Breast Pump Suction Pattern Control via Skin Hardness Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast pumps struggle to set an optimal suction pattern due to diverse individual constitutions and breast swelling degrees, making it difficult for users to determine the suitable suction pattern, and adding sensors to detect skin hardness complicates the device configuration.
Innovation Solution
A breast pump configuration that includes a suction unit, a detecting unit to monitor the temporal change in the sucked state, and a controller to adjust the suction pattern based on the detected changes, using a piezoelectric element to simplify the detection of suction pressure without additional sensors, and a notification unit to inform the user of the breast skin hardness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a sensor detecting skin hardness is mounted on the breast pump cup, then automatic setting of optimal suction pattern is enabled, but device complexity increases and operation preparation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The breast pump cup itself performs the detection function by utilizing its inherent elastic material properties to detect breast skin hardness, eliminating the need for additional sensors. The cup's material deforms in response to skin hardness, and this deformation is detected through existing structural elements, allowing the device to serve itself rather than requiring external detection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic material of the breast pump cup serves multiple functions: it provides the necessary suction function while simultaneously acting as a detection element for skin hardness. This multi-functionality allows the same component to perform both the primary suction role and the secondary detection role, avoiding additional device complexity.
2Extent of automation
If a sensor detecting skin hardness is mounted on the breast pump cup, then automatic setting of optimal suction pattern is enabled, but operation preparation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is integrated into the breast pump cup's existing structure, eliminating the need for separate sensor mounting and calibration steps during operation preparation. The cup automatically performs detection as part of its normal operation, reducing preparation time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple suction pattern settings are provided for user selection, then adaptability to different users is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects breast skin hardness and uses this feedback information to select and apply the most appropriate suction pattern without requiring user input. The controller receives detection results and automatically adjusts suction patterns, eliminating the need for users to manually select from multiple settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The breast pump automatically determines and applies the optimal suction pattern based on detected skin hardness, serving the user's need for personalized settings without requiring user intervention. The system self-adjusts based on detection results.
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
Enables automatic setting of an optimal suction pattern based on breast skin hardness without directly detecting it, simplifying the device configuration and improving breast milk expression efficiency while reducing user discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
the suction pump include a piezoelectric element operating by application of driving voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A breast pump (10) includes a breast pump cup (11) that is mounted on a breast, a suction pump (21) that absorbs fluid from the breast side of the breast pump cup (11), a detector (32) that detects temporal change in a sucked state of the breast by the breast pump cup (11), and an indicator (39) and a pattern adjusting unit (33) that perform processing based on the temporal change in the sucked state, which has been detected by the detector (32).