Mechanical Pressure Relief Valve for Quiet Breast Pump Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure control mechanisms in breastmilk expression systems, such as breastpumps, are complex, costly, and generate noise, limiting their performance and design optimization.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical fluid pressure modification valve (MFLP-valve) that is non-electric, integrally formed within the pressure system, and composed of expandable material, allowing for customizable fluid flow and pressure relief through vents that open upon expansion, with a flag for sensor detection to verify the position of a movable pressure system member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solenoid valve is used for pressure control, then pressure regulation function is achieved, but system cost increases and noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the solenoid valve (electromechanical system) with a purely mechanical pressure control system using a diaphragm, spring, and aperture mechanism. This eliminates electromagnetic actuators that generate noise while maintaining pressure regulation functionality through mechanical force balance between spring pressure and diaphragm pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the solenoid valve component from the breastpump system entirely, replacing its pressure control function with a passive mechanical system. This eliminates the noise-generating element while preserving the essential pressure regulation capability through alternative mechanical means.
2Reliability
If solenoid valve is used for pressure control, then pressure regulation function is achieved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive electromechanical solenoid valves with inexpensive mechanical components (diaphragm, spring, aperture) that can be manufactured using standard molding and assembly processes. This dramatically reduces component cost while maintaining pressure control reliability through passive mechanical operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical pressure control system uses simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The diaphragm, spring, and aperture mechanism constitute a low-cost alternative to expensive solenoid valves, aligning with the principle of using affordable components to achieve reliable function.
3Reliability
If piston-cylinder aperture design is used, then pressure relief is achieved, but system performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic pressure control system where the diaphragm responds continuously to pressure differential changes, automatically adjusting the aperture opening based on real-time pressure conditions. This dynamic response enables precise pressure maintenance and optimization of system performance during varying operational conditions, unlike fixed aperture designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the aperture configuration from fixed to variable by using a flexible diaphragm that dynamically adjusts its opening degree based on pressure differential. This parameter change allows the system to optimize fluid flow and pressure relief in real-time, significantly improving overall system performance while maintaining reliable pressure control.
4Reliability
If multiple pressure control components are used, then pressure control function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pressure control functions (pressure sensing, pressure regulation, and pressure relief) into a single integrated diaphragm-based mechanism. The diaphragm simultaneously responds to pressure differential, actuates the aperture closure, and provides the sealing function, eliminating the need for separate sensors, valves, and control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm component serves multiple functions: it acts as a pressure sensor by responding to pressure differential, as a actuator by closing the aperture when pressed, and as a sealing element. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall design while maintaining reliable pressure control.
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 MFLP-valve provides efficient pressure relief and intake, reduces design complexity, eliminates noise, and allows for precise tuning of fluid flow and pressure, enhancing the performance and accuracy of breastmilk expression systems.
Implementation Method 1
The MFLP-valve can be formed of an expandable material, and can be vented or selectively vented. For example, where the MFLP-valve is an expandable member, the expandable portions of the MFLP-valve can include one or more vents that only open upon expansion of the MFLP-valve
Implementation Method 2
one or more suitable detection devices, such as a sensor (such as a photoelectric sensor or a Hall effect position sensor) or switch, can be incorporated into the pressure system to determine an operating state of the MFLP-valve, based on an open or closed state of the MFLP-valve
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical fluid pressure modification valve, or “MFLP-valve”, is set forth. The MFLP-valve can be actuated upon movement of a movable pressure system member of a medical pressure system reaching a selected position. Additionally, the MFLP-valve can be actuated based on a pressure condition of the system. When the MFLP-valve unseals, a pressure differential between a pressure chamber and a volume outside of the chamber can be relieved. Disengagement of the movable pressure system member from the MFLP-valve can enable the MFLP-valve to re-seal. The MFLP-valve may include a flag that indicates the position of the movable pressure system member. The MFLP-valve may be provided in a diaphragm-type pressure source.