Two-Sided Breast Pump with Independent Suction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional two-sided breast pumps cannot independently adjust suction forces on each side, leading to unstable suction, potential damage to the mammary gland, and limited adjustment according to milk volume and pumping habits.
Innovation Solution
An independently-controlled two-sided breast pump design that uses a vacuum pump and two three-way valves to allow independent control of suction forces on each side, with pressure sensors and electronic controllers for real-time monitoring and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a traditional two-sided breast pump uses a single vacuum pump to control both sides, then the device complexity is reduced, but the suction force cannot be independently adjusted on each side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single vacuum system into two independent control paths by introducing two three-way valves (first three-way valve and second three-way valve). Each valve independently controls the vacuum pump's connection to the left or right suction bowl, enabling separate suction force adjustment for each breast while sharing a common vacuum pump.
2Productivity
If the vacuum pump increases suction force to ensure effective milk pumping, then the pumping efficiency is improved, but the mammary gland may be damaged due to excessive suction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pressure sensors (first pressure sensor and second pressure sensor) that detect the suction force in real-time and feed this information back to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the vacuum pump operation based on this feedback to maintain suction within a safe and effective range, preventing both insufficient pumping and excessive force that could cause damage.
3Device complexity
If the breast pump operates with fixed suction settings, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user experience deteriorates due to inability to adjust according to milk volume and pumping habits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system where the control unit can independently adjust suction parameters for left and right breasts based on real-time pressure feedback and user needs. The system transitions from fixed settings to dynamically adjustable parameters, allowing customization according to milk volume, pumping stage, and individual user preferences.
4Reliability
If the breast pump uses pressure-sensitive control with multiple sensors and valves, then the suction stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two independent control paths into a single integrated system by using one vacuum pump shared between both breasts through two three-way valves. This consolidation maintains independent control capability while reducing the total number of vacuum pumps needed, thereby improving suction stability without excessively increasing overall device complexity.
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
Achieves stable and independently controlled suction forces on each side, enhancing user comfort and lactation efficiency, while reducing costs by using a single vacuum pump with two independent three-way valves.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pump, wherein the left suction bowl communicates with the vacuum pump through a connecting tube and a left three-way valve
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses an independently-controlled two-sided breast pump including a left suction bowl, a right suction bowl and a vacuum pump, wherein the left and right suction bowls communicates with the vacuum pump through left and right three-way valves. The left and right suction bowls communicate with the vacuum pump or with an atmosphere by way of controlling the left and right three-way valves, respectively. The present disclosure achieves independently controlling suction forces on both sides, enhances the stability of the suction force during the pumping process and improves sucked person's comfort.