Breast Pump Controller Adjusting Vacuum Pressure via Nipple Stretch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Breast pumps often cause nipple pain due to incorrect vacuum settings, leading to premature cessation of breastfeeding or pumping, as users manually set maximum vacuum levels without ensuring optimal milk output without discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A controller for breast pumps that adjusts the maximum under-pressure level based on individual nipple stretching, using sensors to measure stretching and derive a user-specific relationship between under-pressure and discomfort, allowing for automatic and adaptive pressure settings during milk expression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual vacuum setting is used, then user can control pressure level, but nipple pain occurs due to incorrect settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor nipple stretching and provide feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts the vacuum pressure in real-time based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents excessive stretching and nipple pain while maintaining effective milk extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The breast pump system performs self-adjustment of vacuum pressure without requiring manual intervention. The automated control system monitors nipple conditions and independently regulates pressure levels, eliminating the need for users to manually tune the vacuum settings.
2Productivity
If higher vacuum pressure is applied, then milk output increases, but nipple stretching increases causing pain
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts vacuum pressure levels during the pumping cycle based on real-time nipple stretching measurements. The controller modulates pressure to maintain optimal milk flow while preventing excessive stretching, adapting continuously to changing conditions rather than using fixed pressure settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the vacuum pressure parameter dynamically during operation. By monitoring nipple stretching and adjusting pressure levels accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between milk extraction efficiency and user comfort throughout the pumping session.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If automatic pressure adjustment is implemented, then nipple comfort improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electronic control system. Sensors and controllers substitute for manual user intervention, automatically monitoring nipple conditions and regulating vacuum pressure to reduce discomfort while simplifying user 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
Reduces nipple discomfort and promotes continued breastfeeding by setting optimal vacuum levels, minimizing pain and maximizing milk output, with the ability to adjust based on user feedback and environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure source coupled to said at least one breast receiving portion and being configured to generate an under-pressure for performing the milk expression
Data Source
AI summary
A breast pump device is provided, and a controller for operating a pressure source of the breast pump device. A degree of stretching of the nipple is determined during use of the breast pump device. A maximum under-pressure level to be applied during use of the breast pump is determined in dependence on the degree of stretching. This provides automatic pressure level adjustment to provide improved comfort for the user while enabling successful milk expression.