Customized Nipples via Noninvasive 3D Scanning and Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing customized nipple solutions for baby/nursing products require invasive methods, such as physical molds or complex 3D printing processes, which are time-consuming, costly, and uncomfortable for women, and do not accurately mimic the woman's anatomy, leading to nipple confusion and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A noninvasive scanning method that generates data for creating customized nipples using machine learning and 3D printing, allowing for efficient production of nipples that match the woman's anatomy, including areola and breast characteristics, for use in various products like bottles, pacifiers, and breast pump flanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If physical molds are used to create customized nipples, then the nipple can be formed to match the woman's anatomy, but the process becomes invasive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical molding process with a 3D printing process. Instead of using physical molds that require invasive breast scanning and complex molding operations, the system uses digital 3D scanning followed by additive manufacturing to create customized nipples. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact with the breast during molding while maintaining anatomical accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the breast anatomy through noninvasive 3D scanning, then uses this digital model to guide the 3D printing process. This copying approach allows the nipple to be manufactured with precise anatomical matching without requiring physical molds or direct contact with the breast tissue.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex 3D printing processes are used to create customized nipples, then anatomical accuracy is improved, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the 3D scanning and digital modeling operations before the actual 3D printing process. By preparing the digital models in advance and having pre-configured printing parameters, the system optimizes the workflow to minimize total production time. The scanning and modeling can be done while the woman is already positioned, and printing can begin immediately after digital approval.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows for adjustment of printing parameters such as material selection, layer thickness, and printing resolution based on the specific anatomical requirements. By optimizing these parameters for each case, the system achieves high anatomical accuracy without unnecessarily increasing production time or cost.
3Ease of operation
If noninvasive scanning is used to create customized nipples, then patient comfort is improved, but the scanning and processing time may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive physical measurement methods with noninvasive optical 3D scanning. This substitution allows the woman to remain comfortable and undisturbed during the scanning process, as no physical contact with the breast tissue is required. The optical scanning captures anatomical data quickly and accurately without causing discomfort.
4Productivity
If customized nipples are produced on-site, then convenience and time efficiency are improved, but equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the 3D scanning system, digital modeling software, and 3D printing equipment into an integrated on-site production system. By merging these functions in one location, the woman can receive her customized nipple during a single visit without needing to transport physical molds or wait for external manufacturing. The system consolidates multiple operations into a unified workflow that can be performed in a clinic or hospital setting.
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 quick, comfortable, and effective way to create customized nipples that reduce nipple confusion and discomfort, improving the breastfeeding experience by accurately mimicking the woman's anatomy, and can be produced in a single location, such as a hospital or at home.
Implementation Method 1
The customized nipples may be formed using a device, e.g., a three-dimensional printer, located in the same location as the scanner for fast nipple replication.
Data Source
AI summary
Customized nipples are provided herein that are designed to mimic a woman’s anatomic nipple to improve experiences such as breast feeding, soothing a baby, and/or superior aesthetics. The customized nipples are created in a noninvasive manner, for example, via a scan of the woman’s breast that is received by a computer. The scan may be processed with enhanced computing power to provide the optimal customized nipple for the woman. The customized nipples may be formed for baby/nipple/nursing products such as bottles, pacifiers, nipple shields, breast pump flanges, attachments for supplemental nursing systems, and prosthetic nipples.