Adjustable breast pump flange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast pumping systems often cause discomfort due to fixed flange positions, leading to inefficient milk extraction and reduced milk production, as mothers must maintain poor posture and contort themselves to achieve a good seal, which can result in sub-optimal positioning and reduced milk volume.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable breast pumping flange assembly with a tube extending from the flange to a bottle, featuring an adjustment section that allows multi-directional adjustment and secure locking, enabling comfortable positioning and preventing unintended movement, which can be used with a forward-leaning breast pumping chair for optimal milk expression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flange is fixed in position relative to the bottle, then the structure is simple and stable, but the user must maintain poor posture and contort themselves to achieve a good seal, leading to discomfort and inefficient milk extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The flange assembly incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the flange to be positioned at multiple angles and orientations relative to the bottle. This dynamic adjustment capability enables users to achieve comfortable positioning and proper alignment with their breast without maintaining poor posture, while the mechanism includes locking features to maintain the selected position during use.
2Productivity
If the flange is fixed in position, then the device is stable and easy to manufacture, but the user must frequently adjust the bottle or contort their body to maintain a good seal, reducing pumping efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The flange assembly is divided into separate adjustable components including the flange, tube, and locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, then assembled together to provide adjustable positioning. The modular design maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling efficient milk extraction through proper flange-to-breast alignment.
3Reliability
If the flange position is fixed relative to the bottle, then the connection is stable and reliable, but the user experiences discomfort and sub-optimal positioning during extended pumping sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The flange assembly incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the flange to be positioned at multiple angles and orientations relative to the bottle. This dynamic adjustment capability enables users to achieve comfortable positioning and proper alignment with their breast without maintaining poor posture, while the mechanism includes locking features to maintain the selected position during use.
4Ease of operation
If the flange is adjustable in position, then user comfort and positioning are improved, but the flange may move unintentionally and lose suction during pumping
Solution Approach 1:
The flange assembly includes a locking mechanism that secures the flange in the desired position after adjustment. This preliminary action of locking the position prevents unintended movement during pumping, ensuring that the flange remains stable and maintains proper suction once the user has achieved comfortable positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable breast pumping flange is provided. The breast pumping flange allows for adjustment of the flange angle relative to a bottle to which the flange connects. This allows for a nursing mother to more comfortably position the flanges and bottles during a pumping session. This increased comfort in turn allows for improved and more efficient milk collection.