In-Bra Breast Pump Assembly With Piezo Diaphragm and Self-Sealing Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast pump systems are bulky, require tethering to electrical sockets, are uncomfortable, difficult to clean, and lack efficient milk collection and measurement capabilities, especially for discreet use in office settings.
Innovation Solution
A wearable breast pump system with a piezo air-pump and deformable diaphragm, housed in a compact design that fits inside a bra, featuring a self-sealing mechanism and a detachable milk container with integrated milk flow path, allowing easy assembly, disassembly, and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large suction generating device is used, then milk extraction capability is improved, but device portability and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The breast pump system is divided into separate modular components: a breast shield assembly with integrated collection container, and a separate suction generating device. This segmentation allows the user to wear only the lightweight breast shield portion while the pump unit can be positioned elsewhere, resolving the contradiction between extraction power and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single integrated unit to a distributed multi-component configuration. The suction generating device operates from a different spatial dimension (external vs. internal), allowing powerful extraction capability without adding weight to the wearable portion.
2Productivity
If a freestanding suction generating device is used, then milk extraction efficiency is improved, but ease of operation in discreet settings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The breast shield, collection container, and suction interface are merged into a single wearable assembly that can be discreetly positioned within a bra. This integration maintains efficient milk extraction while enabling discreet operation in office or public settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The breast shield assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as the suction interface, the collection container, and the wearable component simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate equipment, enabling discreet use while maintaining extraction efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a specialized bra with central slit is used, then breast pump integration is improved, but comfort and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The breast shield assembly is designed to be dynamically adjustable and removable, allowing the user to easily insert and remove it without requiring specialized bras. The flexible design adapts to regular bras while maintaining comfort and ease of operation.
4Device complexity
If collapsible bags are used for milk collection, then device integration is improved, but milk extraction completeness and reusability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces collapsible plastic bags with a rigid collection container that has a defined outlet. This mechanical substitution eliminates capillary action issues, allowing complete milk extraction and enabling the container to be reused after cleaning, while maintaining integration with the pump system.
5Productivity
If complex pumping arrangement with compression units is used, then milk collection capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The breast shield assembly with collection container is extracted as a separate removable unit from the main pump system. This allows the collection components to be easily removed for cleaning without disassembling the entire pump mechanism, reducing complexity while maintaining milk collection capability.
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 system provides discreet, comfortable, and efficient milk extraction with easy cleaning, capable of collecting more milk without external components and offering accurate milk level measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a piezo air-pump fitted in the housing and forming part of a closed loop system that drives a separate, deformable diaphragm to generate negative air pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a wearable breast pump system including a housing shaped at least in part to fit inside a bra and a piezo air-pump. The piezo air-pump is fitted in the housing and forms part of a closed loop system that drives a separate, deformable diaphragm to generate negative air pressure. The diaphragm is removably mounted on a breast shield.