Breastshield Unit With Flexible Insert For Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast shields for breast pumps are not optimally adaptable to the shape of individual breasts, leading to uneven stress and discomfort during use, and require multiple sizes for different breast shapes, increasing manufacturing costs and user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A breast shield unit with a dimensionally stable breast shield and a flexible, longitudinally movable breast shield insert that can be adjusted to fit various breast shapes, featuring a media separation device to prevent excessive pressure and ensure even contact with the breast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rigid funnels are used as breast shields, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to different breast shapes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The breast shield is divided into two functional segments: a rigid outer shield that maintains structural stability and a flexible inner insert that adapts to different breast shapes. The flexible insert can be removed and replaced, allowing one rigid shield to serve multiple breast sizes through combination with different flexible inserts.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible insert is made from elastomeric material that dynamically adapts its shape to match the contours of different breasts. This dynamic flexibility allows a single rigid shield design to accommodate various breast shapes without requiring multiple rigid shield sizes.
2Reliability
If breast shields are made tightly fitting, then sealing is improved, but comfort and milk flow are reduced due to excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible insert is constructed from thin elastomeric material that conforms to the breast surface, creating an effective seal without requiring excessive tightening force. The flexibility of the thin film allows it to adapt to breast contours while distributing pressure evenly, preventing discomfort and maintaining milk flow.
3Ease of operation
If flexible inserts are added to rigid shields, then comfort is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The breast shield system is segmented into a rigid outer shield and a separate flexible insert, allowing each component to be manufactured independently using optimized processes for their respective materials and functions, then assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid outer shield serves as a universal component that can be combined with different flexible inserts to accommodate various breast shapes and sizes, reducing the need to manufacture multiple rigid shield variants while still providing customized comfort.
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 solution provides a comfortable and adaptable breast shield unit that reduces pressure on the breast, optimizes contact force distribution, and accommodates a wide range of breast sizes with a single design, enhancing user experience and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The second end of the insert is connected to a media separation device, which transmits an externally applied vacuum into the interior of the breast shield insert
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
A breast shield unit of a breast pump for expressing human breast milk using negative pressure comprises a rigid breast shield (2) and a flexible breast shield insert (3). The breast shield insert (3) has a first and a second insert end (34, 32). In its assembled state, the breast shield insert (3) extends between the first and second insert ends (34, 32) substantially spaced from the breast shield (1, 2). The second insert end (32) is displaceable in the longitudinal direction (a) relative to the breast shield (2) when the breast shield insert (3) is assembled. The second insert end (32) is connected to a media separator (7, 9) which transmits an externally applied vacuum into the interior of the breast shield insert (3). The media separator (7, 9) is arranged as a whole to be movable in the longitudinal direction (a) relative to the breast shield (2). The breast shield unit according to the invention adapts optimally to the shape of the mother's breast and optimizes the contact force.