Breast Pump Suction Device Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction devices, such as breast pumps, require large-sized high-performance pumps to achieve high suction flow rates, leading to increased size and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A suction device with a small-sized low-cost pump that includes a switching mechanism to alternate between different passage configurations, utilizing a piezoelectric element for operation, and a solenoid valve to manage airflow, allowing for high suction flow rates while reducing power consumption and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large-sized high-performance pump is used to achieve high suction flow rate, then the suction flow rate is improved, but the device size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single-pump system into two functional circuits: a first circuit connecting the pump to the first worn portion, and a second circuit connecting the pump to the second worn portion. The switching mechanism segments the pump's output between these two circuits alternately, allowing a smaller pump to achieve the combined suction flow rate of both breasts by operating at high speed with duty cycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching mechanism alternates between connecting the pump to the first worn portion and the second worn portion in periodic cycles. This periodic switching allows the pump to maintain high suction flow rate to each breast sequentially, achieving the effect of simultaneous dual-breast suction with a smaller, lower-cost pump that operates at higher speed with intermittent duty.
2Productivity
If a large-sized high-performance pump is used to achieve high suction flow rate, then the suction flow rate is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the suction function into two separate circuits that share a common pump. This allows the use of a smaller, less expensive pump that can be manufactured at lower cost, while still achieving the required total suction flow rate through alternating operation between the two worn portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching mechanism acts as an intermediary that distributes the pump's suction capability between two worn portions. This intermediary device enables a single pump to serve dual purposes, reducing the need for expensive high-capacity pumps while maintaining effective suction flow rate for both breasts.
3Volume of moving object
If a switching mechanism is introduced to alternate passage configurations, then the pump size is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism is designed with multi-functionality, serving both to reduce pump size and to enable alternating connection between the two worn portions. This single component performs multiple functions: it switches the passage configuration, enables periodic action, and allows the pump to operate at reduced size while maintaining effective suction flow rate.
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 device achieves a high suction flow rate comparable to or exceeding no-load flow rates with a compact and cost-effective design, minimizing power consumption and noise.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a piezoelectric element for operation
Implementation Method 2
a solenoid valve to manage airflow
Data Source
AI summary
A breast pump (100) includes a left cup portion (1), a right cup portion (2), a tube (15, 16, 99), a pump (30), a container (14), a first switching valve (V1), a second switching valve (V1), and a control unit (70). The internal space of the tube (99) forms a passage (10). The passage (10) connects a first separator (S1) that communicates with a closed space (51), a second separator (S2) that communicates with a closed space (52), a discharge hole (31) of the pump (30), and a suction hole (32) of the pump (30). The first switching valve (V1) is provided within the tube (99) that is in the middle of the passage (10). The second switching valve (V2) is also provided within the tube (99) that is in the middle of the passage (10).