Breast pump system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a breast pump system. A breast pump system comprises a first expression kit, an energy storage buffer, an actuator comprising a first back-to-back chamber and a second back-to-back chamber with a partition between the first and second back-to-back chambers, and a drive system for driving the actuator to change the volume of the first and second chambers, wherein the first expression kit is coupled to the first chamber and the buffer is coupled to or formed by the second chamber. Utilizing embodiments of the present disclosure advantageously avoids the need for a continuously running pump to deliver negative pressure and avoids the need for a complex valve arrangement. In addition to simplifying the hardware, it also reduces energy consumption by enabling the first and second kits or buffer to be coupled together.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to breast pump systems, such as those having an expression kit for each breast. Background Technology

[0002] Breastfeeding women use breast pumps to express milk so that the expressed milk can be fed to the baby at a later time.

[0003] Typically, the breast is placed in a funnel-shaped cup, and a vacuum is applied to extract milk. Breast pumps usually have two operating modes: a stimulation mode and an extraction mode. During stimulation mode, the milk-expelling reflex is stimulated. When the breast pump is activated, a pressure source inside the pump, such as a vacuum pump, creates a vacuum, and the stimulation mode can begin. The vacuum pump is usually driven by an electric motor. For portable breast pumps, these motors are powered by batteries.

[0004] Wearable breast pumps are characterized by their ability to be worn entirely on the user's body, allowing for free movement. Some are even small enough to fit inside the user's bra. The motor, battery, and milk container are integrated, for example, into a single unit.

[0005] Typically, it is desirable to squeeze both breasts simultaneously. Users will then usually receive a set of identical devices (e.g., in a housing) to enable settings for independently performing stimulation and squeezing on each breast.

[0006] It has been recognized that when using two breast pumps, energy efficiency can be improved by transferring at least some vacuum pressure between the pumps instead of venting the vacuum pressure to the ambient environment as it increases as part of a cyclic pressure waveform. For example, WO2020 / 007671 and WO2023 / 117684 each disclose a dual breast pump device that allows vacuum to be transferred between two pumping units. Thus, the volume of one pumping unit serves as a negative pressure storage volume for the other. However, a complex valve arrangement is required in each case. Valves are relatively expensive and require significant energy. This partially offsets the energy-saving benefits of reusing the vacuum. Furthermore, if a baseline vacuum is required, an even more complex solution is needed.

[0007] US2015 / 283311 discloses a breast pump system. In one example, two squeezing devices are connected to opposite ends of a hydraulic piston. This provides alternating breast suction using the two squeezing devices.

[0008] US5954690 discloses another dual-suction breast pump assembly. Two pumping devices are again connected to opposite ends of a hydraulic piston to provide alternating breast suction.

[0009] US2005 / 283112 discloses another breast pump system with two squeezing devices. Utility Model Content

[0010] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a breast pump system that at least partially solves the aforementioned problems existing in the prior art.

[0011] One aspect of this disclosure provides a breast pump system, comprising: a first squeezing assembly; an energy storage buffer; an actuator including a first back-to-back chamber and a second back-to-back chamber, with a separator between the first back-to-back chamber and the second back-to-back chamber; and a drive system for driving the actuator to change the volume of the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein the first squeezing assembly is coupled to the first chamber, and the buffer is coupled to or formed by the second chamber.

[0012] According to one or more embodiments, a first vent valve is configured to vent the first extrusion kit to the atmosphere.

[0013] According to one or more embodiments, the separator of the actuator is movable to change the volume of the first chamber and the second chamber, and the sum of the volumes of the first chamber and the second chamber is constant.

[0014] According to one or more embodiments, the drive system includes a controller configured to: drive the separator from a first position to a second position to increase the volume of the first chamber and decrease the volume of the second chamber, thereby reducing the pressure at the first compression assembly; and return the separator from the second position to the first position.

[0015] According to one or more embodiments, the controller is configured to return the separator to the first position by releasing the separator under the action of the pressure difference across the piston, while at least partially returning the separator from the second position to the first position.

[0016] According to one or more embodiments, the controller is configured to set the speed and stroke length of the movement of the separator to produce a desired vacuum distribution.

[0017] According to one or more embodiments, a second actuator is included, the second actuator comprising a third back-to-back chamber and a fourth back-to-back chamber, a partition being provided between the third back-to-back chamber and the fourth back-to-back chamber, wherein the third chamber is coupled to the first chamber and the fourth chamber is vented to the atmosphere, and wherein the drive system is used to drive the actuator and the second actuator to change the volume of the first chamber and the second chamber and to change the volume of the third chamber and the fourth chamber.

[0018] According to one or more embodiments, the drive system is used to independently drive the actuator and the second actuator.

[0019] According to one or more embodiments, the drive system is configured to move the separator of one actuator while keeping the separator of the other actuator stationary, such that movement of one separator does not cause movement of the other separator.

[0020] According to one or more embodiments, a second extrusion assembly is included, wherein both the first extrusion assembly and the second extrusion assembly are coupled to the first chamber.

[0021] The embodiments of this disclosure advantageously avoid the need for a continuously operating pump to deliver negative pressure and also avoid the need for complex valve arrangements. In addition to simplifying the hardware, it also reduces energy consumption by enabling the first and second components, or buffers, to be coupled together. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To better understand this disclosure, and to more clearly illustrate how to implement it, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings by way of example only, wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 A known breast pump system is shown;

[0024] Figure 2 The image shows a mother wearing two wearable breast pumps.

[0025] Figure 3 A first breast pump system with a pump shared between two pumping units is shown;

[0026] Figure 4 The operating cycle of the first breast pump system is shown;

[0027] Figure 5 The operating cycle of the second breast pump system is shown;

[0028] Figure 6 A breast pump system with a squeezing kit and a buffer is shown;

[0029] Figures 7 to 11 It shows Figure 6 The system's operational phases; and

[0030] Figure 12 This demonstrates the use of a buffer shared between the two extrusion kits. Detailed Implementation

[0031] This disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] It should be understood that the detailed descriptions and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatuses, systems, and methods, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatuses, systems, and methods of this disclosure will become more readily apparent from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are merely illustrative and not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to denote the same or similar parts.

[0033] This disclosure provides a breast pump system including a first assembly and a second assembly or buffer. An actuator includes back-to-back chambers on opposite sides of a separator (e.g., a piston), and a drive system is used to actuate the actuator to change the volume of the first and second chambers. The first assembly is connected to the first chamber, and the second assembly or buffer is connected to the second chamber. One or both of the first and second assemblies (if present) include a vent valve for venting to the atmosphere.

[0034] Figure 1 A known breast pump system 1 is shown, which includes a single squeezing assembly 2 and a pump unit 3 connected via a tube 4. The pump unit includes various components in addition to the pump and can therefore be considered a general-purpose operating unit.

[0035] The squeezing kit 2 has a body 7, a funnel 5 for receiving the user's breast, and a container 6 for collecting the squeezed milk. The funnel 5 and container 6 are connected to the body 7. The body 7 includes a vacuum chamber. A flexible membrane or diaphragm is located in the vacuum chamber. The membrane prevents the squeezed milk from flowing into the tube 4 leading to the pump unit 3.

[0036] Alternatively, the pump unit 3 can be directly mounted and connected to the main body 7. In this case, the membrane prevents the squeezed milk from flowing directly into the pump unit 3.

[0037] Pump assembly 3 includes a controller 10, a power supply 12, a motor 14, and a vacuum pump 16. The vacuum pump includes an impeller driven by the motor. The controller 10 controls the operation of the power source 12 and the motor 14 (and the vacuum pump 16). Pump assembly 3 also includes vacuum ventilation components, such as a solenoid valve 18.

[0038] In use, a vacuum pump applies a vacuum to the membrane located in the body 7, causing the membrane to deform. The membrane deforms to create a vacuum in the funnel 5, which in turn applies a vacuum to the breast, thereby enabling the expression of milk. Although the breast pump system 1 is described as including a membrane such that a vacuum is applied indirectly to the breast, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, a vacuum is applied directly to the user's breast. In this case, the breast pump system does not include a membrane, and the vacuum generated by the vacuum pump is applied directly to the breast.

[0039] A vacuum is applied to the breasts at regular intervals. That is, a pressure differential is applied on a cyclic basis. In this known system, after a vacuum has been established, the pressure from the vacuum is released by using a temporarily open solenoid valve. The solenoid valve is an electromechanically operated valve configured to open and close an air passage connecting the vacuum side of the vacuum pump to the ambient air, such that when the solenoid valve is closed, the vacuum pump creates a vacuum in the squeezing assembly, allowing milk to be squeezed from the user's breasts. When the solenoid valve is open, the vacuum created by the vacuum pump is released along with the ambient air flow towards the vacuum or negative pressure created by the vacuum pump, thus partially or completely reducing the pressure applied to the user's breasts.

[0040] This is a basic description of the known operation of a standard breast pump system.

[0041] There are also wearable breast pumps, for example, designed to be installed inside nursing bras. All the aforementioned drivetrain components are then formed within a housing that fits onto the breast. In one design, the drivetrain (pump, motor, controller) is located at the top, and a collection container is formed at the bottom. This allows for more discrete breast suction. Of course, other designs are also possible.

[0042] Figure 2 The image shows a mother wearing two wearable breast pumps 20.

[0043] In this design, Figure 1 The funnel 5 is implemented as a breast shield, and the breast shield is housed within the shell of a wearable breast pump.

[0044] This disclosure will be described with reference to a breast pump system having two squeezing components. Each squeezing component is a component for fitting onto a user's breast and includes, for example, a breast shield and an optional membrane (referred to as a diaphragm) between the breast shield and the breast, such that the membrane restricts the components of the breast pump system from potential contamination by breast milk.

[0045] However, this disclosure can also be applied to breast pump systems with a single squeezing assembly. This disclosure particularly relates to reducing energy loss when venting the squeezing assembly to the ambient environment. When two squeezing assemblies are present, this disclosure relates to balancing the pressure between them so that pressure considered to be discharged can be reused. However, a buffer (i.e., a pressure storage container) can be used instead of a second squeezing assembly to store energy as a vacuum, rather than allowing it to vent to ambient pressure.

[0046] First, an example of a breast pump system with two squeezing components will be described. Then, it will be explained how the concept can be applied to a system with one squeezing component and a buffer.

[0047] Figure 3 A breast pump system including a first compression kit 30 and a second compression kit 32 is shown. Each compression kit is a wearable device, and each compression kit includes a breast shield.

[0048] Instead of using a pump to generate negative pressure and thus create a vacuum distribution, this disclosure utilizes an actuator 34 connected between two extrusion kits. In a known manner, each extrusion kit may include a milk sensor for sensing milk flow and for measuring flow rate.

[0049] In typical devices, the squeezing kits are independent and identical. However, the squeezing kits can also have different sets of components to reduce hardware duplication. For example, US2020 / 155738 discloses a wearable breast pump with two squeezing kits, but only one of them has a controller or battery or pump for use by both squeezing kits.

[0050] The entire system can be wearable (so that the actuator is located on a pressing tool) or it can be portable, for example, with an actuator and associated drive system located away from the pressing tool, such as mounted on a belt.

[0051] Figure 4 The structure is shown in more detail, and also... Figure 3 The operational phase of the breast pump system.

[0052] The system includes a first kit 30, a second kit 32, and an actuator 34.

[0053] The actuator includes back-to-back chambers 42, 44, each having a first and a second volume on opposite sides of the partition. The total volume is constant, such that when one volume increases, the other volume decreases.

[0054] The simplest implementation of the actuator is in the form of a cylinder housing a piston (which acts as a separator), forming a pneumatic actuator. This is Figure 4The example of an actuator is shown. The movement of the piston changes the volume of the cylinder on each side, allowing a single drive signal to control both volumes. However, an actuator can be more generally considered to comprise two displacement pumps connected back-to-back. The term "back-to-back" is intended to indicate functionality rather than geometry, although the piston and cylinder arrangement is also geometrically back-to-back. A functional arrangement means that when one pump delivers an increased outlet pressure, the other pump delivers a decreased outlet pressure. The two pumps execute in unison, and they operate in opposite phases.

[0055] Instead of a piston and cylinder arrangement, bellows-type pumps can be placed back-to-back. For example, the separator between them can be moved to simultaneously increase the volume on one side and decrease the volume on the other. However, the separator can also be fixed, with the bellows on each side moving uniformly.

[0056] A drive system 50 is provided for driving the actuator, which in the illustrated example involves moving the piston 40 toward one end or the other end of a cylinder housing the piston 40. The drive system includes an electric motor 52, such as a linear electric motor, and a controller 54. The electric motor is connected to the piston, for example, using a magnetic device.

[0057] Each kit includes a housing 60 and a membrane 62 located between the housing 60 and the breast 64. Thus, each squeezing kit defines a first cavity and a second cavity on the user's breast, the second cavity being separated from the first cavity by the membrane 62. The first cavity includes a milk extraction space connected in a known manner to a milk collection chamber.

[0058] The first assembly 30 (particularly the space between the membrane and the housing) is connected to the first chamber 42, and the second assembly 32 (particularly the space between the membrane and the housing) is connected to the second chamber 44.

[0059] In the example shown, each kit includes a vent valve 66 for venting the space between the membrane and the housing to the atmosphere. The vent valve may alternatively be located at the end of the actuator or in the connector between the kit and the actuator. The space between the membrane and the breast can be vented instead. Alternatively, overpressure relief can be achieved by squeezing the interface between the kit and the breast, thus eliminating the need for a valve.

[0060] Overpressure relief is used, for example, during the settling period before the system reaches stable operation. Overpressure relief may also be necessary because milk collection causes changes in the effective volume of the squeezing kit.

[0061] Piston 40 controls the pressure in both compression components, particularly the pressure in the connection space between the membrane and the outer shell. However, due to the pressure equalization across the membrane, there is the same pressure on the breast.

[0062] The top image shows the piston in a neutral, centered position. Initially, both compression kits are at atmospheric pressure because they are initially placed on the breast. However, the neutral position can be off-center, and this can be used to ensure that baseline negative pressure is maintained within each compression kit.

[0063] The operation of a breast pump is cyclical. There will be a start-up time consisting of multiple cycles before the pressure stabilizes to produce a repetitive sequence of pressure changes. For simplicity, Figure 4 The other cycles shown are based on the assumption that the breast pump has reached the stable operation described above.

[0064] The second image shows the piston being driven by the drive system 50 from a first neutral position to a second position, increasing the volume of the first chamber 42 and decreasing the volume of the second chamber 44, thereby reducing the pressure at the first assembly and increasing the pressure at the second assembly. If the pressure exceeds atmospheric pressure, it is vented to the atmosphere through valve 66 of the second assembly. Valve 66 is used during the start-up cycle because the pressure is preferably kept below atmospheric pressure during use (to prevent the breast shield from falling off).

[0065] The piston is then released, allowing it to return to the first position under the influence of the pressure difference on both sides of the piston. This is shown in the third image. At a pressure level between atmospheric pressure (previously in the second kit) and negative pressure (previously in the first kit), the pressure in both kits is equal.

[0066] The fourth image shows a position where the piston has been driven by the drive system 50 from a first neutral position to a third position to increase the volume of the second chamber and decrease the volume of the first chamber, thereby reducing the pressure at the second assembly and increasing the pressure at the first assembly. If the pressure exceeds atmospheric pressure, it is vented to the atmosphere through valve 66 of the first assembly.

[0067] By repeating Figure 4 The four stages shown generate a cyclic pressure waveform in each of the two extrusion kits. The piston movement speed and stroke length are used to produce the desired vacuum distribution.

[0068] If the pressure does not reach atmospheric pressure, valve 66 will not need to open during normal operation (only during initial startup) and can remain at a minimum pressure below atmospheric pressure throughout the system. One way to achieve this is to start with a non-centrally positioned piston (because they are just being applied while multiple components are at atmospheric pressure), for example, at one extreme position of the cylinder.

[0069] By not returning to the extreme position during subsequent cycles, a baseline negative pressure can be maintained in the system. The same applies to both ends of the piston movement. If the extreme position corresponds to atmospheric pressure in the side assembly, the pressure will remain below atmospheric pressure if the extreme position is not reached during subsequent cycles.

[0070] The non-central starting position effectively means that the two kits can be considered to have different volumes (when the actuator chamber volume is included), and this asymmetry allows for maintaining a baseline negative pressure. Alternatively, the kits can have different volumes, in particular different volumes.

[0071] Both squeeze units can be vented as shown in the figure. However, it is also possible for only one squeeze unit to be vented, for example, by starting in a non-central position as described above. It can be ensured that one squeeze unit does not reach atmospheric pressure, even during the start-up cycle.

[0072] Figure 5 An example with a first compression kit 30 and a buffer 70 is shown.

[0073] The buffer does not require a vent valve. The buffer is an energy storage device that stores and releases energy through pressure changes.

[0074] The system has a second actuator 80, which in this example is also shown as a cylinder and a piston 84. The second actuator defines a third chamber 81 and a fourth chamber 82 on opposite sides of the piston 84. The first and second actuators 34.80 are controlled independently. Using the second actuator, no energy is consumed when a negative pressure is generated in the buffer when the pressure of the compression kit is increased (i.e., ventilation).

[0075] One end of the second actuator is connected to the extrusion assembly 30, and the other end is connected to the atmosphere, as shown in 82. Therefore, the first ends of the two actuators are connected together and attached to the extrusion assembly. One actuator is connected to the buffer at its other end, while the other actuator is vented to the atmosphere at its other end.

[0076] Both actuators include partitions defining chambers on opposite sides. In the example shown, both actuators are pneumatic, with a cylinder housing a piston (which serves as the partition).

[0077] Figures 6 to 11 The operation cycle is shown.

[0078] exist Figure 6 In this process, a compression kit 30 is used. The first chamber 42 has the largest volume, and the second chamber 44 has the smallest volume. The piston of the second actuator 80 is located away from the vent, so that the volume connected to the compression kit is the smallest, while the vent volume is the largest.

[0079] exist Figure 7 In the process, the second actuator 80 applies negative pressure to the extrusion kit 30.

[0080] exist Figure 8 In the middle, the negative pressure is partially released using the (first) actuator 34. This again utilizes the pressure stored in the buffer 70.

[0081] exist Figure 9 Then, the negative pressure is completely released by using the second actuator 80. The piston of the first actuator remains stationary.

[0082] exist Figure 10 In the middle, the negative pressure is reapplied (to the intermediate level) using the (first) actuator 34. This repressurizes the buffer.

[0083] exist Figure 11 In the middle, a second actuator 80 is used to achieve a complete negative pressure.

[0084] Figure 11 Corresponding to Figure 7 ,therefore Figures 7 to 10 The steps of the cyclic sequence are shown.

[0085] Note that each step involves the operation of one of the two actuators. During this time, the other actuator keeps its piston (i.e., the separator) stationary, so that the movement of one piston does not cause the movement of the other piston, thereby preventing the desired vacuum increase or the vacuum from being released from the squeeze kit or buffer.

[0086] like Figures 7 to 11 The use of the buffer shown can be extended to, for example... Figure 12 The two extrusion kits shown are 30 and 300.

[0087] The second squeezing kit 300 has the same structure as the first squeezing kit, having a housing 600 and a membrane 620 located between the housing 600 and the breast 640. Thus, each squeezing kit defines a first cavity on the user's breast, and a second cavity separated from the first cavity by the membranes 62 and 620. The first cavity includes a milk extraction space connected in a known manner to a milk collection chamber. The second squeezing kit also has a vent valve 660.

[0088] The second cavities of the two extrusion kits are connected together and attached to one side of the actuator 34, as shown above. Figures 7 to 11 Therefore, the two extrusion kits operate synchronously, applying the same pressure distribution to both kits.

[0089] In all the examples above, the cyclic pressure waveform can be applied to the first kit (and the second kit, if present) in the form of a squeeze waveform. However, the same method can be applied to the stimulation waveform.

[0090] In the example above, the buffers are located away from the actuator and are connected to the second chamber via a fluid connection. However, they function as a single volume on one side of the piston. Therefore, the second chamber itself can be used as a buffer. Thus, the buffer can be formed from the second chamber, and therefore within the entire volume of the actuator.

[0091] The example above uses a circular piston within a cylindrical housing. However, a membrane can also be used, and the housing is not limited to a cylindrical shape.

[0092] When cyclic squeezing and stimulation patterns exist, they have, for example, different cycle frequencies and different maximum negative pressure (i.e., vacuum) levels.

[0093] The compression mode, for example, cycles between the baseline vacuum and the maximum vacuum (i.e., the maximum negative pressure) "Max_Vac".

[0094] First, there's the time to reach (maximum) vacuum (TTV), then the residence time (DI), then the time to reach atmospheric pressure (or baseline vacuum) (TTA), and finally the residence time (DO). Vacuum rate is defined as Max_Vac / TTV, and atmospheric rate is defined as Max_Vac / TTA.

[0095] By example:

[0096] Base_Vac = Atmospheric pressure

[0097] Max_Vac = 300 mbar (30 kPa) below atmospheric pressure.

[0098] TTV = 0.85s

[0099] DI = 0.3s

[0100] TTA = 0.05s

[0101] DO = 0.35s

[0102] This gives a total cycle time of 1.55 seconds, T_cycle.

[0103] These values ​​are just examples. The maximum negative pressure can be higher, for example, 350 mbar (35 kPa), and the duration can vary. The cycle time is typically about 1-2 seconds, usually 1 second (1 Hz).

[0104] Stimulation modes, for example, have a faster frequency, resulting in a shorter cycle time of about 0.5 seconds (2 Hz), and a lower vacuum, such as a maximum negative pressure level of 150 millibars (15 kPa).

[0105] These or other pressure distributions can be achieved by properly controlling the movement of the piston.

[0106] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a computer program including computer program code means, which, when run on a controller of a breast pump system, is adapted to implement a method of controlling the breast pump system, wherein the breast pump system includes a first squeezing assembly, a buffer, an actuator, and a drive system, the actuator including a first back-to-back chamber and a second back-to-back chamber having a partition between the first back-to-back chamber and the second back-to-back chamber, the drive system being configured to drive the actuator to change the volume of the first chamber and the volume of the second chamber, wherein the first squeezing assembly is coupled to the first chamber, and the buffer is coupled to or formed by the second chamber, wherein the method includes: controlling the drive system to drive the actuator from a first configuration to a second configuration, thereby increasing the volume of the first chamber and decreasing the volume of the second chamber, and thereby decreasing the pressure at the first squeezing assembly; and controlling the drive system to return the actuator from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0107] According to one or more embodiments, wherein the separator of the actuator is movable to change the volume of the first chamber and the volume of the second chamber, and wherein the sum of the volumes of the first chamber and the second chamber is constant, and the method includes: controlling a drive system to drive the separator from a first position to a second position to increase the volume of the first chamber and decrease the volume of the second chamber, thereby reducing the pressure at the first compression kit; and controlling the drive system to return the separator from the second position to the first position.

[0108] According to one or more embodiments, the computer program includes controlling the drive system to release the separator, thereby causing the separator to return from the second position toward the first position under a pressure difference across the piston.

[0109] According to one or more embodiments, the breast pump system includes a second actuator comprising a third back-to-back chamber and a fourth back-to-back chamber, a separator being provided between the third back-to-back chamber and the fourth back-to-back chamber, wherein the third chamber is coupled to a first chamber and the fourth chamber is vented to the atmosphere, wherein the method includes independently driving the actuator and the second actuator to change the volume of the first chamber and the volume of the second chamber, and to change the volume of the third chamber and the volume of the fourth chamber.

[0110] According to one or more embodiments, the method includes moving the separator of one actuator while keeping the separator of the other actuator stationary, such that the movement of the one separator does not cause the movement of the other separator.

[0111] According to an example of one aspect of this disclosure, a breast pump system is provided, the breast pump system comprising:

[0112] First set;

[0113] Second kit or buffer;

[0114] An actuator comprising a pair of back-to-back chambers with a spacer between the pair of back-to-back chambers; and

[0115] A drive system for driving the actuator to change the volume of the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0116] The first component is connected to the first chamber, and the second component or buffer is connected to the second chamber.

[0117] The system reduces costs by using actuators to generate a pressure profile by increasing and decreasing the volumes of the first and second components, or buffers. An increase in one volume is accompanied by a decrease in the other. Therefore, an increase in pressure in one volume is accompanied by a decrease in pressure in the other. This allows the vacuum to be shared and reused.

[0118] A first vent valve can be installed to vent the first kit into the atmosphere.

[0119] A vent valve, for example, opens when the pressure exceeds atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the vent valve prevents the pressure from increasing above atmospheric pressure (but allows the pressure to remain below atmospheric pressure).

[0120] The first venting valve may be part of the first kit, or it may be part of the actuator, or it may be in a connector between the first kit and the actuator. The venting valve allows ventilation of the space between the breast and the kit membrane, or the space outside the kit membrane. Furthermore, pressure relief can be achieved through other means besides the venting valve, for example, by designing an interface between the compression kit and the breast.

[0121] The sum of the volumes of the first and second chambers is preferably constant. The relative dimensions of the first and second chamber volumes determine the pressure on each side of the partition.

[0122] This arrangement avoids the need for a continuously operating pump to deliver negative pressure and also avoids the need for a complex valve arrangement. In addition to simplifying the hardware, it reduces energy consumption by allowing the first and second kits, or buffers, to be coupled together, ensuring that pressure is at least partially reused instead of being vented to the atmosphere to return from a vacuum level to a higher pressure level (e.g., atmospheric pressure). When using two kits, they can be controlled with alternating cyclic pressure sequences.

[0123] This disclosure can be implemented as a system having two compression kits or one kit and a buffer, the buffer being specifically provided to reduce energy loss caused by ventilation pressure to the surrounding environment.

[0124] The actuator's separators are movable, for example, to change the volumes of the first and second chambers, and the sum of the volumes of the first and second chambers is constant. This means that the volumes of both chambers can be controlled by a single actuator. The actuators act as two back-to-back displacement pumps, controlled in opposite phases.

[0125] The drive system includes, for example, a controller configured to:

[0126] The separator is driven from a first position to a second position to increase the volume of the first chamber and decrease the volume of the second chamber, thereby reducing the pressure at the first assembly; and

[0127] The separator is then returned to the first position.

[0128] This return can include using the pressure difference on both sides of the separator.

[0129] The energy required to drive the separator can be kept to a minimum by using the pressure difference across the separator to drive it back to (or toward) its neutral position.

[0130] In one example, the system may include a first kit and a second kit, wherein a second vent valve is provided for venting the second kit to the atmosphere, wherein the controller is configured to:

[0131] The separator is driven from the first position to the third position to reduce the volume of the first chamber and increase the volume of the second chamber, thereby reducing the pressure at the second assembly; and

[0132] The separator is then returned to the first position.

[0133] Again, the return may involve using the pressure difference across the separator.

[0134] Therefore, the cyclical operation of the two kits is interleaved, with one kit experiencing a decrease in pressure while the other experiences an increase in pressure.

[0135] The controller is configured, for example, to set the speed and travel length of the separator's movement in order to produce the desired vacuum distribution.

[0136] The drive system includes, for example, a linear motor.

[0137] In another example, the system may include kits and buffers.

[0138] A buffer is a closed volume that is pressurized and depressurized, and it is not applied to the breast, but rather to an internal chamber within the breast pump system; its sole purpose is to conserve energy. The buffer acts as an energy storage device, used to store energy by pressurizing or depressurizing the buffer volume. The buffer preferably has a constant volume.

[0139] The breast pump system may therefore include a second actuator comprising third and fourth back-to-back chambers with a partition between them.

[0140] The third chamber is connected to the first chamber and the fourth chamber is vented to the atmosphere.

[0141] The drive system is used to drive the actuator and the second actuator to change the volume of the first chamber and the second chamber and to change the volume of the third chamber and the fourth chamber.

[0142] The drive system is preferably used to independently drive the actuator and the second actuator.

[0143] For example, the drive system is configured to move the partition of one actuator while keeping the partition of the other actuator stationary, such that the movement of one partition does not cause the movement of the other partition.

[0144] In another example, the system may include a buffer as well as first and second kits. Therefore, a second kit exists, wherein both the first and second kits are coupled to the first chamber.

[0145] This disclosure also provides a method for controlling a breast pump system for milk extraction, wherein the breast pump system has a first assembly, a second assembly or buffer, an actuator including a pair of back-to-back chambers, and a drive system for driving the actuators to change the volume of the first and second chambers, a separator being provided between the pair of back-to-back chambers, wherein the first assembly is coupled to the first chamber and the second assembly or buffer is coupled to the second chamber, wherein the method includes:

[0146] The control drive system is configured to drive the actuator from a first configuration to a second configuration, thereby increasing the volume of the first chamber and decreasing the volume of the second chamber, and thus reducing the pressure at the first assembly; and

[0147] Control the drive system to return the actuator from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0148] Milk extraction is non-therapeutic.

[0149] The method uses the control of the volume on opposite sides of the separator to generate a negative, i.e., pressure waveform below atmospheric pressure.

[0150] The actuator's partition is movable, for example, to change the volumes of the first and second chambers, wherein the sum of the volumes of the first and second chambers is constant, and the method includes:

[0151] Controlling a drive system to drive the partition from a first position to a second position, thereby increasing the volume of the first chamber and decreasing the volume of the second chamber, and thereby reducing the pressure at the first assembly; and

[0152] The drive system is controlled to return the separator from the second position to the first position.

[0153] The breast pump system includes, for example, a first kit and a second kit, and the method further includes:

[0154] The drive system is controlled to drive the separator from the first position to the third position, thereby reducing the volume of the first chamber and increasing the volume of the second chamber, and thereby reducing the pressure at the second assembly, while venting the first assembly to the atmosphere if the pressure exceeds a threshold; and

[0155] The drive system is controlled to release the separator, thereby causing the drive system to return to the first position under the pressure difference across the separator.

[0156] When the drive system is controlled to drive the separator from the first position to the second position, if the pressure exceeds a threshold, the second kit can be vented to the atmosphere.

[0157] The method may include setting the speed and stroke length of the movement of the separator to produce a desired vacuum profile.

[0158] The breast pump system may include a second actuator comprising third and fourth back-to-back chambers with a separator between them, the third chamber being connected to a first chamber and the fourth chamber being open to the atmosphere. The method may then include independently driving the actuator and the second actuator to change the volumes of the first and second chambers as well as to change the volumes of the third and fourth chambers.

[0159] The method may include moving a separator of one actuator while keeping the separator of the other actuator stationary, such that the movement of one separator does not cause the other separator to move.

[0160] This disclosure also provides a computer program including computer program code means, which, when run on a controller of a breast pump system, is adapted to implement the above-described method.

[0161] These and other aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from the embodiments of this application.

[0162] In the example above, partial piston movement is achieved by releasing the piston and allowing it to move under the influence of different pressures on each side. However, the piston can also be actively driven to all its different positions.

[0163] By studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed disclosure. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0164] The fact that certain measures are described in mutually different dependent claims does not imply that combinations of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0165] If the term “suitable” is used in the claims or specification, it should be noted that the term “suitable” is intended to be equivalent to the term “configured as”.

[0166] Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A breast pump system, characterized in that, include: First extrusion kit; Energy storage buffer; The actuator includes a first back-to-back chamber and a second back-to-back chamber, with a partition between the first back-to-back chamber and the second back-to-back chamber; and A drive system for driving the actuator to change the volume of the first chamber and the second chamber. The first extrusion assembly is connected to the first chamber, and the buffer is connected to or formed from the second chamber.

2. The breast pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first vent valve is configured to vent the first extrusion assembly to the atmosphere.

3. The breast pump system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The actuator's separator is movable to change the volume of the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein the sum of the volumes of the first chamber and the second chamber is constant.

4. The breast pump system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive system includes a controller, which is configured to: The separator is driven from the first position to the second position to increase the volume of the first chamber and decrease the volume of the second chamber, thereby reducing the pressure at the first extrusion assembly; as well as The separator is returned from the second position to the first position.

5. The breast pump system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The controller is configured to return the separator to the first position by releasing the separator under the action of the pressure difference across the piston, while at least partially returning the separator from the second position to the first position.

6. The breast pump system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The controller is configured to set the speed and stroke length of the movement of the separator to produce a desired vacuum distribution.

7. The breast pump system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The device includes a second actuator, which comprises a third back-to-back chamber and a fourth back-to-back chamber, with a partition between the third back-to-back chamber and the fourth back-to-back chamber. The third chamber is connected to the first chamber and the fourth chamber is vented to the atmosphere. The drive system is used to drive the actuator and the second actuator to change the volume of the first chamber and the second chamber, and to change the volume of the third chamber and the fourth chamber.

8. The breast pump system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The drive system is used to independently drive the actuator and the second actuator.

9. The breast pump system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The drive system is configured to move the separator of one actuator while keeping the separator of the other actuator stationary, such that movement of one separator does not cause movement of the other separator.

10. The breast pump system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It includes a second extrusion assembly, wherein both the first extrusion assembly and the second extrusion assembly are connected to the first chamber.

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