Breast Pump Time-Delayed Activation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrically operated breastpumps require the mother to position the breast shields before activating the pump, which can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, as the generated vacuum interferes with optimal placement.

Innovation Solution

A breastpump with an electronic control unit that allows for a time-delayed activation of the pump assembly, enabling the mother to switch it on first and then position the shields, with optional immediate or delayed start selection, and featuring a switch or speech recognition module for activating/deactivating the delay, along with a display unit for timing indication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the breastpump is switched on immediately to generate vacuum, then the expressing function is activated, but the breast shields cannot be positioned optimally on both breasts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexpressing function activationVSAvoidbreast shield positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is configured to activate the pump assembly only after a time delay following the switching-on signal, allowing the user to position breast shields before vacuum generation begins. This preliminary positioning action resolves the contradiction by separating the shielding preparation from the vacuum activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a dynamic time delay parameter that can be adjusted or deactivated by the user. This dynamic control allows flexibility in timing between switch-on and pump activation, adapting to different user needs and situations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the breast shields are positioned first and then the pump is activated, then optimal positioning is achieved, but the user has no hand free to activate the breastpump

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreast shield positioningVSAvoidactivation sequence control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically manages the pump activation sequence based on a simple user input (switch-on signal). The system self-regulates the timing and activation without requiring manual intervention during the delay period, reducing operational complexity while maintaining optimal positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a time delay is introduced between switch-on and pump activation, then breast shield positioning is facilitated, but the expressing process is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreast shield positioningVSAvoidexpressing process duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The time delay is made adjustable or selectable by the user, allowing optimization between positioning time and overall expressing duration. Users can adapt the delay duration to their specific needs, balancing shield positioning requirements with time efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20220047785A1Breast pump

Publication Date: 2022.02.17 MEDELA AG

AI summary

An electrically operated breast pump for pumping human breast milk comprises an electrical pump unit (15) and an electronic control unit (14) for controlling the pump unit (15). The pump unit (15) can be activated by the control unit (14) in a time-delayed manner. The breast pump according to the invention allows a stress-free start of the process of pumping breast milk in a simple manner.