Breastmilk Warmer Liner for Waterless Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for warming and cooling breastmilk in neonatal intensive care units are inefficient, unreliable, and risk contamination, as they rely on uncontrolled water temperature and handling, which can stress infants and pose infection risks.
Innovation Solution
A bottle and syringe warmer system using a non-liquid heating method, such as warm air forced convection, with a controlled heating algorithm and a liner to capture spills, allowing for precise temperature control and rapid warming or cooling of breastmilk, reducing the need for multiple nurses and minimizing contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If water baths are used to warm breastmilk, then warming can be achieved, but temperature control is poor and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a waterless warming chamber as an intermediary device between the heat source and the breastmilk container. This chamber uses heated air circulation instead of direct water contact, allowing precise temperature control through a thermostat while eliminating contamination risks from water baths. The chamber acts as a controlled environment mediator that ensures reliable and safe warming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of monitoring and adjusting water bath temperatures with an automated electrical heating system. The system uses an electric heater, thermostat, and air circulation fan to automatically maintain the desired temperature, eliminating the need for manual intervention and improving temperature control reliability.
2Loss of time
If rapid thawing is performed in warm water, then thawing time is reduced, but milk composition may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic warming system that adjusts the heating intensity based on the real-time temperature of the breastmilk. The thermostat continuously monitors temperature and modulates the heater output, enabling rapid initial thawing followed by gentle warming to the target temperature. This dynamic control prevents overheating while minimizing total thawing time, preserving milk composition integrity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If water is used for warming, then heating efficiency is achieved, but contamination and water damage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful element (water) from the warming process while retaining the beneficial heating function. By using heated air instead of water, the system maintains thermal efficiency for warming breastmilk but eliminates all contamination risks associated with water contact, including bacterial contamination and water damage to surrounding equipment.
4Productivity
If multiple nurses are assigned for milk preparation, then warming tasks can be completed, but labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a self-service warming system that automatically performs all warming operations without requiring nurse intervention during the heating process. Nurses simply place containers in the chamber, set the desired temperature and time, and the system handles the rest automatically. This automation increases productivity by allowing one nurse to manage multiple containers simultaneously while reducing the overall number of nurses needed for milk preparation tasks.
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 system efficiently and safely warms or cools breastmilk to appropriate temperatures, reducing labor costs and minimizing the risk of contamination, while ensuring the integrity of the milk composition and allowing nurses to spend more time with patients.
Implementation Method 1
a bottle and syringe warmer system using a non-liquid heating method, such as warm air forced convection
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
A liner comprises a flexible receptacle defining an interior and at least one aperture in said receptacle to permit airflow therethrough. Said liner is configured to be used with an apparatus circulating a fluid medium through the liner.