Breast Pump Attachment With Grooves For Massaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast pump inserts and nipple shields fail to provide an effective massaging effect, as they rely on material stretching for suction-induced massage, which requires high energy, and often have rigid or thin walls that do not mimic the natural action of a baby's mouth, leading to inefficient milk expression and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A breast attachment with circumferential grooves on the neck and a cushioned outer rim that collapses inwardly upon suction, mimicking a baby's mouth action, providing a more representative and effective massaging pressure without relying on material stretching, and can be used as both a breast pump insert and nipple shield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If thin walls are used to provide flexibility and massaging effect, then the massaging capability is improved, but the protection and durability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment features variable wall thickness with thinned regions positioned specifically at the distal end and circumferential grooves that create localized flexible zones. This allows the distal portion to collapse and provide massaging effect while the proximal portion maintains sufficient thickness for durability and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment wall is segmented into regions of different thicknesses, with thinned regions creating discrete collapse zones separated by stronger structural portions. This segmentation allows localized flexibility for massaging while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Reliability
If thick walls are used to provide protection and durability, then the reliability is improved, but the massaging capability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment features variable wall thickness with thinned regions positioned specifically at the distal end and circumferential grooves that create localized flexible zones. This allows the distal portion to collapse and provide massaging effect while the proximal portion maintains sufficient thickness for durability and protection.
3Ease of operation
If suction is increased to provide massaging pressure through material stretching, then the massaging effect is improved, but the energy consumption is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment utilizes dynamic shape change through circumferential grooves that allow the structure to collapse inwardly in response to suction. This dynamic response creates massaging effect through geometric transformation rather than material stretching, reducing the energy required.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment changes its geometric parameters (shape, volume) in response to suction pressure. The circumferential grooves enable significant shape distortion with minimal pressure change, creating massaging effect without requiring high suction energy.
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 attachment achieves a more efficient milk expression by providing a greater massaging pressure through shape change, promoting comfortable use and protecting the nipple, while allowing natural massaging effects even when in place, enhancing milk release and user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The circumferential grooves in the attachment of the invention provide weaknesses in the wall of the insert, which react to a decrease in pressure within the insert to collapse inwardly and significantly distort the attachment
Implementation Method 2
When suction is applied to the breast and the flexible insert by a pump causing the flexible insert to collapse along the circumferential grooves
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a breast attachment, in particular a flexible insert for a breast pump or a nipple shield, wherein the insert or shield applies a positive massaging effect on a breast mimicking the natural stimulation of a baby breast feeding.