Automatic Breast Pump with Integrated Cooling and Self-Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast pumps do not provide a solution for automatically pumping milk while allowing the user to sleep and maintaining the milk at a cool temperature without user intervention.
Innovation Solution
A breast pump system comprising a housing with a cooling unit, vacuum pump, and a garment with breast engagement members that can be programmed to operate automatically, allowing the user to sleep while pumping and cooling the milk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a breast pump is used to extract milk, then milk can be obtained from the breast, but the user cannot sleep during operation and must manually position and monitor the device
Solution Approach 1:
The breast pump system is designed to automatically position itself using sensors that detect breast location and adjust the engagement member position without user intervention. The system self-regulates the pumping cycle, monitors milk collection, and maintains optimal suction pressure throughout operation, enabling completely hands-free operation while the user sleeps.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary positioning actions before pumping begins, using detection sensors to locate the breast and pre-adjust the engagement member to the correct position. The system also pre-cools the milk storage container before milk collection begins, ensuring immediate temperature control is available when pumping starts.
2Temperature
If milk is collected at body temperature, then pumping can occur without cooling mechanisms, but the milk cannot be preserved at a cool temperature for later use
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling unit is integrated directly into the milk storage container, merging the storage and cooling functions into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate cooling equipment while maintaining milk at optimal temperatures throughout the pumping process and storage period.
Solution Approach 2:
A thermal management system acts as an intermediary between the body temperature environment and the milk storage space, actively regulating temperature to maintain cool conditions. The system includes temperature sensors and cooling elements that work together to preserve milk quality without requiring the entire device to be cold.
3Ease of operation
If the breast engagement member is manually positioned, then the pump can be operated, but the user must remain awake and attentive during pumping
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates detection sensors that continuously monitor the position of the breast engagement member relative to the breast. The sensors provide real-time feedback to the control system, which automatically adjusts the engagement member position to maintain optimal sealing and suction. This closed-loop control ensures reliable and consistent breast engagement throughout the pumping cycle without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The breast engagement member is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing it to move and adjust its position automatically during operation. The system can shift the engagement member to accommodate breast movement or position changes, maintaining reliable contact and sealing throughout the pumping process even when the user is sleeping.
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
Enables automatic milk pumping and cooling, allowing users to sleep during operation and ensuring the milk is kept at a selected temperature, enhancing convenience and milk preservation.
Implementation Method 1
A cooling unit is coupled to the housing and is positioned within the interior space for selectively cooling the interior space
Implementation Method 2
The vacuum pump includes a motor for driving the vacuum pump, and the vacuum pump is fluidly coupled to a top end of each container to selectively cause a negative pressure within each container
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic breast pump device for automatically pumping milk from a user's breast while the user sleeps and maintaining a cool environment for the extracted milk includes a housing that contains a container, a cooling unit, and a vacuum pump. A breast engagement member is fluidly coupled to the container and is attached to a garment which the user wears to position the breast engagement member on the user's breast. The device is operable to create suction in the container and draw milk from the user's breast into the container. The cooling unit keeps the container cool.