Breast Guard Liquid Retention Space for Pump Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Breast pumping often results in milk leakage beyond the suction flange, causing discomfort and embarrassing stains, due to improper connection and detachment of the flange, leading to friction and blisters, and existing solutions like balms leave an oily residue making sanitation difficult.
Innovation Solution
A breast guard with a liquid retention space formed by three liquid barriers, including a first barrier adhered to the interior surface, a second adhered to the breast, and a third extending between them, made of flexible, liquid-impermeable materials, which can move independently during suction cycles to prevent leakage and reduce friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If breast pump suction flange is used to extract milk, then milk extraction is achieved, but milk leakage occurs beyond the flange causing stains and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The breast pump system is segmented into multiple functional components: the original suction flange, and an additional leakage prevention device with separate barriers (inner barrier, outer barrier, and skirt). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the flange extracts milk while the additional barriers contain and redirect leakage, resolving the contradiction between extraction efficiency and leakage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The leakage prevention device acts as an intermediary component between the breast and the suction flange. The inner barrier, outer barrier, and skirt form intermediate structures that intercept milk before it can leak beyond the flange, redirecting it into a containment area. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by providing a intermediate zone that manages the harmful leakage while preserving the original extraction function.
2Productivity
If flange is firmly connected to breast for effective pumping, then milk extraction improves, but friction and rubbing cause blisters and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The inner barrier is made of flexible material that can conform to the breast surface and move with it during pumping. This flexible film structure provides a protective layer between the rigid flange and the sensitive breast tissue, reducing friction and rubbing while maintaining the necessary connection for effective milk extraction. The flexibility allows the barrier to accommodate breast movement without causing discomfort or blisters.
3Quantity of substance
If breast pumping is performed for extended periods, then milk storage goals are achieved, but discomfort and leakage increase over time
Solution Approach 1:
The leakage prevention device provides beforehand cushioning by creating a containment area with the inner barrier, outer barrier, and skirt before leakage occurs. This pre-configured structure anticipates and prevents the harmful effects of leakage and discomfort during extended pumping sessions. The containment area acts as a buffer that manages milk flow throughout the entire pumping duration, allowing mothers to achieve their milk storage goals without the compounding discomfort and leakage that would otherwise increase over time.
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
Effectively reduces milk leakage and friction during breast pumping, preventing stains and discomfort while allowing for easy sanitation.
Implementation Method 1
A collapsible member extends from the breast contacting member to the flange contacting member. The collapsible member forms a liquid barrier between the breast contacting member and flange contacting member.
Implementation Method 2
The second liquid barrier may include a washable low trauma adhesive for sealing against the wearer's breast.
Data Source
AI summary
A breast guard for use with a breast pump suction flange having an interior surface for placement against a wearer's breast and a liquid extraction port that extracts liquid from the wearer's breast includes a first liquid barrier in contact with the interior surface, a second liquid barrier in contact with the wearer's breast, and a third liquid barrier extending from the first liquid barrier to the second liquid barrier. The first liquid barrier, second liquid barrier, and third liquid barrier collectively form a liquid retention space that retains breast liquid therein. The breast guard may retain leakage and reduce irritation to the breast while breast pumping.