Breast Pump Flange With Flexible Membrane Reducing Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional breast pump flanges cause discomfort, pain, and reduce breast milk productivity due to friction and inadequate sealing, leading to issues like blocked ducts and infections, especially for new mothers.
Innovation Solution
A flexible membrane with support pads that simulate the sensation of a baby's mouth, providing customizable massage through intermittent suction, reducing friction and enhancing comfort and milk production by applying pressure to mammary ducts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional breast pump flange with a cone-shaped portion and tube-shaped portion is used, then the nipple can be pulled through for milk extraction, but friction and user discomfort occur at the narrowing area
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is divided into three distinct portions: a cone-shaped upper portion for breast reception, a tube-shaped lower portion for milk extraction, and a newly added middle portion with gradual tapering to reduce friction. This segmentation allows each portion to optimize its function while minimizing harmful effects at the transition zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The middle portion of the flange is designed with a specific gradual tapering geometry that differs from the upper and lower portions. This local quality change creates a smooth transition zone that reduces friction and discomfort specifically where the nipple passes through, without compromising the sealing or extraction functionality of other areas.
2Productivity
If the flange creates a vacuum seal for milk extraction, then milk can be drawn out, but breast pain and blocked ducts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The flange design incorporates dynamic elements including the flexible membrane and support pads that can move and adapt during pumping. This allows the system to maintain effective vacuum sealing for milk extraction while dynamically adjusting to breast tissue movement, reducing the risk of pain and blocked ducts.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane acts as an intermediary between the rigid flange structure and the breast tissue. It transmits the vacuum force effectively for milk extraction while providing a compliant interface that reduces harmful effects on the breast, including pain and duct blockage.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid plastic flange structure is used, then the flange can maintain its shape for sealing, but user comfort and natural sensation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flange incorporates a flexible membrane made of soft, compliant material that replaces the traditional rigid plastic structure in the portions contacting the breast. This flexible shell maintains the necessary shape for sealing while providing enhanced user comfort and a more natural sensation during pumping.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange is constructed as a composite structure combining rigid plastic components for structural integrity and sealing with flexible soft materials for user comfort. This composite design allows the flange to maintain its shape for effective sealing while providing a comfortable, natural-feeling interface with the breast.
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 flexible membrane with support pads increases user comfort, breast milk productivity, and reduces medical expenses by providing a more natural pumping experience, encouraging longer breastfeeding and reducing the risk of mastitis.
Implementation Method 1
intermittent suction action produced by a breast pump
Data Source
AI summary
An improved breast pump flange assembly, flexible membrane and method of use are disclosed. In some embodiments, the breast pump flange assembly includes a flanged housing having an interior chamber extending therethrough. The flanged housing including an upper receiving portion having a first diameter, a substantially tubular middle portion having a second diameter, and a substantially tubular lower connecting portion having a third diameter. In some embodiments, the breast pump flange assembly further includes a flexible membrane having an opening extending therethrough. The flexible membrane having one or more support pad positioned at least partially around the opening of the tubular middle portion of the flanged housing. The support pad configured to simulate the sensation of a baby's mouth on a breast, causing the breast to be massaged by intermittent suction action produced by a breast pump.