Wearable Breast Pump Bra With Cable-Loop Massage Compression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast milk expression methods, particularly manual pumping, are inefficient in terms of milk volume, nutritional value, and time required, and can lead to issues like clogged milk ducts and engorgement.
Innovation Solution
A wearable breast milk expression apparatus with a bra integrated massage units that apply compression-expansion cycles using cable loops and actuators, combined with suction, to mimic breast massage and enhance milk expression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual pumping is used, then simplicity of operation is maintained, but milk expression efficiency and volume are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (massage, compression, suction) into a single integrated wearable apparatus that attaches to the breast, merging manual massage actions with mechanical suction to improve milk expression efficiency while maintaining portability and ease of use
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides massage through rolling elements, applies compression through adjustable mechanisms, and generates suction through a vacuum pump, making it a multi-functional device that addresses various aspects of milk expression in one system
2Quantity of substance
If pumping duration is extended to increase milk volume, then milk expression completeness improves, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs periodic compression-expansion cycles through the massage actuator that rolls back and forth along the ducts, creating rhythmic stimulation that enhances milk flow and allows for more complete emptying of milk stores in reduced time
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous suction while simultaneously applying periodic massage and compression, ensuring that the useful action of milk expression continues without interruption, maximizing milk volume extraction efficiency throughout the pumping session
3Reliability
If manual massage is applied during pumping, then milk duct clearing and engorgement prevention improve, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs the massage and compression actions automatically through its built-in actuators and mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual user intervention while effectively clearing milk ducts and preventing engorgement through consistent mechanical action
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 apparatus increases milk volume and nutritional value, reduces expression time, and prevents clogged ducts by effectively mimicking breast massage, thereby improving the efficiency of milk extraction.
Implementation Method 1
apply compression-expansion cycles to one or both of the first and second pads by adjusting effective length of cable loops
Implementation Method 2
A first plurality of cable loops is provided with portions that extend circumferentially about an outer surface of the first pad and that are displaceable relative to the first pad
Implementation Method 3
The vacuum pump can provide suction to an external suction head and bottle assembly for one or both of the left and right breast of the user during the compression-expansion cycles
Data Source
AI summary
A breast milk expression apparatus includes a bra having a first pad configured to surround the left breast of a user and a second pad configured to surround the right breast of the user. First and second pluralities of cable loops have portions that extend circumferentially about an outer surface of the first and second pads and that are displaceable relative to the first and second pads. respectively. A unit is configured to operably couple to one or both of the first and second pluralities of cable loops to apply compression-expansion cycles to one or both of the first and second pads by adjusting effective length of cable loops operably coupled thereto. The bra has at least one integral pocket with an opening that is configured to removably receive the unit such that the pocket encloses and secures at least part of the unit during use. In embodiments. the pocket is formed from fabric that is knitted or sewn or otherwise joined to or integrated into the bra. Other features and aspects are described and claimed.