Dynamic Vacuum Control for Breast Pump Tissue Safety

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing breast pumps lack the ability to dynamically adjust vacuum parameters based on actual milk flow, which can lead to inefficient milk extraction and potentially adverse effects on breast tissue.

Innovation Solution

An electrically driven breast pump with a sensor to measure milk flow, allowing for real-time adjustment of vacuum strength, cycle frequency, and vacuum profile to optimize milk extraction by intensifying parameters during high flow and reducing them during low flow to prevent tissue damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If vacuum parameters are intensified to increase milk extraction efficiency, then milk yield improves, but breast tissue may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemilk extraction efficiencyVSAvoidbreast tissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum parameters (strength, cycle frequency, vacuum profile) are made dynamically adjustable based on real-time milk flow detection. The system transitions from static fixed parameters to dynamic adaptive parameters that change according to actual pumping conditions, allowing intensification during high flow and reduction during low flow to prevent tissue damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A sensor is introduced to detect actual milk flow in real-time, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables the system to monitor pumping effectiveness and automatically adjust vacuum parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual conditions rather than operating with fixed predetermined settings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 3:

The system changes physical parameters (vacuum strength, cycle frequency, vacuum profile shape) based on detected milk flow conditions. When high flow is detected, parameters are intensified to maximize extraction; when low flow is detected, parameters are reduced to prevent tissue damage,实现ing adaptive parameter optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If vacuum parameters are reduced to protect breast tissue, then tissue safety improves, but milk extraction efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreast tissue safetyVSAvoidmilk extraction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum parameters are made dynamically adjustable based on real-time milk flow detection. The system transitions from static fixed parameters to dynamic adaptive parameters that change according to actual pumping conditions, allowing intensification during high flow and reduction during low flow to prevent tissue damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes physical parameters (vacuum strength, cycle frequency, vacuum profile shape) based on detected milk flow conditions. When high flow is detected, parameters are intensified to maximize extraction; when low flow is detected, parameters are reduced to prevent tissue damage,实现ing adaptive parameter optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If fixed vacuum cycles are used to simplify pump operation, then ease of operation improves, but adaptability to different pumping conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump operation simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to different pumping conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pump system performs self-adjustment based on automatic detection of milk flow conditions. The sensor and control system enable the pump to autonomously adapt its parameters to different pumping conditions (sore nipples, engorgement, stimulation needs, ejection requirements) without requiring user intervention or manual program selection, achieving both simplicity and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes physical parameters (vacuum strength, cycle frequency, vacuum profile shape) based on detected milk flow conditions. When high flow is detected, parameters are intensified to maximize extraction; when low flow is detected, parameters are reduced to prevent tissue damage,实现ing adaptive parameter optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This method enhances milk extraction efficiency while ensuring comfortable operation and protecting breast tissue by dynamically adjusting vacuum parameters based on actual milk flow, improving both yield and user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum source for applying a vacuum at the breast of a nursing mother to force the milk flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum (negative pressure): Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS20230083998A1A Method for Regulating the Operation of a Milk Pump

Publication Date: 2023.03.16 MEDELA AG

AI summary

A Method for regulating the Operation of a Milk PumpThe present invention relates to a method for regulating the operation of a milk pump by applying a vacuum by means of a vacuum source operatively coupled with a control for controlling the operation of the vacuum source and aims to provide such method for pumping milk form the breast of a nursing mother which is able to provide sufficient yield of milk without adversely affecting the breast tissue properties by controlling the operation of the vacuum source such that the control receives a signal indicative of a volume flow (V) of milk and adjusts at least one of the following operational parameters of the vacuum source: vacuum strength, cycle frequency or shape of vacuum profile over time.