Elastic Breast Pump Support Band Hands-Free Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Breast pump devices inconvenience mothers by requiring them to stop or delay tasks to manually operate them, and existing hands-free solutions are often bulky, unsightly, or difficult to use.

Innovation Solution

A breast pump support system featuring an elongated band with folded over elastic material and adjustable closures that secures milk intake components to the user's chest, allowing for hands-free operation without the need to hold the pump, and can be worn over a standard nursing bra.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a mother uses a breast pump to collect milk, then milk can be obtained for later feeding, but the mother must stop or delay her tasks to manually operate the pump

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemilk collection efficiencyVSAvoidtime lost from daily tasks

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The breast pump support device enables hands-free operation by securing the pump to the mother's body through a bra-like structure with elastic bands and fasteners. The pump automatically performs milk extraction without requiring manual operation, allowing the mother to continue her daily activities while milk is collected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The support device divides the breast pump system into separate functional components: a bra-like support structure that secures the pump, the pump mechanism itself, and flexible tubing that connects them. This segmentation allows the pump to be positioned and secured independently, enabling hands-free operation while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a brassiere with openings is used to secure the pump, then hands-free pumping is enabled, but the brassiere cannot be used during regular nursing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-free pumping capabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with nursing and pumping

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The breast pump support device is designed as a universal garment that can accommodate both breast nursing and breast pumping functions. The bra-like structure with secureable openings allows the same device to be used for nursing by simply removing the pump components, and for pumping by attaching the pump to the secured openings, eliminating the need for separate specialized garments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple layers are included in the brassiere to allow switching between nursing and pumping, then versatility is improved, but the brassiere looks bulky and unsightly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching between nursing and pumpingVSAvoidappearance under clothing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of incorporating multiple layers into a single bulky garment, the design segments the functionality into a base bra-like structure and separate attachable pump components. This allows the support structure to remain simple and form-fitting for a sleek appearance, while pumping capability is added through removable components that attach to the secureable openings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If elastics are secured around the pump in the brassiere, then the pump is held in place, but the assembly is difficult to use and time-consuming to assemble

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump securing stabilityVSAvoidassembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bra-like support structure is pre-assembled with integrated elastic bands and fasteners that are already positioned and configured before use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex assembly during pumping, as the support structure is ready to receive and secure the pump components through pre-positioned attachment points and fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 mothers to collect breast milk conveniently without interrupting daily activities, providing a secure and versatile solution for both pumping and nursing.

Implementation Method 1

The elongated band is defined by at least first and second opposing pieces of folded over elastic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8137153B2Breast pump support

Publication Date: 2012.03.20 BELL WENDY CORINNE

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a breast pump support for securing first and second milk intake components of a breast pump to the nipples of a user's breasts. The breast pump support includes an elongated band securable around the user's chest. The elongated band is defined by at least first and second opposing pieces of folded over elastic material having first and second elongated folded edges. The first and second elongated folded edges are secured to one another along their length except for along first and second sections defining first and second openings in the elongated band. The breast pump support may further include first and second means for reinforcing the elongated band adjacent to the first and second openings.