Leash Valve Assembly for Sealed Breast Pump Container Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast pumps are often cumbersome, difficult to transport, and require multiple parts, with some models being inconvenient to use due to manual operation or high battery consumption, and lack efficient valve systems for connecting and disconnecting storage containers.
Innovation Solution
A leash valve apparatus with a valve portion and leash portion, featuring a duckbill or umbrella valve, that can be securely attached to a breast pump system, providing a sealed engagement with a flextube and facilitating easy connection and disconnection of storage containers, while allowing air detection and reducing container complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional breast pump systems use complex valve assemblies integrated into storage containers, then sealing and vacuum maintenance are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of connection/disconnection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is separated from the storage container into a distinct component that attaches to the pump system. The leash valve apparatus includes a valve portion with sealing elements and a leash portion with attachment features, allowing independent assembly and disassembly from the storage container while maintaining reliable sealing through integrated valve mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The leash valve apparatus serves as an intermediary component between the pump system and storage container. It includes a valve portion that interfaces with the pump's vacuum system and a leash portion that connects to the storage container, simplifying the overall connection architecture while maintaining vacuum integrity through its integrated valve design.
2Reliability
If breast pump systems require multiple parts and assemblies for valve and container connection, then sealing capability is improved, but ease of operation and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The leash valve apparatus merges the valve function, attachment mechanism, and container connection features into a single integrated component. The valve portion combines sealing elements with the leash portion's attachment features, eliminating the need for separate valve assemblies and simplifying the connection process while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The leash valve apparatus performs multiple functions within a single component: it provides vacuum sealing through its valve portion, enables secure attachment to the pump system via its leash portion with loop or hoop, and facilitates easy connection and disconnection of storage containers. This multi-functionality reduces the number of parts while improving ease of operation.
3Productivity
If continuous motorized pumping is used to maintain suction, then milk extraction efficiency is improved, but battery power consumption increases rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The breast pump system uses periodic pumping cycles rather than continuous operation. The motorized pump operates in intervals, creating suction during active phases and allowing pressure equalization during rest phases. This periodic action maintains milk extraction efficiency while significantly reducing battery power consumption during extended wear periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows pressure equalization to occur passively between pumping cycles without requiring continuous motor operation. The valve apparatus enables automatic pressure balancing when not actively pumping, reducing the need for continuous energy input while maintaining system functionality and milk extraction capability during active phases.
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 leash valve apparatus enhances the usability and portability of breast pumps by simplifying the attachment and detachment of storage containers, reducing battery consumption, and providing a cost-effective solution for creating a vacuum, thus addressing the challenges of existing breast pump designs.
Implementation Method 1
providing a sealed engagement with a flextube and facilitating easy connection and disconnection of storage containers, while allowing air detection and reducing container complexity
Implementation Method 2
featuring a duckbill or umbrella valve, that can be securely attached to a breast pump system, providing a sealed engagement with a flextube
Data Source
AI summary
A valve apparatus or assembly that includes a leash. In one aspect, the valve apparatus or assembly includes a loop or hoop structure that attaches to a component of a breast pump system.