Breast Pump Elastic Membrane Radial Compression Suction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional breast pumps fail to mimic the natural suckling action of an infant, leading to inadequate milk extraction, pain, and edema in nursing mothers, as they rely solely on vacuum pressure without replicating the mechanical and suction cycles of infant feeding.
Innovation Solution
A breast pump design featuring an expandable and contractable elastic membrane that applies simultaneous radial mechanical compression and axial hydraulic or pneumatic suction, mimicking the natural suckling action by elongating the nipple and maintaining a minimum vacuum pressure to facilitate efficient milk extraction while controlling edema.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional breast pumps use vacuum pressure alone to extract milk, then milk extraction can be achieved, but the natural suckling action is not replicated causing pain and edema
Solution Approach 1:
The breast pump applies periodic cycles of radial compression followed by axial suction, mimicking the natural rhythmic suckling action of an infant. This periodic action allows the nipple to be compressed radially during the compression phase and then elongated axially during the suction phase, preventing edema while maintaining effective milk extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic pressure application through a flexible membrane to deliver both radial compression and axial suction forces. The membrane transmits pneumatic pressure to compress the nipple radially, then releases to allow axial elongation under vacuum, replicating the mechanical forces of natural suckling without causing harmful edema.
2Productivity
If breast pumps apply continuous vacuum pressure, then milk extraction is maintained, but nipple edema and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system alternates between phases of radial compression and axial suction in periodic cycles. During radial compression, milk flow is temporarily paused while the nipple is compressed to prevent edema. During the suction phase, axial elongation restores milk flow. This periodic action maintains productivity while preventing continuous vacuum-induced edema.
Solution Approach 2:
The breast pump dynamically adjusts the type of force applied to the nipple over time, transitioning between radial compression and axial suction modes. This dynamic operation allows the system to maintain milk extraction productivity while periodically relieving vacuum pressure to prevent edema accumulation.
3Device complexity
If a single vacuum source is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to mimic natural suckling cycles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A single vacuum source is made dynamic through control of a flexible membrane that can be selectively compressed and released. By dynamically adjusting the membrane's state, the system generates both radial compression and axial suction forces from one vacuum source, maintaining simplicity while achieving versatile suckling cycle replication.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane acts as an intermediary between the single vacuum source and the nipple. It translates the vacuum force into both radial compression (when pressurized) and axial suction (when released), enabling a single vacuum source to perform the functions of multiple force applications.
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 replicates the natural suckling action, improving milk extraction efficiency, reducing pain and edema, and accommodating a wider range of nipple diameters with a single vacuum source, enhancing the overall collection of breast milk.
Implementation Method 1
applying radial mechanical compression (positive pressure) to replicate compression of the nipple by the infant's tongue
Implementation Method 2
applying axial hydraulic or pneumatic suction (negative pressure) to maintain nipple extension and replicate the infant's minimum intra-oral vacuum
Implementation Method 3
an expandable and contractable elastic membrane adapted to surround the nipple
Data Source
AI summary
A breast pump device and associated methods for extracting breast milk ate disclosed. A pump head comprises an external shell with an elastic membrane disposed and bonded therein to define at least one hermetically sealed chamber. Manipulation of the elastic membrane, for example, by adjusting suction or pressure in the sealed chamber or within an interior volume defined by the elastic membrane permits radial mechanical compression (positive pressure) to be applied to a nipple positioned in the pump head to simulate compression of the nipple by the infant's tongue and simultaneously permits axial hydraulic or pneumatic suction (negative pressure) to be applied to the nipple to simulate the infant's minimum intra-oral vacuum. The breast pump device of the present invention can generate these simultaneous compressions and suctions with a single vacuum source, which may be an electric pump or a hand-operated mechanical pump.