Colostrum Collection Adapter with Integrated Syringe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting and administering colostrum are inefficient, leading to significant waste and discouragement among nursing mothers, as they require multiple container transfers and are cumbersome, often causing mothers to abandon breastfeeding.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an adapter and funnel that connects directly to a syringe or other collection device, facilitating the capture and dispensing of colostrum or breast milk, eliminating the need for intermediate container transfers through the use of lubricated connectors and catchment reservoirs, allowing for easy flow and suction-assisted collection and delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional collection methods using funnel and large container are used, then collection capacity is improved, but transfer complexity and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collection container and administration device into a single integrated syringe system. The syringe serves both as the collection vessel and the administration device, eliminating the need for separate containers and transfer steps between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The syringe is designed to perform multiple functions: it collects colostrum during expression, stores it, and directly administers it to the newborn. This multi-functional design replaces the traditional multi-device system requiring funnel, collection bottle, and separate administration syringe.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple container transfers are required, then collection capacity is improved, but colostrum waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging collection and administration functions into one syringe, the system eliminates intermediate transfer steps where colostrum is lost. The colostrum remains in the same container from collection through storage to administration, preventing spillage and contamination during transfers.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional collection systems are used, then collection capacity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated syringe design combines collection, storage, and administration functions into a single device that is already familiar to healthcare providers. This eliminates the need to learn and coordinate multiple devices and transfer procedures, making the system easier to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The syringe system is designed to be self-contained and self-sufficient. The collection cap seals the syringe during collection, and the plunger mechanism allows for controlled administration without requiring additional equipment or complex操作步骤.
4Quantity of substance
If funnel and large container are used, then collection capacity is improved, but time efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By combining collection and administration into one syringe, the system eliminates the time-consuming transfer operations between multiple containers. The colostrum is collected directly in the syringe and can be immediately administered without intermediate handling steps.
5Quantity of substance
If separate collection and administration containers are used, then collection capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the collection container and administration device into a single syringe with integrated components (collection cap, plunger, barrel). This reduces the total number of separate components from the traditional system (funnel, collection bottle, administration syringe, connectors) to a single integrated device.
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 significantly reduces waste and simplifies the collection and administration process, making it easier for mothers to collect and deliver colostrum or breast milk directly to infants, thereby improving breastfeeding outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The container, catchment device(s), valves, and connectors may optionally be lubricated, to facilitate the movement of breast fluids, such as colostrum and/or breast milk, into a catchment area
Implementation Method 2
a second open end for connecting to a source of suction
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter system for facilitating collection of colostrum from a breast may include an adapter, a removable reservoir and a hand-expression funnel. The adapter may include a first open end for connecting to a breast shield of a breast pump system, a second open end for connecting to a breast pump connector of the breast pump system, and a third open end, disposed between the first and second open ends. The removable reservoir may include a wide end for removably attaching to the third open end and a narrow end for attaching to a colostrum delivery device. The hand-expression funnel may include a wide end for receiving colostrum and a narrow end for attaching to the colostrum delivery device. In some embodiments, the colostrum delivery device is a syringe.