Adjustable Breast Pump Flange for Posture Comfort and Seal Stability
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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 pumping.
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, particularly suited for use with a forward-leaning breast pumping chair.
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 mother must maintain poor posture and contort herself to achieve a good seal
Solution Approach 1:
The flange assembly incorporates an adjustment mechanism that transforms the fixed flange into a dynamic, adjustable component. The flange can be positioned at multiple angles and orientations relative to the bottle, allowing the mother to achieve proper alignment with her breast while maintaining good posture. The mechanism includes movable joints and locking features that enable smooth adjustment while maintaining stability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange assembly is divided into separate functional components: the flange itself, the adjustment mechanism, the locking mechanism, and the bottle connection. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the flange for comfort and seal, the adjustment mechanism for positioning flexibility, and the locking mechanism for stability during pumping.
2Productivity
If the flange is adjustable in position, then the mother can maintain good posture and achieve efficient pumping, but the flange may move unintentionally and lose suction
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism employs a dynamic-locking system that transitions from a locked state (during adjustment) to a secured state (during pumping). The locking feature engages automatically when the flange reaches the desired position, transforming the adjustable mechanism into a stable, fixed connection that prevents unintended movement while maintaining the optimal position achieved during adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage and secure the flange position before the pumping process begins, preventing any potential movement or loss of suction during use. The mechanism includes friction elements and mechanical locks that provide redundant security, ensuring the flange remains firmly in position even with the forces generated during pumping.
3Reliability
If the mother adjusts the bottle to keep the flange in place, then the seal is maintained, but the bottle becomes unsteady and the process is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The flange-bottle connection system uses a dynamic adjustment mechanism with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing the flange to be positioned independently of the bottle orientation. Once adjusted, the locking mechanism secures the flange in place, eliminating the need for continuous bottle adjustment to maintain the seal. The bottle can remain stable and upright while the flange maintains its optimal position relative to the breast.
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.