same moment can characterize the sucking force and sucking action of different parts of the infant's lips and tongue at that moment. Therefore, the pressure magnitude experienced by different parts at different times can characterize the trajectory of the infant, including sucking force and lip and tongue movements. The signal processing device can pre-store a first correspondence between each pressure sensor in the pacifier and a motion block in the breast shield, or a second correspondence between each pressure sensor in the pacifier and a motion block in the breast shield and its artificial tongue. Thus, the signal processing device can find the motion block corresponding to each pressure sensor based on the first or second correspondence, and, when the time-varying pressure trajectories of each pressure sensor are aligned, control the found motion block corresponding to that pressure sensor to execute actions according to the control commands for simulating the pressure trajectory corresponding to each pressure sensor. The motion blocks at all points simulate point-to-point pressure on the pressure sensors on the nipple, achieving the overall effect of simulating the movement of an infant's lips and tongue.
[0066] Similarly, the signal processing device receives the temperature continuously transmitted by each temperature sensor and generates a temperature trajectory of each temperature sensor over time based on the temperature of each sensor and the reception time, thereby generating a corresponding temperature control command. It should be noted that the temperatures collected by each temperature sensor at the same time can characterize the temperature of different parts of the baby's lips and tongue at that moment; therefore, the temperature received by different parts at different times can characterize the temperature trajectory of the baby's lips and tongue. The signal processing device can also pre-store a third correspondence between each temperature sensor in the pacifier and the heating metal plate in the breast bra, or a fourth correspondence between each temperature sensor in the pacifier and the heating metal plate in the breast bra and its artificial tongue. In this way, the signal processing device can find the heating metal plate corresponding to each temperature sensor based on the third or fourth correspondence, and, when the temperature trajectories of each temperature sensor are aligned over time, control the temperature of the found heating metal plate corresponding to that temperature sensor according to the temperature control command used to simulate the temperature trajectory of each temperature sensor. The heating metal plates at all points simulate point-to-point pressure on the temperature sensors on the nipple, achieving the overall effect of simulating the temperature of a baby's lips and tongue.
[0067] This invention uses the pressure exerted on different parts of the nipple at different times to characterize the infant's sucking force and lip and tongue movements, and transmits this information to the mother's end, where it is simulated by a silicone moving block. Specifically, it needs to record (1) temperature information, (2) the time when a certain part of the nipple is subjected to pressure, (3) the position information of that part of the nipple, and (4) the magnitude of the pressure exerted on that part. Then, the signal processor processes this information and transmits the resulting control commands to the control circuit on the mother's end via a network. Upon receiving the signal, the control circuit of the breast pump on the mother's end controls a silicone moving block at a certain position (based on the infant's position information) and a heated metal plate at a certain position on the breast pump to simulate the pressure and temperature on the mother's breast during infant sucking. Through point-to-point simulation of the nipple by all the silicone moving blocks and the heated metal plate, the overall effect of simulating the infant's lip and tongue movements and temperature is achieved, promoting milk secretion.
[0068] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but this does not limit the scope of the invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention should be within the scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A remote assisted feeding system, characterized in that, The system includes: The nipple is customized according to the shape of the mother's nipple and is equipped with a sensor to detect when the baby sucks on the nipple. This sensor is used to collect sucking information of the baby sucking on the nipple when the mother and baby are separated and send it to a signal processing device. A signal processing device is used to generate control commands for simulating infant sucking stimulation in a mother-infant separation state based on the sucking information sent by the sensing device, and send them to the mother. The breast pump device, located on the mother's side, has a breast shield customized according to the shape and size of the mother's breasts and the actual size and gender of the baby. It is used to simulate the sucking stimulation of the baby in the mother-baby separation state after the mother wears the breast shield, according to the received control instructions. A breast milk collection device located on the mother's side is used to collect breast milk discharged by the mother during the infant suckling stimulation simulated by the breast bra, through communication with the breast bra, so as to feed the infant in the mother-infant separation state with the breast milk; The sensing device includes: one or more temperature sensors for sensing the temperature of an infant's oral cavity; Accordingly, the sucking information includes the temperature at the location of each temperature sensor during the infant's sucking of the nipple in a mother-infant separation state; Accordingly, the signal processing device generates a temperature trajectory at each temperature sensor location during the period when the baby sucks on the pacifier while the mother and baby are separated, based on the temperature at each temperature sensor location and the time the temperature is received. Based on the temperature trajectory at each temperature sensor location during the period when the baby sucks on the pacifier, the device generates a control command corresponding to each temperature sensor for simulating the temperature trajectory and sends it to the mother.
2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nipple has a double-layer structure, and the sensing device is disposed in the double-layer structure, which also includes: a plurality of pressure sensors for sensing the sucking force of the infant. Accordingly, the sucking information also includes: the sucking pressure at each pressure sensor location during the infant's sucking of the pacifier in a mother-infant separation state; Accordingly, the signal processing device generates a pressure trajectory at each pressure sensor location during the infant sucking on the nipple in the mother-infant separation state, based on the sucking pressure at each pressure sensor location and the time of receiving the sucking pressure, and generates a control command corresponding to each pressure sensor for simulating the pressure trajectory according to the pressure trajectory at each pressure sensor location, and sends it to the mother.
3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bra includes: The bra has a double-layer structure, consisting of an inner layer that comes into contact with the mother's breasts when the mother wears the bra and an outer layer that does not come into contact with the mother's breasts. An arc-shaped support is placed within the double-layered structure of the breast bra, conforming to the shape of the mother's breast. Multiple motion blocks are distributed on one side surface of the arc-shaped support facing the inner layer of the breast bra to simulate the sucking stimulation of an infant in a state of mother-infant separation.
4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bra also includes a prosthetic tongue disposed in the inner layer of the bra that contacts the nipple and extends toward the areola, the prosthetic tongue comprising: The artificial tongue has a double-layer structure, consisting of an upper layer that contacts the mother's breast and a lower layer that does not contact the mother's breast; A tongue-shaped support is placed in the double-layered structure of the artificial tongue, conforming to the shape of an infant's tongue; Multiple motion blocks are distributed on one side surface of the tongue-shaped support facing the upper layer of the prosthetic tongue, used to simulate the sucking stimulation of an infant in a state of mother-infant separation.
5. The system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The signal processing device is also used to pre-store a first correspondence between each pressure sensor in the nipple and a motion block in the breast bra, or a second correspondence between each pressure sensor in the nipple and a motion block in the breast bra and its prosthetic tongue. For any pressure sensor, the signal processing device finds the motion block corresponding to the pressure sensor according to the first correspondence or the second correspondence, and controls the found motion block corresponding to the pressure sensor to perform actions according to the control instructions for simulating the pressure trajectory corresponding to each pressure sensor.
6. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bra also includes: The temperature-controlled metal layer of the breast bra is placed on the side surface of the arc-shaped support facing the outer layer of the breast bra, and multiple heating metal plates are provided inside to simulate the temperature of the baby sucking stimulation in the state of mother-infant separation.
7. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The false tongue also includes: The temperature-controlled metal layer of the artificial tongue is placed on the side surface of the tongue-shaped support facing the lower layer of the artificial tongue, and multiple heating metal plates are provided inside to simulate the temperature of the infant sucking stimulation in the state of mother-infant separation.
8. The system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The signal processing device is also used to pre-store a third correspondence between each temperature sensor in the nipple and a heating metal sheet in the breast bra, or a fourth correspondence between each temperature sensor in the nipple and a heating metal sheet in the breast bra and its prosthetic tongue. For any temperature sensor, the signal processing device finds the heating metal sheet corresponding to the temperature sensor according to the third or fourth correspondence, and controls the temperature of the found heating metal sheet corresponding to the temperature sensor according to the control command for simulating the temperature trajectory corresponding to the temperature sensor.
9. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of pressure sensors and the plurality of temperature sensors are distributed alternately, or a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor are arranged together to form a sensing unit, and the plurality of sensing units are evenly distributed in different locations.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Breast pump
CN102271726A
Newborn sucking capability tester
CN114343647A