Breast feeding aid for nipple defect
By designing a breastfeeding aid for mothers with nipple defects, a rigid outer cover and a flexible inner cover are combined with a negative pressure pump to simulate infant sucking, solving the problem of breastfeeding difficulties for mothers with nipple defects and achieving safe and effective breastfeeding assistance.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-03
AI Technical Summary
Some mothers experience difficulty breastfeeding due to nipple defects. Existing artificial feeding methods cannot establish a close bond between mother and child, which may affect milk production and increase the difficulty of transitioning to breastfeeding later.
A breastfeeding aid for nipple defects was designed, comprising a rigid outer cover and a flexible inner cover. A negative pressure pump generates negative pressure, causing the flexible inner cover to compress the breast to guide the nipple outward, simulating the infant's sucking process. The device employs a double-layer structure and a controller for precise adjustment.
It effectively helps mothers with nipple defects overcome breastfeeding obstacles, simulates the natural breastfeeding process, ensures the nipple is safely exposed, promotes breastfeeding, establishes a close mother-infant relationship, and is simple and safe to operate.
Smart Images

Figure CN224070891U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to feeding devices, and more particularly to a breastfeeding aid for nipple defects. Background Technology
[0002] Breastfeeding is the best way for infants to obtain nutrition, providing them with comprehensive nutrition and enhancing the bond between mother and child. However, some mothers have nipple defects, such as inverted or short nipples, which are congenital or acquired problems that prevent their infants from suckling normally, seriously affecting the smooth progress of breastfeeding.
[0003] Currently, the main method for addressing breastfeeding difficulties in mothers with nipple defects is artificial feeding, such as bottle feeding after expressing milk. While this method can temporarily solve the infant's feeding problem, it has the following drawbacks: First, it fails to establish a natural mother-infant bond; second, artificial feeding may affect breast milk production, leading to a gradual decrease in milk supply; and third, bottle feeding may cause the infant to develop a nipple preference, further increasing the difficulty of transitioning to breastfeeding later. Utility Model Content
[0004] This invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in related technologies. Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a breastfeeding aid for nipple defects.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, a breastfeeding aid for nipple defects according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:
[0006] A nipple correction cover, comprising a rigid outer cover and a flexible inner cover, both of which are flared. The flexible inner cover is coaxially disposed inside the rigid outer cover, and the large end of the flexible inner cover has a first opening, and the small end of the flexible inner cover has a second opening. The first opening is adapted to cover the breast and fit and seal against the breast, and the second opening is adapted to allow the nipple to be exposed and fit and seal against the area around the nipple.
[0007] A negative pressure pump is provided. The rigid outer cover has a negative pressure interface that is the same as the internal space of the flexible inner cover. The negative pressure interface is connected to the negative pressure pump so that the flexible inner cover is evacuated by the negative pressure pump to generate a negative pressure effect, which forces the flexible inner cover to squeeze the breast and make the nipple protrude from the second opening.
[0008] The breastfeeding aid for nipple defects provided in this embodiment includes a double-layered nipple correction shield. The outer rigid shield provides overall support and protection, while the inner flexible shield deforms under negative pressure, thus applying pressure to the breast. When the negative pressure pump is working, the flexible shield contracts evenly inward under negative pressure. This contraction force can both compress the soft tissue of the breast and guide the nipple outward through the second opening. This structural design not only avoids the potential damage caused by directly applying negative pressure to the nipple but also simulates the physiological process of infant sucking through the even compression of the flexible shield, allowing the nipple to naturally emerge from the second opening, thus facilitating breastfeeding. Simultaneously, the trumpet-shaped overall structure and sealing design ensure the stability of the negative pressure effect, and the device is simple, safe, and reusable, effectively helping mothers with nipple defects overcome breastfeeding obstacles.
[0009] In addition, the breastfeeding aid for nipple defects according to the above embodiments of this utility model may also have the following additional technical features:
[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the flexible inner cover includes a first cover segment, a second cover segment, and a third cover segment connected sequentially from the large end to the small end. The first cover segment and the third cover segment are tightly attached to the inner wall of the rigid outer cover and fixed to the rigid outer cover. The second cover segment has a gap with the rigid outer cover and can deform inward under the action of negative pressure inside the flexible inner cover to squeeze the breast inside the flexible inner cover.
[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the flexible inner cover further includes a fourth cover section connected to the third cover section, the fourth cover section having the second opening, the fourth cover section not being in contact with the rigid outer cover, and being able to deform inward under the action of negative pressure inside the flexible inner cover to squeeze the nipple area inside the flexible inner cover.
[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner wall of the fourth cover section is provided with a plurality of massage bumps for pressing the area around the nipple.
[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second cover section is provided with a vent hole, which connects the gap between the second cover section and the rigid outer cover.
[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it further includes a controller, the controller including a housing and a control panel, the negative pressure pump being disposed inside the housing, and the control panel being disposed on the housing and connected to the negative pressure pump for controlling and adjusting the negative pressure pump.
[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the negative pressure pump is a pulse negative pressure pump, which can generate periodically changing negative pressure, and the control panel is provided with a pulse frequency adjustment button and a pulse intensity adjustment button.
[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the controller further includes a timer and a reminder device. The timer is used to record the usage duration, and the reminder device emits a reminder signal when the preset time is reached. The control panel is provided with a time setting interface for setting the usage duration and reminder interval.
[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a heating wire is provided in the cavity between the rigid outer cover and the flexible inner cover. The heating wire is spirally wound around the outer surface of the flexible inner cover for heating the flexible inner cover. The control panel is provided with a temperature adjustment button for adjusting the heating temperature of the heating wire.
[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description
[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the breastfeeding aid for nipple defects according to an embodiment of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the nipple correction shield in the breastfeeding aid for nipple defects according to an embodiment of this utility model;
[0022] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the nipple correction shield in the breastfeeding aid for nipple defects according to an embodiment of this utility model.
[0023] Figure label:
[0024] 10. Nipple correction brace;
[0025] 101. Rigid outer casing;
[0026] 1011. Negative pressure interface;
[0027] 102. Flexible inner cover;
[0028] 1021, First Cover Section;
[0029] 1022, Second Cover Section;
[0030] 1023, Third section;
[0031] 1024, Fourth Section;
[0032] H10, second opening;
[0033] H11, First Opening;
[0034] 20. Controller;
[0035] 201. Shell;
[0036] 202. Control Panel;
[0037] 203. Display screen;
[0038] 204. Hanging rope.
[0039] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0040] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0041] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "circumferential", "radial", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.
[0042] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0043] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0044] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0045] The following describes in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment of the present invention: a breastfeeding aid for nipple defects.
[0046] Reference Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the breastfeeding aid for nipple defects provided according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a nipple correction shield 10 and a negative pressure pump.
[0047] Specifically, the nipple correction cover 10 includes a rigid outer cover 101 and a flexible inner cover 102. Both the rigid outer cover 101 and the flexible inner cover 102 are flared, and this flared shape can conform well to the natural contour of the breast. The rigid outer cover 101 can be made of medical-grade transparent engineering plastic, such as PC material, which has sufficient strength and rigidity to provide stable structural support, and the transparent design facilitates observation during use.
[0048] A flexible inner cover 102 is coaxially disposed inside the rigid outer cover 101, with a first opening H11 at its larger end and a second opening H10 at its smaller end. The flexible inner cover 102 may be made of medical-grade soft silicone material, possessing good elasticity and biocompatibility, a soft touch, and no skin irritation. The first opening H11 is adapted to cover the breast and fit snugly and seal against it, while the second opening H10 is adapted to expose the nipple and fit snugly and seal against the area surrounding the nipple.
[0049] The rigid outer cover 101 is provided with a negative pressure interface 1011, which has the same internal space as the flexible inner cover 102. The negative pressure interface 1011 is connected to the negative pressure pump, so that the negative pressure pump can create a vacuum in the flexible inner cover 102 to generate negative pressure, forcing the flexible inner cover 102 to compress the breast and causing the nipple to be exposed from the second opening H10. The negative pressure pump can be a medical-grade electric pump with adjustable negative pressure intensity, which can select the appropriate negative pressure according to the user's specific situation.
[0050] When the negative pressure pump is working, a negative pressure environment is created inside the flexible inner cover 102. Under the action of negative pressure, the flexible inner cover 102 will undergo a uniform inward contraction deformation. This contraction deformation has two important functions: First, it can generate a gentle and uniform squeezing force on the soft tissue of the breast, and the distribution of this force is similar to the pressure distribution when a baby sucks; second, through the design of the second opening H10, this pressure will cause the nipple to protrude outward, helping to overcome problems such as inverted nipples and facilitating breastfeeding.
[0051] In practical applications, users simply need to align the nipple corrector 10 with the breast, ensuring that the first opening H11 forms a good seal with the skin, and the second opening H10 is aligned with the nipple, then activate the negative pressure pump. The entire process is simple to operate, and users can adjust the negative pressure intensity at any time according to their own comfort.
[0052] The breastfeeding aid for nipple defects provided in this embodiment includes a double-layered nipple correction shield 10. The outer rigid shield 101 provides overall support and protection, while the inner flexible shield 102 deforms under negative pressure, thereby applying pressure to the breast. When the negative pressure pump is working, the flexible shield 102 contracts evenly inward under negative pressure. This contraction force can both compress the soft tissue of the breast and guide the nipple outward through the second opening H10. This structural design not only avoids the potential damage caused by directly applying negative pressure to the nipple, but also simulates the physiological process of infant sucking through the even compression of the flexible shield 102, allowing the nipple to naturally emerge from the second opening H10, thus facilitating breastfeeding. Simultaneously, the trumpet-shaped overall structure and sealing design ensure the stability of the negative pressure effect, and the operation is simple, safe, and reusable, effectively helping mothers with nipple defects overcome breastfeeding obstacles.
[0053] In some embodiments of this utility model, the flexible inner cover 102 includes a first cover segment 1021, a second cover segment 1022, and a third cover segment 1023 connected sequentially from the large end to the small end. The first cover segment 1021 and the third cover segment 1023 are tightly attached to the inner wall of the rigid outer cover 101 and fixed to the rigid outer cover 101. The second cover segment 1022 has a gap with the rigid outer cover 101 and can deform inward under the action of negative pressure inside the flexible inner cover 102 to squeeze the breast inside the flexible inner cover 102.
[0054] In this embodiment, the flexible inner cover 102 adopts a multi-segment structure design, with a first segment 1021, a second segment 1022, and a third segment 1023 arranged sequentially from the large end to the small end. This segmented design fully considers the different functional requirements of each part during use. The first segment 1021 is located at the large end of the flexible inner cover 102, and its design matches the contour of the breast base to ensure a good fit. The second segment 1022 is the compression function part of the flexible inner cover 102, which maintains a certain gap with the rigid outer cover 101. Its purpose is to generate uniform and controllable inward deformation under negative pressure. The third segment 1023 is located at the small end of the flexible inner cover 102, through which the nipple can protrude.
[0055] When the negative pressure pump is working, a negative pressure environment is created inside the flexible inner cover 102, causing the second cover section 1022 to deform inward under this negative pressure. Since the first cover section 1021 and the third cover section 1023 are fixed to the rigid outer cover 101, the deformation is mainly concentrated in the area of the second cover section 1022. This deformation is a gradual process; as the negative pressure increases, the second cover section 1022 gradually contracts inward, thereby applying a gentle and uniform squeezing force to the breast. The distribution and magnitude of this squeezing force can be controlled by adjusting the working intensity of the negative pressure pump.
[0056] This multi-segment structural design achieves a directional and controllable squeezing effect. The fixed design of the first segment 1021 and the third segment 1023 ensures the overall stability and sealing of the device, while the deformable design of the second segment 1022 provides the ideal squeezing effect. This structure can generate uniform squeezing force to help expose the nipple, while avoiding the discomfort that may be caused by directly applying negative pressure to the nipple.
[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, the flexible inner cover 102 further includes a fourth cover section 1024 connected to the third cover section 1023. The fourth cover section 1024 has the second opening H10. The fourth cover section 1024 does not contact the rigid outer cover 101 and can deform inward under the action of negative pressure inside the flexible inner cover 102 to squeeze the nipple area inside the flexible inner cover 102.
[0058] In this fourteenth section, a certain distance is intentionally maintained between the fourth cover section 1024 and the rigid outer cover 101 to prevent direct contact and ensure that the fourth cover section 1024 has sufficient deformation space. The end of the fourth cover section 1024 has a second opening H10 to ensure that the nipple can pass through smoothly, while forming a good seal with the tissue around the nipple.
[0059] When the negative pressure pump is working, the fourth section 1024 deforms inward under negative pressure. This deformation is highly uniform and controllable. During deformation, the fourth section 1024 gently squeezes the area around the nipple, and this squeezing force works synergistically with the force generated by the second section 1022. By adjusting the negative pressure intensity, pressure control can be achieved in the area around the nipple, helping the nipple to naturally protrude. At the same time, an inwardly contracting annular pressure band is formed in the area around the nipple. This pressure distribution is closer to the natural state of a baby sucking, improving the effectiveness of use.
[0060] In one embodiment of this invention, the inner wall of the fourth section 1024 is provided with multiple massage bumps for pressing the area around the nipple. The cross-section of the massage bumps can be circular, elliptical, or other smooth curved surfaces to ensure that they do not cause skin irritation or discomfort during use.
[0061] During use, when the negative pressure pump is operating, the fourth section 1024 contracts inward under negative pressure. At this time, the massage bumps distributed on the inner wall, along with the deformation of the fourth section 1024, exert a gentle pressing effect on the area around the nipple. This pressing action helps promote local blood circulation and relieve tissue discomfort. From a physiological perspective, the design of the massage bumps simulates the stimulation of the area around the nipple by an infant's tongue and palate during sucking. This mechanical stimulation not only helps the nipple become more exposed but also promotes the secretion of prolactin, which has a positive effect on breastfeeding.
[0062] Preferably, the second cover section 1022 is provided with a vent hole that connects the gap between the second cover section 1022 and the rigid outer cover 101. This makes it easier for the second cover section 1022 to deform inward and improves the reliability of its compression action.
[0063] In one embodiment of this utility model, a controller 20 is further included. The controller 20 includes a housing 201 and a control panel 202. The negative pressure pump is disposed inside the housing 201, and the control panel 202 is disposed on the housing 201 and connected to the negative pressure pump for controlling and adjusting the negative pressure pump. For ease of carrying and use, the controller 20 is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery, providing a long battery life.
[0064] In practical applications, different adjustment functions can be achieved through the control panel 202, such as: 1) Negative pressure intensity adjustment: The negative pressure value can be controlled, and the current negative pressure value is displayed in real time on the display screen 203. 2) Working mode selection: Two options are provided: continuous mode and intermittent mode. The intermittent mode can simulate the natural sucking rhythm of an infant. 3) Timer function: The working time can be set, and it will automatically stop when the time is up to prevent excessive use.
[0065] In this embodiment, the controller 20 achieves precise control of the negative pressure pump, which greatly improves the user experience and significantly enhances the functionality and practicality of the entire breastfeeding aid.
[0066] Preferably, the negative pressure pump is a pulse-type negative pressure pump, capable of generating periodically changing negative pressure. The control panel 202 is equipped with pulse frequency adjustment buttons and pulse intensity adjustment buttons. Using a pulse-type negative pressure pump enables precise control of the negative pressure waveform, and independent frequency and intensity adjustment allows users to make precise adjustments according to their individual needs. This not only allows the product to better simulate an infant's natural sucking pattern but also provides users with a more personalized and comfortable user experience.
[0067] In one embodiment of this utility model, the controller 20 further includes a timer and a reminder device. The timer is used to record the usage duration, and the reminder device emits a reminder signal when the preset time is reached. The control panel 202 is provided with a time setting interface for setting the usage duration and reminder interval.
[0068] The control panel 202 features a time setting interface, allowing users to configure time-related settings. For example, users can set the total duration of a single use, such as 15 minutes or 20 minutes. They can also set reminder intervals, such as reminding every 5 minutes, to help users better manage their usage. Reminders can be provided via sound or vibration.
[0069] The timing and reminder functions in this embodiment enhance the safety of device use. Through precise time control and a user-friendly reminder mechanism, the risk of overuse is effectively avoided, ensuring standardized and safe use. Furthermore, it provides users with a more intelligent and convenient user experience.
[0070] In one embodiment of this utility model, a heating wire is provided in the cavity between the rigid outer cover 101 and the flexible inner cover 102. The heating wire is spirally wound around the outer surface of the flexible inner cover 102 for heating the flexible inner cover 102. The control panel 202 is provided with a temperature adjustment button for adjusting the heating temperature of the heating wire.
[0071] The heating wire is spirally wound tightly around the outer surface of the flexible inner cover 102. Since the flexible inner cover 102 is made of silicone, which has inherent heat transfer properties, this winding arrangement allows for relatively uniform heat transfer from the heating wire to the entire surface of the flexible inner cover 102. Both ends of the heating wire extend out of the rigid outer cover 101 and are electrically connected to the controller 20 via wires. The control panel 202 includes a temperature adjustment button and a temperature display screen 203. Users can set a target heating temperature, such as 40℃ or 45℃, for comfortable use. Furthermore, an upper temperature limit can be set to ensure safe operation.
[0072] In this embodiment, a heating wire is used to provide gentle heating. The moderate temperature not only makes the postpartum woman more comfortable and natural to use, but also promotes local blood circulation and relieves pain. In addition, the warm environment helps stimulate milk secretion.
[0073] For example, the controller 20 is connected to a lanyard 204, which allows the mother to hang the device around her neck during use, making it more convenient to use.
[0074] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.
[0075] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A nipple deficiency assisted latching device, characterized in that, The nipple correction cover comprises a hard outer cover and a flexible inner cover, both of which are trumpet-shaped, the flexible inner cover is coaxially arranged inside the hard outer cover, the large end of the flexible inner cover has a first opening, and the small end of the flexible inner cover has a second opening; the first opening is suitable for covering the breast and sealing with the breast, and the second opening is suitable for exposing the nipple and sealing with the surrounding area of the nipple; A negative pressure pump is arranged on the hard outer cover and connected with the flexible inner cover to create a negative pressure effect by vacuumizing the flexible inner cover through the negative pressure pump, so as to force the flexible inner cover to squeeze the breast and make the nipple exposed from the second opening; The flexible inner cover comprises a first cover section, a second cover section and a third cover section connected in sequence from the large end to the small end, the first cover section and the third cover section are tightly attached to the inner wall of the hard outer cover and fixed with the hard outer cover, and the second cover section has a gap with the hard outer cover and can deform inward under the action of the negative pressure inside the flexible inner cover to squeeze the breast inside the flexible inner cover. The flexible inner cover further comprises a fourth cover section connected to the third cover section, the fourth cover section has the second opening, the fourth cover section is not in contact with the hard outer cover and can deform inward under the action of the negative pressure inside the flexible inner cover to squeeze the surrounding area of the nipple inside the flexible inner cover.
2. The nipple imperfection assisted latching device of claim 1, wherein, The inner wall of the fourth cover section is distributed with a plurality of massage protrusions for pressing the surrounding area of the nipple.
3. The nipple imperfection assisted latching device of claim 2, wherein, The second cover section is provided with a vent hole communicating the gap between the second cover section and the hard outer cover.
4. The nipple imperfection assisted latching device of claim 2, wherein, The controller further comprises a timer and a reminding device, the timer is used to record the use time, when the preset time is reached, the reminding device sends a reminding signal; the control panel is provided with a time setting interface for setting the use time and the reminding interval.
5. The nipple imperfection assisted latching device of claim 1, wherein, A heating wire is arranged in the cavity between the hard outer cover and the flexible inner cover, the heating wire is spirally wound on the outer surface of the flexible inner cover for heating the flexible inner cover; the control panel is provided with a temperature adjusting button for adjusting the heating temperature of the heating wire.
6. The nipple imperfection assisted latching device of claim 5, wherein, 7. The nipple imperfection assisted latching device of claim 5, wherein, 8. The nipple imperfection assisted latching device of claim 5, wherein,