Self-Sealing Adapter Cap for Breastmilk Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, nurses face challenges in safely extracting breastmilk from collection containers due to the need for two hands, leading to potential spills and contamination risks, as existing solutions do not adequately prevent milk loss or contamination during the transfer process.
Innovation Solution
A novel adapter cap with a housing and self-sealing membrane that includes fluid-communication and air-release openings, allowing for secure attachment to the container and minimizing contamination risks by using a syringe to open and close the fluid pathway, reducing the likelihood of spills and ensuring complete dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a nurse uses two hands to extract milk from an open collection container, then the milk can be drawn into a syringe, but the container cannot be stabilized leading to potential spills
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the stabilization function from the milk extraction function. The adapter cap with air-release opening provides automatic pressure equalization, eliminating the need for manual container stabilization while nurses perform milk extraction with one hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The air-release mechanism operates automatically through pressure differential. When the container is inverted for milk extraction, air naturally enters through the air-release opening to equalize pressure, requiring no manual intervention and maintaining container stability autonomously.
2Ease of operation
If the syringe exterior contacts an unclean surface, then the syringe can be used for milk withdrawal, but the breastmilk supply becomes contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter cap acts as an intermediary barrier between the external environment and the breastmilk supply. It provides a controlled interface where only the syringe tip (not the exterior) needs to contact the system, preventing contamination while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid valve remains closed by default, preventing any potential contamination pathway before the syringe is even inserted. The system is designed to be contamination-resistant from the outset, requiring intentional opening of the fluid path through proper syringe insertion.
3Stability of the object's composition
If air enters the container during milk withdrawal, then pressure equalization occurs, but air becomes entrained in the milk outflow
Solution Approach 1:
The air-release opening is positioned and designed to allow air entry at a location and manner that prevents air bubble formation in the milk flow path. The separate air and fluid pathways ensure air enters without becoming entrained in the milk outflow, maintaining milk quality while achieving pressure equalization.
4Productivity
If the container is inverted for milk extraction, then complete dispensing is enabled, but the seal may leak
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid valve is designed to respond dynamically to pressure changes. When the container is inverted, the valve automatically opens to allow milk flow, and when pressure equalizes or the container is returned to upright position, the valve automatically closes to maintain seal integrity, enabling both complete dispensing and leak prevention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adapter cap effectively minimizes the risk of contamination and spillage while ensuring complete dispensing of breastmilk, maintaining a leak-proof seal even when the container is inverted and providing a clean fluid path by preventing air from entering the syringe during milk withdrawal.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane defining an annular, self-sealing fluid-valve for sealing the fluid-communication opening
Implementation Method 2
The fluid-valve defines at least one aperture
Implementation Method 3
one or more air-release openings
Data Source
Figure 1A~1I
Figure 1E~1G
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
A bulk feed adapter cap for a collection container comprises: (a) a housing defining both at least one fluid-communication opening and one or more air-release openings and (b) a membrane defining an annular, self-sealing fluid-valve for sealing said fluid-communication opening, where the fluid-valve defines at least one aperture. The bulk feed adapter cap may further comprise at least one fluid-communication cap.