Infant Feeding Assembly for Steam Sterilization Without Disassembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing infant feeding assemblies require disassembly for sterilization, leading to potential contamination risks and inefficiencies due to the need for additional equipment and excess steam use.

Innovation Solution

An infant feeding assembly with a securing member and fluid flow path that allows for sterilization in a fully assembled format, using steam to sterilize both internal and external surfaces without disassembly, and a selectively closable flow path to maintain hygiene during storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If components are disassembled for sterilization, then steam can contact all surfaces, but contamination risk increases and additional equipment is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sterilization function with the storage container by integrating a fluid flow path that allows steam to circulate through the container and reach all surfaces including the nipple and securing member, eliminating the need for separate sterilization equipment and disassembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid flow path acts as an intermediary channel that delivers steam from the water reservoir through the container walls to the nipple and securing member surfaces, enabling sterilization without direct contact between steam and components during assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If components are removed from sterilizing vessel, then sterilization is complete, but manual reassembly risks contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization completionVSAvoidreassembly convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows the assembled feeding assembly to sterilize itself by circulating steam through the fluid flow path to all surfaces, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and reassembly operations that would expose sterile surfaces to contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If additional vessel is used for sterilization, then all components can be sterilized, but device complexity and steam volume requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization coverageVSAvoidequipment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage container serves multiple functions: it stores milk, generates steam through integrated heating, circulates steam through the fluid flow path to sterilize all components, and maintains sterile storage conditions, eliminating the need for separate sterilization equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If steam volume is increased to sterilize larger vessel, then sterilization effectiveness improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a fluid flow path that directs steam flow efficiently through the container walls and to all sterilization surfaces, maximizing steam utilization and reducing the total volume of steam needed compared to traditional methods requiring large vessels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 assembly ensures hygienic storage and efficient sterilization with reduced steam volume, eliminating the need for additional equipment and minimizing contamination risks.

Implementation Method 1

A heating element within the vessel may be activated so as to heat the water and generate steam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

vessels without a heating element may be placed in a microwave oven which is operated to provide microwave energy to heat the water and generate steam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave heating: Microwave Radiation

Implementation Method 3

Steam in the vessel contacts and sterilises the exposed surfaces of the components loaded within

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSteam sterilisation: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP4429624B1Infant feeding assembly and method of sterilising

Publication Date: 2025.08.27 MAYBORN (UK) LIMITED

Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an infant feeding assembly, in particular an assembly which is sterilisable by steam generated within a container to which the assembly is mounted. The assembly includes a securing member for mounting an infant feeding nipple to a mouth of a container, and a surface including a cover contacting portion for selectively mounting a cover to the assembly. The assembly further includes a fluid flow path configured such that, when the securing member mounts the infant feeding nipple to the container in use, the container is fluidly connected to the surface. A method of sterilising the infant feeding assembly is also disclosed.