Breast-Mounted Optical Sensor for Real-Time Milk Volume Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast milk supply monitoring technologies are inadequate for providing comprehensive and accurate assessment over time, especially outside clinical settings, and do not account for external health-related factors, leading to misconceptions about milk supply and premature weaning.
Innovation Solution
A wearable optical sensor system that uses optical signals to monitor breast milk supply, integrated with AI and machine learning models, provides real-time insights and recommendations, and can be attached to the breast for continuous monitoring, offering non-invasive and cost-effective milk volume estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing breast milk supply monitoring technologies are used, then some information on milk production can be obtained, but the monitoring is inadequate for comprehensive and accurate assessment over time and cannot provide real-time insights outside clinical settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or clinical assessment methods with optical sensing technology. The optical sensor detects changes in breast tissue properties (such as density or composition) through optical signals, enabling non-invasive, real-time monitoring of milk supply without requiring clinical settings or physical manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical sensor as an intermediary device between the breast tissue and the measurement system. This sensor acts as a mediator that can continuously detect optical property changes in the breast tissue, translating physical changes into measurable signals for comprehensive milk supply assessment.
2Reliability
If clinical monitoring methods are used, then accurate milk production information can be obtained, but the system is not suitable for home use and lacks continuous real-time feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to perform self-service monitoring by placing the optical sensor on the breast, allowing it to autonomously detect and transmit milk supply information without requiring clinical intervention. The sensor continuously self-monitors tissue optical properties and provides real-time feedback, making the system accessible for home use while maintaining reliable accuracy.
3Quantity of substance
If formula supplementation is advised to address perceived insufficient milk supply, then infant nutrition can be ensured, but this can diminish actual milk supply and lead to premature weaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical sensor continuously monitors breast tissue optical properties and provides real-time information on actual milk supply. This feedback loop allows mothers to understand their true milk production levels, reducing anxiety-driven formula supplementation and enabling informed decisions about breastfeeding continuation, thereby preventing milk supply diminution.
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 system offers real-time, non-invasive monitoring of breast milk supply, empowering users with accurate insights and personalized guidance to enhance breastfeeding confidence and maternal and infant health outcomes, while being adaptable to various environments.
Implementation Method 1
The optical sensor can include one or more optical fibers, lasers, or light emitting diodes configured to emit and detect light reflected from the breast tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are techniques for a breast-mounted optical sensor system for measuring and monitoring milk volume. The system can include an optical sensor that can detect changes in breast volume, a wireless communication module for transmitting data to a mobile device, and a processor for analyzing the detected changes in breast volume and generating milk volume data. The optical sensor can emit and detect light reflected from breast tissue. The light can have wavelengths of visible light, infrared light, or a combination thereof. The optical sensor can attach to a breast of a user.