Breast Pump Microprocessor Cyclic Suction Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional breast pumps do not accurately simulate the natural sucking cycles and pauses of a breastfeeding baby, which can lead to stress on the milk ducts and breast tissue and may not enhance milk production effectively.
Innovation Solution
A breast pump system equipped with a microprocessor that can be pre-programmed to mimic various sucking cycles interspersed with periodic pauses, allowing for a preset schedule of events over a period, such as 24 or 30 hours, enabling automatic operation without user input, and includes features like remote programming and data tracking for improved milk production and user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional breast pumps use continuous or simple cyclic suction, then the device structure remains simple and easy to operate, but they fail to accurately simulate natural breastfeeding patterns causing stress on breast tissue and reduced milk production effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by programming the microprocessor to execute sequences of sucking cycles with varying parameters (duration, intensity, pause intervals) that mimic natural infant breastfeeding patterns. The system transitions between different suction phases including initial sucking, active sucking, and pause periods, creating a realistic periodic pattern that reduces breast tissue stress while maintaining simulation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the pump to dynamically adjust suction parameters during operation based on pre-programmed sequences. The microprocessor controls real-time variations in suction intensity, cycle duration, and pause timing, allowing the device to adapt its behavior to different breastfeeding stages (colostrum phase, mature milk phase) and user needs, thereby achieving accurate natural pattern simulation.
2Extent of automation
If the breast pump requires manual operation with keyboard input, then the device complexity remains lower, but it cannot provide automated operation during restricted times and requires constant user attention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by allowing users to pre-program breastfeeding schedules, sucking cycle patterns, and operational parameters before actual use. The microprocessor stores these pre-configured sequences and automatically executes them during pumping sessions, enabling the device to operate autonomously according to predetermined plans without requiring real-time user input or attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the breast pump to automatically execute pre-programmed sequences without continuous user intervention. The microprocessor-controlled system manages its own operation, transitioning between sucking cycles and pauses autonomously, and can even adapt parameters based on detected conditions, allowing the device to serve itself and reducing the need for manual control.
3Productivity
If the breast pump uses fixed suction parameters, then the device structure and control system remain simple, but it cannot effectively enhance milk production by adapting to different breastfeeding stages and individual needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by enabling the microprocessor to dynamically modify suction parameters including intensity, duration, frequency, and pause intervals during operation. The system can transition between different parameter sets corresponding to various breastfeeding stages (colostrum removal, mature milk expression) and adjust based on individual user responses, thereby optimizing milk production effectiveness through adaptive parameter variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the pump from a static fixed-parameter device to a dynamic system that continuously adjusts suction characteristics. The microprocessor controls real-time modifications in suction strength, cycle timing, and pause duration based on pre-programmed sequences and detected conditions, allowing the device to adapt its behavior to match natural breastfeeding variability and enhance milk production effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
There is a breastfeeding device having a microprocessor having a memory embedded therein that can be pre-programmed to have a plurality of different sucking cycles interspersed with periodic pauses. These different cycles and pauses allow for an accurate modeling of a woman breastfeeding a child. In addition, this system and process can also result in a pre-programmable breastfeeding pump, which creates a preset time for initialization and a preset schedule of a series of events for breastfeeding over a period of time such as over a 24 hour or 30 hour period of time so that the user can automatically use the breast pump without having to use any of the keys on the keyboard of the device. In at least one embodiment, the device including any software which can be programmed thereon, is configured to mimic or model itself towards a suction pattern of a child.