Magnetic Breast Pump Actuator for Silent Milk Expression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional breast pumps using vacuum pumps and solenoid valves generate significant noise, affecting user comfort and mood.
Innovation Solution
A breast pump control method utilizing a magnetic force to generate negative pressure, eliminating the need for vacuum pumps and solenoid valves, thereby reducing noise to near zero.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional vacuum pumps and solenoid valves are used to pump breast milk, then the pumping function is achieved, but significant noise is generated affecting user comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical vacuum pump system with an electromagnetic pump system that uses magnetic fields to drive fluid flow. The electromagnetic pump uses a magnetic field to move the breast milk through the system, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts that generate noise, thus resolving the contradiction between noise reduction and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field lines as an intermediary to transfer energy and momentum to the breast milk. The magnetic field acts as a mediator between the power source and the fluid, enabling pumping action without direct mechanical contact or noisy mechanical components, thereby reducing noise while maintaining functional capability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If vacuum pumps are used to generate negative pressure, then milk pumping is achieved, but user mood and comfort are negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the pumping system by transitioning from high-power mechanical vacuum generation to low-power electromagnetic field generation. The electromagnetic pump operates at lower power levels while achieving the same negative pressure effect, improving user comfort and reducing energy consumption simultaneously
3Ease of operation
If solenoid valves are used to control milk flow, then flow control is achieved, but noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical solenoid valves with an electromagnetic flow control mechanism. The electromagnetic pump system controls milk flow through magnetic field modulation rather than mechanical valve opening and closing, eliminating the noisy clicking and mechanical movement associated with solenoid valves while maintaining precise flow control 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 magnetic force-based breast pump significantly reduces noise, enhancing user comfort and improving the overall pumping experience.
Implementation Method 1
driving, by the second magnetic component, the first magnetic component to move to drive the flexible component to deform, such that a negative pressure is generated in the sealed area
Implementation Method 2
controlling, by the voltage and current passing through the electromagnetic coil, thereby controlling a magnitude of an electromagnetic force to generate the desired suction force level
Data Source
AI summary
A breast pump control method is provided. A breast shield is provided with a first cavity. The first cavity is allowed to fit and at least partially accommodate a breast to form a sealed area. A flexible component is provided. The flexible component is provided with a first magnetic component. At least a portion of the flexible component is communicated with the sealed area to form a portion of a wall of the sealed area. A second magnetic component is arranged opposite to the first magnetic component. The first magnetic component is driven by the second magnetic component to move to drive the flexible component to deform, such that a negative pressure is generated in the sealed area to drive the breast to express milk from the breast. A breast pump circuit control system and method are also provided.