Breast Pump Valve Assembly for Continuous Suction and Milk Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast pumps are inefficient due to the release of suction after each cycle, leading to reduced milk expression rates, discomfort, and leaks, and require large devices to generate sufficient suction.
Innovation Solution
A breast pump valve assembly with a displacement member that varies the volume of a chamber in response to pressure changes, allowing continuous suction and efficient milk expression and collection by increasing or decreasing the chamber volume to manage fluid flow through selectively openable valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If suction is released after each cycle in traditional breast pumps, then the pump can generate suction from atmospheric pressure for the next cycle, but this causes reduced milk expression rate, nipple stimulation cessation, seal failure leading to leaks, and requires large pump devices to pump large residual volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The pump chamber is divided into multiple segments (first pump chamber, second pump chamber, third pump chamber) that can operate independently or in sequence. This segmentation allows continuous suction by while one chamber is generating suction, another can be expelling milk, eliminating the need to release suction entirely while maintaining manageable chamber sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous suction on the nipple by coordinating multiple chambers to operate in sequence rather than releasing suction between cycles. The first chamber generates suction while the second chamber expels accumulated milk, ensuring uninterrupted nipple stimulation and milk expression
2Stress or pressure
If a large residual volume is present between the breast receiving part and the container, then sufficient suction can be generated, but this requires large pump devices or remote pumps that add weight and bulk
Solution Approach 1:
The pump function is divided across multiple smaller chambers (first, second, third pump chambers) rather than requiring one large chamber. Each chamber handles a portion of the suction and milk expulsion tasks, allowing sufficient suction pressure to be generated while keeping individual chamber volumes small and the overall device compact
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pump chambers are integrated into a single breast receiving part assembly, combining the suction generation and milk expulsion functions in one compact unit. This eliminates the need for separate remote pumps while maintaining effective suction pressure through coordinated chamber operation
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 assembly enables continuous suction for improved milk expression and efficient collection, reducing leaks and user discomfort, while minimizing device size.
Implementation Method 1
application of negative pressure to the first chamber causes a first movement of the displacement member to thereby increase the volume of the second chamber and draw fluid into the second chamber through the first one-way valve
Data Source
AI summary
A breast pump valve assembly includes a first chamber and a second chamber between first and second one-way valves. The first valve allows fluid into the second chamber and the second valve allows out of the second chamber. A flow path between the second chamber and an ambient atmosphere has a third valve. A displacement member separates the first chamber and the second chamber. Negative pressure to the first chamber causes the displacement member to increase the volume of the second chamber and draw fluid into the second chamber through the first valve. When pressure in the first chamber is equal to or greater than pressure in the second chamber, the pressure in the first chamber causes the displacement member to decrease the volume of the second chamber. The third valve can be opened so movement of the displacement member directs fluid from the second chamber through the third valve.