Breast Pump Diaphragm With Asymmetric Ridge For Comfort
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current breast pumps are often uncomfortable to use and do not faithfully replicate the natural process of breastfeeding, with complex designs that are difficult to clean.
Innovation Solution
A diaphragm for breast pumps featuring a flexible membrane with a cavity having an internal ridge to simulate the tongue of a baby, providing a non-rotationally symmetric design that enhances user comfort and milk flow efficiency, along with a compact and wearable breast pump system with a simplified assembly for easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional rotationally symmetric diaphragm design is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the user comfort and natural breastfeeding replication is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by introducing a non-rotationally symmetric ridge structure extending from the base toward the center of the cavity. This asymmetric feature creates distinct zones within the cavity that better replicate the natural breastfeeding process, improving user comfort while maintaining a relatively simple overall diaphragm design.
Solution Approach 2:
The ridge structure creates local variations in the cavity geometry, providing different functional zones: a central region for nipple engagement and lateral regions for milk flow. This local differentiation enhances the natural breastfeeding replication without requiring complete redesign of the entire diaphragm structure.
2Reliability
If multiple parts are used in the breast pump system, then the functionality is comprehensive, but the cleaning process becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the ridge structure directly into the diaphragm as a single-piece component rather than using separate parts. This merging of features reduces the number of components that need to be disassembled for cleaning, making the system easier to maintain while preserving comprehensive milk extraction functionality.
3Productivity
If the cavity is made rotationally symmetric, then the manufacturing is easier, but the milk flow efficiency and ridge positioning is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The deliberate asymmetric positioning of the ridge structure allows for optimized milk flow paths from the lateral regions toward the central opening. This asymmetric design enables precise control over milk flow direction and efficiency while establishing clear manufacturing guidelines for ridge placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The ridge structure creates localized flow channels that guide milk efficiently toward the collection opening. By concentrating the structural feature in a specific location rather than distributing it symmetrically, the design optimizes milk flow efficiency with a straightforward manufacturing approach.
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 diaphragm design improves user comfort by accurately replicating breastfeeding and reduces the complexity of the breast pump system, making it more comfortable and easier to clean while maintaining efficient milk expression.
Implementation Method 1
When the breast pump is activated, a pressure source such as a vacuum pump inside the breast pump generates a vacuum
Implementation Method 2
the membrane acts furthermore as a massaging element on the nipple, areola and/or breast of the user. The membrane touches parts of the user's breast during the use of the breast pump. There is movement away from the breast when vacuum is applied and towards the breast when vacuum is released
Implementation Method 3
the cavity comprises a ridge which extends from a base of the cavity towards the center of the cavity... the ridge simulates the tongue of a baby, and in use it presses against a lower side of the nipple, simulating the sucking action of a baby
Implementation Method 4
a first side flow path to a first lateral side of the ridge and a second side flow path to an opposite second lateral side of the ridge. These flow paths facilitate the flow of milk from the closed (back) end of the diaphragm (to which the milk flow is directed) to the open (front) end and then to a container
Data Source
AI summary
A diaphragm for a breast pump has a cavity with an open end for receiving a nipple of a user and a closed end. The cavity has a ridge which extends from a base of the cavity towards the center of the cavity. This ridge simulates the tongue of a baby. It may for example be designed to move when vacuum pressure is applied and released to form a peristaltic sucking motion