Breast Pump Roller Mechanism Reducing Noise and Friction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing breast pumps are noisy, cause friction and irritation, are bulky and complex, and do not effectively mimic the natural sucking behavior of a baby, leading to discomfort and premature discontinuation of milk feeding.

Innovation Solution

A breast pump with a flexible funnel extending into a housing, featuring a movable body that compresses the breast in a wavelike manner, mimicking the natural sucking behavior, and incorporating a soft or fluid-filled space to imitate a baby's palate, with a simple and compact design for easy cleaning and use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If pulsating negative pressure is used to pump breast milk, then milk collection is effective, but noise is generated which users find annoying

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemilk collection efficiencyVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional diaphragm pump mechanism with a roller mechanism that moves along the inner surface of the funnel. This mechanical substitution eliminates the pulsating negative pressure generation method, thereby reducing noise while maintaining milk collection functionality through direct mechanical compression and movement of milk along the funnel wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If suction is applied to extend the nipple, then milk is drawn through the nipple, but friction between the nipple and funnel is produced which causes irritations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemilk flowVSAvoidfriction and irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the suction-based mechanical system with a roller compression system. The roller moves along the funnel's inner surface, mechanically pushing milk forward rather than creating negative pressure that extends and frictions the nipple. This substitution eliminates the harmful friction effect while maintaining milk flow productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The roller acts as an intermediary element between the milk and the funnel wall. Instead of the nipple directly contacting and frictioning against the funnel during suction, the roller mediates the milk movement by rolling along the funnel surface, reducing direct contact friction between the nipple and funnel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If traditional breast pump components are used, then pumping function is achieved, but the appliance becomes bulky and complex requiring extensive cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepumping functionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple traditional pump components into a single integrated funnel structure. The roller mechanism is incorporated directly within the funnel, eliminating the need for separate diaphragm pumps, complex valve systems, and multiple chambers. This consolidation maintains the pumping function while significantly reducing device complexity and the number of parts requiring cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The funnel in the patent serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the collection container, the pump chamber, and the conduit for milk transport. The roller mechanism provides both the pumping action and the milk propulsion function. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure and cleaning requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces noise and friction, is gentle on the breast, and closely mimics the natural sucking behavior of a baby, making it more comfortable and efficient, while being easy to clean and transport.

Implementation Method 1

the funnel consists of a flexible material and extends into the housing, and in that for producing a pumping effect, the device comprises at least one body that is movable over a portion of the length of the funnel while compressing the funnel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the pressure is mostly lowered by 60 to 120 mbar at 1 to 2 Hz by means of a diaphragm pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

the described suction and extension of the nipple produces friction between the latter and the funnel, which is found displeasing and may cause irritations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9814812B2Breast pump

Publication Date: 2017.11.14 MAM BABY AG

AI summary

A breast pump for collecting breast milk having a funnel intended to receive the breast, a housing and a device for producing a negative pressure. The funnel consists of a flexible material and extends into the housing. The device for producing a negative pressure has at least one body that is movable over a portion of the length of the funnel while compressing the funnel.