Breast Pump Deformable Member Mimics Infant Suckling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional breast pumps fail to mimic the natural 'lactation phenomenon' by continuously applying negative pressure, leading to inefficient milk collection and discomfort for the user.

Innovation Solution

A breast pump design that includes a first detector to determine breast milk release, controlling an air pump to inflate and deflate a deformable member alternately, and a non-deformable supporting member to mimic infant suckling behaviors, allowing for intermittent and automatic suctioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional breast pump continuously applies negative pressure to suction breast milk, then milk collection can be maintained, but user discomfort and pain increase and the natural lactation phenomenon is not stimulated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemilk collection efficiencyVSAvoiduser discomfort and pain

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The breast pump employs periodic action by alternating between inflation and deflation of the deformable member in cycles. This periodic compression and release mimics the natural suckling rhythm, allowing milk collection while preventing continuous pressure that causes discomfort. The controller manages these cyclic operations to maintain productivity without harmful continuous suction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from static continuous suction to dynamic cyclic compression. The deformable member changes shape and volume repeatedly under controller guidance, creating dynamic pressure variations. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt pressure application to match natural lactation patterns, reducing discomfort while maintaining milk collection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If conventional breast pump continuously suctions breast milk, then milk can be collected, but the pituitary gland is not stimulated to secret oxytocin and the lactation phenomenon is not triggered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemilk collectionVSAvoidability to mimic natural lactation phenomenon

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The breast pump copies the mechanical action of infant suckling by using the deformable member to apply periodic compression to the breast tissue. This copying of the natural suckling motion stimulates the pituitary gland to release oxytocin and triggers the lactation phenomenon, enabling the device to both collect milk and replicate the biological response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The controller monitors the operation cycles and adjusts the inflation-deflation patterns based on detected milk flow and user response. This feedback mechanism ensures the periodic action remains aligned with natural lactation rhythms, optimizing both milk collection and physiological stimulation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If manual operation is required for breast pump, then control precision can be adjusted, but ease of operation and hands-free use are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction force controlVSAvoidhands-free operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The breast pump performs self-service by automatically controlling the inflation and deflation cycles of the deformable member through its integrated controller. The system monitors its own operation and adjusts parameters without manual intervention, achieving precise suction control while maintaining hands-free ease of operation. The detector and controller work together to self-regulate the pumping process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 breast pump effectively mimics infant suckling behaviors, stimulating milk release and reducing user discomfort by adjusting suction force and frequency automatically, leading to efficient milk collection.

Implementation Method 1

controlling an air pump to inflate and deflate a deformable member alternately

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInflation and deflation of deformable member:

Implementation Method 2

a first detector to determine breast milk release

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDetection of breast milk release:

Implementation Method 3

the breast pump can just suction the breast milk currently secreted by the breast

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure suctioning: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS12280187B2Breast pump

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 MICROJET TECH

AI summary

A breast pump includes a main body and a breast milk suctioning shield. The main body has an accommodation space. The breast milk suctioning shield is assembled in the accommodation space and detachably connected to the main body. A front end of the breast milk suctioning shield has a breast shielding portion, and a nipple passage extends from a rear end of a center portion of the breast shielding portion. One or more deformable members are assembled with an annular connection portion between the breast shielding portion and the nipple passage, and the deformable member is controlled to be inflated or deflated by a first air pump.