Duckbill Valve Backflow Prevention for Breast Milk Reservoirs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast milk collection devices are large and inefficient, leaving half of their potential volume unused due to backflow issues when the pump is turned off, limiting discreet and hands-free milk collection capacity.
Innovation Solution
A compact, hands-free breast milk collection device with a unique valve system that uses a duckbill valve to prevent backflow, allowing milk to be stored securely even after the pump is turned off, and utilizing the full volume of the reservoir by alternating between vacuum and positive pressure cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a flap valve is used to prevent backflow, then milk can be stored in the reservoir, but the device reaches maximum capacity only when milk reaches the valve level, leaving half the reservoir volume unused
Solution Approach 1:
A one-way valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the reservoir and the milk collection chamber. This valve allows milk to flow in one direction (into the reservoir) while blocking reverse flow, enabling the system to utilize the full reservoir volume without compromising backflow prevention reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system is positioned at a specific location (at or near the bottom of the reservoir) rather than at the top, creating a local functional zone that prevents backflow while allowing the entire reservoir volume to be utilized for milk storage.
2Quantity of substance
If the reservoir volume is increased to provide adequate milk collection capacity, then more milk can be stored, but the device size increases and becomes less discreet when worn in a brassiere
Solution Approach 1:
The breast milk collection device is nested within the brassiere structure, with the reservoir integrated into the bra cup. This nesting arrangement allows the device to utilize the existing space within the brassiere, providing adequate milk collection capacity without increasing the overall external dimensions of the wearable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes the three-dimensional space within the brassiere cup efficiently, arranging components in a compact configuration that maximizes reservoir volume while maintaining a discreet external profile. The valve system is positioned at the bottom, allowing vertical space optimization.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the pump is turned off to conserve energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the valve may not prevent backflow without negative pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way valve is designed to function autonomously without requiring active control or energy input from the pump. The valve's mechanical structure allows it to open and close automatically based on pressure differential, providing passive backflow prevention that works reliably whether the pump is running or turned off, thereby eliminating the need for energy consumption to maintain valve function.
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
Enables significantly larger milk collection volumes within the same device size, facilitating smaller and more discreet designs for lactating women, even with low milk output, by preventing backflow and maximizing reservoir capacity.
Implementation Method 1
When submersed, the outer walls are compressed by the fluid pressure of the milk collected in the reservoir, closing the valve and preventing the backflow of milk into the breast adaptor
Implementation Method 2
When vacuum pressure is applied to the valve, the vacuum pressure pulls the interior walls of the duckbill valve together by exerting negative pressure on the valve interior wall surfaces, which closes the valve
Implementation Method 3
As the pump's cycle alternates from negative to positive or ambient pressure, the fluid pressure on the duckbill valve from the milk in the reservoir keeps the valve closed until positive pressure advances the milk from the drip tube and the valve assembly, forcing the duckbill valve into an open position
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an improved valve system for a naturally shaped and hands-free human breast milk collection device that fits into a mother's existing nursing or standard brassiere. The invention comprises a submersible valve system within a breast milk collection device, which can significantly increase the breast milk collection capacity of the device without increasing the overall size of the device.