Dual Breast Pump Vacuum Chamber for Pressure Reuse

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing breast pump systems with two expression kits require complex and energy-consuming valve arrangements to transfer vacuum pressure, which cancels the energy-saving benefits of reusing vacuum pressure.

Innovation Solution

A breast pump system with an actuator comprising back-to-back chambers and a drive system to control the volumes of the chambers, allowing vacuum pressure to be shared and reused between the kits, eliminating the need for continuous pumping and complex valves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If complex valve arrangements are used to transfer vacuum pressure between breast pumps, then vacuum pressure can be reused, but energy consumption increases and hardware complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum pressure reuse efficiencyVSAvoidvalve arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two breast pump systems into a single integrated unit with a shared vacuum chamber. Instead of using complex valve arrangements to transfer vacuum between separate pumps, the invention merges the vacuum generation and storage functions into one common chamber that serves both expression kits, thereby eliminating the need for inter-pump vacuum transfer valves while maintaining energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shared vacuum chamber serves multiple functions: it generates vacuum for one expression kit, stores vacuum pressure for reuse by the other kit, and provides baseline vacuum maintenance. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate vacuum transfer mechanisms and complex valve arrangements that would be required in dual independent pump systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of energy

If complex valve arrangements are used to transfer vacuum pressure between breast pumps, then vacuum pressure can be reused, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum pressure reuse efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shared vacuum chamber automatically maintains vacuum pressure and enables passive vacuum transfer between expression kits through its shared volume. The system self-regulates vacuum levels without requiring active valve control mechanisms, reducing energy consumption while maintaining the ability to reuse vacuum pressure between kits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If a shared vacuum chamber is used between two expression kits, then energy consumption is reduced and hardware is simplified, but control of vacuum pressure becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidvacuum pressure control

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic cycling between stimulation mode and expression mode in the shared vacuum chamber. During stimulation mode, the chamber maintains baseline vacuum to trigger milk ejection reflex. During expression mode, the chamber volume is adjusted to provide enhanced vacuum for milk extraction. This periodic cycling simplifies control logic while maintaining effective vacuum pressure management for both expression kits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The shared vacuum chamber employs dynamic volume adjustment capabilities that allow the system to optimize vacuum pressure levels based on operational requirements. The chamber volume can be dynamically changed to provide baseline vacuum during stimulation mode and enhanced vacuum during expression mode, simplifying control while maintaining effective pressure management for both kits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This system reduces energy consumption and simplifies hardware by enabling vacuum pressure to be reused between expression kits, maintaining a consistent negative pressure without the need for continuous pumping or complex valve arrangements.

Implementation Method 1

drive the actuator to change the volumes of the first and second chambers, wherein the first kit is coupled to the first chamber and the second kit or buffer is coupled to the second chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure reduction through volume increase: Boyle's Law

Data Source

PatentEP4681745A1Breast pump system

Publication Date: 2026.01.21 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

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AI summary

A breast pump system comprises a first kit and a second kit or a buffer. An actuator comprises back-to-back chambers on opposite sides of a divider (such as a piston), and a drive system is used for driving the actuator to change the first and second chamber volumes. The first kit is coupled to the first chamber and the second kit or buffer is coupled to the second chamber. One or both of the first kit and the second kit (if present) comprises a venting valve for venting to the atmosphere.