Breast Pump Volume Reduction Insert for Easier Passage Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing breast pumps have narrow internal passages that are difficult to clean while maintaining milk-pumping efficiency, leading to hygiene issues.

Innovation Solution

A breast pump design with a volume reduction portion inserted into the internal passage to increase diameter for easy cleaning, minimizing efficiency loss by maintaining a sealed space during operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the internal passage is increased in diameter to facilitate cleaning, then ease of cleaning is improved, but the volume of the internal passage increases which reduces milk-pumping efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cleaningVSAvoidmilk-pumping efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The volume reduction portion is inserted into the internal passage, creating a nested structure where a smaller component resides within a larger space. This allows the internal passage to have a larger diameter for easy cleaning while the inserted volume reduction portion effectively reduces the functional volume to maintain pumping efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The volume reduction portion is strategically positioned at specific locations within the internal passage (such as near the diaphragm or in the reservoir area) to reduce volume only where necessary for pumping efficiency, while other portions of the passage maintain larger diameter for ease of cleaning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If the internal passage is made narrow to maintain milk-pumping efficiency, then productivity is improved, but ease of cleaning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemilk-pumping efficiencyVSAvoidease of cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The internal passage is effectively segmented into different functional zones: areas with larger diameter for cleaning access and areas with reduced volume for pumping efficiency, achieved by inserting the volume reduction portion at strategic locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 design allows for easy cleaning of the internal passage without significantly affecting milk-pumping efficiency, ensuring hygiene and ease of maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

The diaphragm is attached to the internal passage and is configured to generate negative pressure in the internal passage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure generation: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentUS12420000B2Breast pump

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 PIGEON CORP

AI summary

A breast pump includes a main body, a diaphragm, a handle, a connecting portion, and a volume reduction portion. The main body includes a hood attaching portion attached to the hood, a bottle attaching portion attached to a bottle for collecting milk, and an internal passage extending between the hood attaching portion and the bottle attaching portion. The diaphragm is attached to the internal passage and is configured to generate negative pressure in the internal passage. The connecting portion connects the diaphragm and the handle and is configured to displace the diaphragm in a lifting direction in accordance with movement of the handle. The volume reduction portion is inserted into the internal passage and is configured to reduce a volume of the internal passage.