Modular Lactation Assembly for Direct Milk Storage and Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast pumps require interim storage of expressed milk, leading to inefficiencies and reduced opportunities for real-time mother-infant bonding, and lack features for immediate feeding, hygiene, and data-driven lactation management.
Innovation Solution
A comprehensive lactation assembly with integrated modules for simultaneous milk extraction, storage, and feeding, featuring a temperature-controlled container, automated cleaning, and a data-linked interface for optimized milk management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If breast pumps require interim storage of expressed milk, then milk can be stored for later use, but time efficiency is reduced and mother-infant bonding opportunities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the milk storage container and heating function into an integrated unit that can be directly connected to the breast pump. This merging eliminates the need for separate storage and later transfer operations, allowing milk to be expressed and stored in a single continuous process, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary heating of the stored milk automatically before feeding time. The heating element is pre-positioned in the storage container, so when milk is expressed and stored, it is already prepared for immediate or delayed feeding without requiring additional manual heating steps, saving time and enabling real-time feeding.
2Reliability
If breast pumps lack integrated cleaning functionality, then device structure remains simple, but hygiene standards are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a cleaning module directly into the breast pump system, combining the pumping, storage, and cleaning functions into a single unified device. The cleaning module includes a water reservoir and spray mechanism that can be positioned to clean the breast shield and tubing, ensuring hygiene without requiring separate cleaning equipment or manual disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-cleaning capability through an automated cleaning cycle. The cleaning module can autonomously spray and rinse the breast shield and internal tubing without user intervention, maintaining hygiene standards while the integrated design ensures the cleaning components are compact and do not significantly increase overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If breast pumps lack temperature control, then device complexity is reduced, but milk quality and feeding suitability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature control heating element directly into the milk storage container. This integration allows the storage container to actively maintain or heat milk to optimal feeding temperatures, ensuring milk quality and feeding suitability. The heating element is positioned to contact the milk directly, providing efficient temperature control without requiring separate external heating equipment.
4Productivity
If breast pumps lack data management features, then device simplicity is maintained, but lactation management efficiency and bonding opportunities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates data management features that track and store information about milk expression volume, frequency, and timing, as well as feeding amounts. This feedback mechanism provides parents with actionable insights into their lactation patterns and infant feeding needs, enabling optimized expression and feeding schedules. The data is stored in memory and can be displayed or transmitted, helping to maximize lactation efficiency and real-time bonding opportunities through informed decision-making.
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
Enables immediate feeding, maintains milk temperature, ensures hygiene, and provides data-driven guidance for optimal expression and feeding schedules, enhancing the breastfeeding experience.
Implementation Method 1
a suction pump 2b
Implementation Method 2
a milking module 3 with a milk container 3a configured to control the temperature of expressed breast milk contained therein
Implementation Method 3
The disclosed lactation assembly incorporates a milk heating system to maintain optimal feeding temperature
Implementation Method 4
The cleaning module ensures sanitary conditions by circulating clean water through the system and collecting waste water separately
Data Source
AI summary
A lactation assembly for improved functionality integrates breast milk expression, storage, feeding, and cleaning within a modular system. The assembly includes an assembly head with a touch screen, suction pump, and connectors, a milking module with a temperature-controlled milk container, a cleaning module for hygienic maintenance, a breast interface assembly for milk expression, and an oral interface assembly for feeding. Modular components connect via magnetic couplings and guide members for secure alignment. The system enables simultaneous or independent operation of expression and feeding, with transparent milk pathways for monitoring. Data on milk production, consumption, and temperature is stored and analyzed to recommend optimal expression and feeding times and ensure appropriate milk temperature. The portable, ergonomic design enhances user convenience while preserving milk quality and hygiene.