Breast Shield PPG Sensor Milk Flow Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast pumps face challenges in accurately and promptly detecting milk flow, leading to delayed or erroneous milk ejection due to the distance between the breast and sensors, and interference from other fluids, making the milk extraction process uncomfortable and less effective.
Innovation Solution
A breast shield arrangement with a photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor that transmits and receives signals to directly detect changes in milk flow, allowing for precise control of the suction mode, reducing stress and improving milk yield by embedding or arranging the sensor close to the breast, and using a signal processing unit to analyze AC and DC components for feedback control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor is arranged in optical communication with the coupling end of the receiving unit to detect milk flow, then the detection can be performed remotely, but the detection is delayed due to the distance between the breast and sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The PPG sensor detects changes in the breast tissue itself (bulk absorption changes) before milk actually flows into the receiving unit. This preliminary detection of physiological changes allows the system to anticipate milk flow and adjust the suckling pattern proactively, eliminating the detection delay that occurs when sensors only detect milk after it has already flowed into the receiving unit.
2Ease of manufacture
If the sensor is arranged in optical communication with the coupling end of the receiving unit, then the setup is simple, but faulty measurements occur when other fluids are present such as sweat or water
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the detection function from the receiving unit environment (where milk, sweat, and water mix) and places it directly on the breast tissue. By measuring bulk absorption changes in the breast itself rather than in the receiving unit, the system eliminates interference from other fluids while maintaining simple sensor integration in the breast shield arrangement.
3Extent of automation
If a sensor is used to detect milk flow from the breast, then the milk ejection can be detected and the suckling pattern can be adjusted, but the detection is delayed and the adjustment is not timely
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring bulk absorption changes in real-time through the PPG sensor. When changes indicating milk flow initiation are detected, the control unit immediately adjusts the suckling pattern from triggering to emptying mode, creating a rapid closed-loop control system that responds automatically without delay.
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 direct, precise detection of milk flow initiation, reducing user stress and improving milk extraction efficiency by automatically adjusting suction modes based on real-time breast tissue changes, minimizing erroneous measurements and enhancing comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a photoplethysmographic, PPG, sensor for transmitting an input signal into the breast and receiving a corresponding reception signal in response, said reception signal comprising AC and DC components, the DC component of the reception signal comprising information on the change of bulk absorption in the breast indicating changes in milk flow in the breast
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a breast shield arrangement (1) for a breast pump (2) comprising: a breast shield (3) for receiving a user's breast therein, and a sensor (4) for transmitting an input signal into the breast and receiving a corresponding reception signal in response, said reception signal indicating changes in milk flow in the breast.