Breastshield Control Integration for Dual-Hand-Free Pumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breastpumps require mothers to have one hand free to operate the suction pump, making it difficult to express milk from both breasts simultaneously or perform other tasks.
Innovation Solution
A breastpump set with an electrically driven suction pump and a breastshield featuring an operating means, such as an operating panel, that allows mothers to control the suction pump without needing to reach it, enabling simultaneous expression from both breasts or using the free hand for other tasks, with options for mechanical or wireless signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the suction pump is operated electrically with control buttons on the pump unit, then the suction capacity and vacuum can be regulated, but the mother needs one hand free to operate the buttons, making it difficult to express milk from both breasts simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is segmented from the suction pump unit and relocated to the breastshield. The operating means (buttons or switches) are integrated into the breastshield, allowing the mother to control the suction pump while holding the breastshield to her breast, thus freeing the other hand for simultaneous expression or other tasks
Solution Approach 2:
A cable connection acts as an intermediary between the breastshield with operating means and the suction pump unit. This cable transmits control signals from the breastshield to the pump, enabling remote operation without requiring direct access to the pump's control interface
2Ease of operation
If the operating means is arranged on the suction pump unit, then the suction pump can be controlled, but the mother cannot access it when holding the breastshield to her breast
Solution Approach 1:
The operating means are merged with the breastshield, creating an integrated control unit that the mother naturally holds during expression. This combines the function of milk extraction with the control interface, eliminating the need to reach for separate controls on the pump unit
Solution Approach 2:
A cable connection serves as an intermediary that links the breastshield with operating means to the suction pump unit, allowing control signals to be transmitted over distance without requiring the mother to physically access the pump's control interface
Data Source
AI summary
A breast pump set for expressing human breastmilk comprises a breastshield (1) to be placed on the female breast with a coupling part (12) for connection to a milk collection container (2), and an electrically driven suction pump (4, 4′). The breastshield (1) is provided with an actuator (5) for actuating the suction pump. The inventive breast pump seat allows easy handling of the suction pump and eliminates the need for the mother to have a hand free for handling.