Segmented Breast Pump Flange Adapter for Variable Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional breast pumps often provide flanges that are not properly sized for individual breast sizes, leading to discomfort and reduced milk expression due to poor fit and seal.
Innovation Solution
The development of flexible polymeric flange adapters with varying axial passage diameters and removable sections to accommodate different breast sizes and suction positions, allowing for customizable fit with existing breast pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single standard-size flexible flange is provided in conventional breast pumps, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the adaptability to different breast sizes is poor leading to discomfort and reduced milk expression
Solution Approach 1:
The flange assembly is segmented into multiple components: a base flange and multiple interchangeable adapter rings with different internal diameters. This allows the same base structure to accommodate various breast sizes by simply changing the adapter ring, thereby improving adaptability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter rings are designed to nest within the base flange structure. Each adapter ring fits inside the flange opening, creating a nested configuration that allows multiple sizes to be stored in a compact manner. This nesting approach enables versatility while maintaining a space-efficient design.
2Ease of operation
If a single standard-size flexible flange is used, then manufacturing and device simplicity are maintained, but user comfort and milk expression effectiveness deteriorate due to poor fit
Solution Approach 1:
Different adapter rings provide locally optimized fit qualities for different breast sizes. Each adapter ring has a specific internal diameter matched to particular breast size ranges, ensuring that the flange opening locally adapts to the user's anatomy. This local customization improves comfort and effectiveness without requiring complete redesign of the entire flange system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flange sizes are provided, then adaptability to different breast sizes is improved, but the quantity of components and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base flange structure serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical connection to the pump mechanism, maintains structural integrity, and accommodates different adapter rings. This universal base design means that only the adapter rings need to be varied to serve different sizes, reducing the total component quantity compared to having completely separate flanges for each size.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter rings are designed to be easily removable and replaceable. Users can discard one adapter ring and recover/reuse the same base flange structure with a different adapter ring, minimizing the need for multiple permanent components and facilitating easy adaptation between sizes.
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
Provides a comfortable and effective seal, maximizing milk expression and reducing discomfort, while accommodating various breast pump configurations and daily changes in breast size.
Implementation Method 1
A first end or engagement end of each flange adapter is configured with an exterior circumferential surface which is adapted is size to form a sealed engagement with the surface of the internal circumference of the passage of the existing breast pump flange
Data Source
AI summary
A breast flange adapter is provided to adapt conventional flanges provided with conventional breast pumps to the breast of the user. The flange adapter can be provided in a kit having a plurality of such flange adapters of differing sizes. The flange adapters are configured at a first or engagement end for operative sealed engagement with the provided breast flange of conventional breast pumps.