Breast Pump Toggle Linkage for Lower Hand Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Breast pumps often require significant muscle load on the hand and forearm due to the continuous application of maximal force during the pivotal operation, leading to user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A breast pump design incorporating a link mechanism that supports the handle in a movable manner, reducing the operation force required when the handle reaches its maximum position, and implementing a toggle mechanism to distribute the force more evenly throughout the operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the handle is continuously held at the maximum pivotal position to maintain negative pressure for breast milk extraction, then the negative pressure is maximized for effective milking, but the operation force remains maximal causing increased muscle load on the hand and forearm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a toggle mechanism that dynamically changes the force characteristics during handle movement. The mechanism transitions from a first state during movement to a second state at the maximum position, where the operation force becomes smaller than the output force. This dynamic state change allows the handle to maintain maximal negative pressure output while reducing the sustained muscle load on the user's hand and forearm.
Solution Approach 2:
The toggle mechanism changes the force parameter relationship between input and output forces based on the handle's position. During movement, the mechanism allows for mechanical advantage in one direction, while at the maximum pivotal position, it creates a mechanical advantage in the opposite direction, reducing the operation force needed to maintain the position. This parameter change enables effective milking without sustained maximal muscle load.
2Ease of operation
If a toggle mechanism is implemented to reduce operation force at maximum position, then muscle load is reduced for comfortable operation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The toggle mechanism is segmented into distinct components: a handle, a link mechanism with multiple links, and pivotal connections. Each component has a specific function - the handle provides user input, the links transmit and transform forces, and the pivotal connections enable controlled movement. This segmentation allows the complex force transformation to be achieved through simple, modular components that can be manufactured and assembled independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The link mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user's hand and the diaphragm. Instead of directly applying force to the diaphragm, the user operates the handle, which moves the link mechanism, which in turn moves the diaphragm. This intermediary system transforms the user's input force into the required output force at different stages of operation, reducing muscle load while maintaining effectiveness.
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
Reduces muscle load on the hand and forearm by distributing the operation force more evenly, allowing for easier and more comfortable use over extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
a diaphragm configured to generate negative pressure in the inner passage
Implementation Method 2
The link mechanism is configured to apply an operation force to the handle that becomes maximal during handle movement when the handle is moved in an operation direction
Data Source
AI summary
A breast pump includes a body including a hood attachment portion, a bottle attachment portion, and an inner passage extending between the hood attachment portion and the bottle attachment portion; a diaphragm configured to generate negative pressure in the inner passage; a handle manually operated to move back and forth; and a link mechanism configured to support the handle in a manner movable back and forth relative to the body. The handle is configured to change pressure of the inner passage from a normal state to a negative state by displacing the diaphragm in a lifting direction. The link mechanism is configured to apply an operation force to the handle that becomes maximal during handle movement when the handle is moved in an operation direction that changes the pressure from the normal state to the negative state.